The Hourglass Read online

  A tap on my window alerted me to the fact I was no longer alone. When I rolled my head, a man stood outside my driver’s side window. I gave the handle a tug, and the door popped open. My legs swung out and dropped down to the asphalt with a thud. Looking up, it seemed like a year before I finally met his eyes. Tall, he was really tall. Goodness me. His eyes were a beautiful green that made me think of the trees in the forest that I was on my way to enjoy.

  Reminded of my plans, I moved my eyes to my poor jeep, which now had a haughty Range Rover attached to the front left quarter panel. She wasn’t totaled, but she would definitely need some TLC so this ass better have some good insurance, scanning the car I looked for the driver.

  “Are you okay, Hun?”

  Hun? Seriously? Throwing my shoulders back I twisted on the balls of my feet, wishing my boots had a point to kick this guy with. “I’m fine. Are you the idiot driver who missed red light day in Driver’s Ed?”

  As he let out a hearty laugh, his head fell back and his whole body shook. Oh good, I’m funny now. He wrecks my baby and laughs at my jokes. Winning combo right there.

  At the sound of sirens, I turned and looked past the Jolly Green Giant to see an officer pulling up to the scene. “Well, who wants to tell me what happened here?” He said looking from me, to the guy. Following his gaze, I appraised the guy for the first time beyond his height and eye color. He was dressed in navy blue jogging gear, all Nike right down to his shoes, which fit his athletic frame nicely. He had dark hair that was the perfect length to run my fingers through, and a scruff gracing his face after a day of not shaving.

  A cocky smirk appeared on his face showing off his dazzling pearly whites. Yeah, he knew exactly how good looking he was and everything in me screamed to flick him off and knock his ego down a peg or two, but I just couldn’t.

  “Officer, it was entirely my fault,” his husky voice apologized as he stepped closer to me and made my entire body hum with awareness. The Nike eye candy pulled the officer to the side and spoke with him privately.

  Watching skeptically, I realized quickly this was a losing battle as both men appeared to bond and become best buds. Man wins another.

  Within a few moments the officer gathered our information and completed an accident report, sans ticket for oh say, reckless driving or failing to yield to a red light. The cop handed us each a copy of the report, then got in his cruiser and left as I stared, jaw dropped, stunned at the events that had just unfolded.

  “I am really sorry about that, I have a lot going on and just needed an escape,” tall, dark, and dreamy said from behind me. When I redirected my gaze over my shoulder to look at him, his face was forlorn and he looked beaten down. Like he had the weight of the world on his shoulders, and I got that, I’ve been there.

  I was overrun with sympathy. Damn him. “I get that, I was trying to get out to a mountain trail and let off some energy myself.”

  “I’m sorry,” he soothed, his voice closer than he was moments ago.

  Squatting beside my front axle, I checked out the damage on the underside. As I scanned the jeep, I noted it seemed to all be superficial. The rumble of a diesel engine alerted me to the arrival of a tow truck, and I looked up. “I don’t think I need a tow, it looks to be cosmetic.”

  “Yeah yours is, but mine… my rover isn’t looking so hot.”

  Turning to look at the black Range Rover, I noted some damage on the front passenger side where he’d clipped my Jeep. Nothing major, just the fender shoved in to the wheel well. He must have hit me just right, and with trying to veer away probably ended up causing more damage.

  The tow truck driver assured him it would be a quick fix as he pulled the Range Rover onto the flatbed and drove off. As he watched the truck carry his vehicle away, he looked so beaten down that I just couldn’t leave the poor guy stranded. The Good Samaritan in me screamed to help him as he scrolled through the contacts on his phone, shaking his head every so often as he paused on a name.

  “So, do you need a ride somewhere?” I begrudgingly asked.

  A large smile spread over his face as his emerald eyes raked over my body.

  “Well, I don’t want to hold you up, can I go with you on the trail, maybe buy you some lunch after to apologize for the accident?” he asked.

  Take him with me? I don’t even know him; this guy could be a serial killer. Because all serial killers run around in fancy jogging suits and drive range rovers, a little voice in my head taunted.

  Some part of me, probably my neglected nether regions, took over, and I began nodding my head up and down, agreeing to this preposterous idea. “I don’t know your name,” I voiced trying to argue with my subconscious.

  Extending his large hand he held his smile, locking eyes with me. “Lucas.”

  My body warmed and tingled as I shook his hand. I was attracted to him, despite his lack of driving skills and wanted to spend time with him. Wanted to get to know the two sides of this man I had been shown, in just a few brief moments.

  As he settled into the seat, a smirk I couldn’t fight came over my face, and my cheeks ached a little as I tried to subdue it.

  “Well Lucas, you better buckle up tight, ’cause you asked for it.” I winked. He tugged on the belt to show that he was securely fastened in my passenger seat as I took off on the trail, jostling us around the cab.

  We spent the entire bouncy ride to the top laughing and making small talk, and by the time we were heading back down to lunch I was looking forward to being able to just talk with him some more. Everything truly does happen for a reason, I thought to myself.

  Lucas directed me to a nice little bistro that had pastries and coffee that were like a gift from heaven. I made a mental note that we were close to work and I could come here again on my lunch hour. When he excused himself from the table, I dug into my purse and pulled my phone out seeing the screen flash.

  Hey you, I haven’t heard from you today what are you up to?

  Ahh Savannah! Lucas was on his way back so I typed a quick reply out and pressed send.

  Hey back! Meet me up at the Cherry Creek, shopping and guy talk ;-)

  “You look like you are up to no good Brooke.” Lucas crooned as he took his seat again.

  “Me? Always,” I teased. “Well, I’ve really got to get going, shopping date with my best friend. Where can I drop you at?”

  “I’m good here; I live close so I’ll just catch a cab. But I’ll only let you go on one condition beautiful, promise me dinner?”

  A blush rose to my cheeks as I nodded my head, forget playing hard to get, Lucas seemed like the catch of a lifetime. After settling on Wednesday night we said our goodbyes, and Lucas kissed me on the corner of my mouth. He was sweet, with a gentlemanly charm about him. The perfect ten. I literally skipped to my jeep as my excitement bubbled over; I needed to get to Savannah pronto so I could tell her all about this amazing man.

  CHAPTER FOUR

  Savannah

  AS USUAL, CHERRY Creek Shopping Center was packed, so I decided against going in search of a parking spot and pulled directly up to the valet attendant. Grabbing my bag I slid out of the driver’s seat when the oh so young, yet sexy as hell valet attendant opened my door. High tailing it to Cherry On Top, my favorite frozen yogurt store, I snagged a large cup instantly filling it with cheesecake flavored frozen yogurt and topped that with chunks of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. Dipping the spoon into the mountain of mouthwatering goodness I scooped a bite into my mouth and savored the delicious flavor that was taking over my taste buds just as my phone began to ring.

  Brooke spoke into the phone before I could even say hello. “I’m here, where are you, I’m dying to tell you all about my newest conquest.”

  Laughing at her comment, I swallowed the freezing goodness that was currently teasing my tongue and responded. “Where do you think I am? Getting fat on frozen yogurt.”

  Brooke snickered. “Be right there, save me a bite.” I hung up and grabbed a table and an extra s
poon. My eyes were always bigger than my stomach when it came to sweets, and Brooke knew that better than anyone.

  Minutes later, I watched my best friend approach the table, her smile spreading from ear to ear as she plopped herself into the seat across from me and stole a bite of my frozen yogurt before she started in on her story. “I met a guy today. He’s smokin’ hot, I think I nearly reached the big “O” just looking at him.”

  A bit taken back by her comment, I leaned across the table and pressed my hand against Brooke’s forehead. “Do you have a fever, or have you been partaking in Colorado’s newest form of legalized drugs?”

  Swatting my hand, Brooke laughed hysterically. “I’m not on drugs, and I hope to God I’m not coming down with anything because I have a date Wednesday night. You know I need to be romanced first; I just thought I’d speak in a language you understand.”

  It was written all over her face that she was completely smitten with this mystery man, and I wanted to hear all about it. “Alright, tell me everything.”

  Brooke licked another bite off her spoon before beginning to tell me how she met this guy, but of course I interrupted when she admitted that she’d been in a car accident.

  “Wait a minute, you mean to tell me you were in an accident and I’m just now finding out about it, what the hell Brooke?”

  Her cheeks flushed red. “I know, I’m sorry. I was fine so I didn’t think to call you. Besides, I figured you’d be proud of me for making a date of it.”

  Rolling my eyes, I said, “This is true, but are you sure you’re okay?”

  “Yes,” she exclaimed, “now shut up and let me get back to my story.”

  An hour later I sat there staring at my best friend. “Well shit, I think I may be in love with this man. When do I get to meet him?”

  Brooke smiled nervously. “I’m thinking I need to get a few dates in before I introduce him to my loud, outgoing, say-anything-that-comes-to-mind best friend.”

  My mouth fell open, and I pretended to be shocked by her accusations. “Brooke Reid, not only do you find a new man within the first month of moving back from school, but you also replace me with a loud, outgoing friend who tells you like it is? I’m really hurt; I thought we were closer than that.”

  Shaking her head, she jumped up and yanked me out of my seat. “Shut up and come help me find a new outfit for Wednesday.” Laughing out loud for all to hear, we linked arms and began our afternoon of retail therapy.

  The afternoon had been great for our closets, but harsh on our wallets. Brooke and I ended up leaving the shopping center with enough bags to clothe a small country. She was now well equipped with something to wear for her date and I had more things to add to my never ending array of cute outfits. Carl, the concierge at my condo, rushed over to the elevator, holding the door open for me as I stepped in, my arms heavy with designer shopping bags that were filled to the brim.

  After I unlocked the door to my condo, I walked into my living room just in time to catch the sun setting on the snow covered mountain tops that splayed over the horizon. Tossing all of the bags from my shopping trip with Brooke onto the couch, my phone chimed alerting me of an incoming text message.

  Feel like cashing in on that rain check you gave me?

  My core heated instantly while my fingers caressed the keypad of my iPhone in response to Luke’s text message.

  Yes. Can we skip dinner and go straight to dessert?

  I knew better than to wait around for a response; instead, I grabbed my things, threw them into my closet, and jumped in the shower.

  Once I’d slipped into a lace nighty from Victoria’s Secret, I finished touching up my makeup just in time to hear a pound on my door. Damn, this man and his perfect timing. I checked the mirror and adjusted my cleavage one last time before I scurried to the door. Turning the handle I took in a deep breath and then opened the door, Luke’s eyes widening when they fell upon my barely there nightgown. Good. All was going according to plan; I could practically see the lust radiating from his body. Dessert was exactly what he wanted and I intended to give him every last piece.

  He stepped across the threshold and hooked one muscular arm around my waist. With one foot, he kicked the door closed as he nuzzled my neck. Something rustled between us, and I realized in his other hand, he clutched a bag from Rheinlander Bakery, my favorite place in the world. I pointed at the table in the entryway and he deposited the bag there then skimmed his knuckles up along my ribs.

  “Damn babe, this is way better than dinner,” he growled into my neck then nipped on my earlobe with his teeth. Agreeing with his statement, I locked my arms around his neck and he took that as his cue to lift my body off the ground. When I wrapped my legs around his waist, he moved effortlessly across the room. Diving straight in toward his succulent lips, I began exploring them before darting my tongue into his mouth. Our tongues clashed against each other, the warmth of our mouths heating my body with eagerness. The inside of his mouth still tasted of sugar from the stop at the bakery, where I’m sure he’d gotten one of their famous pastries before heading my way.

  Pulling away to catch my breath I could see the desire in Luke’s eyes as he set me on top of the island in the kitchen and began teasing my chest, working the lace off of my shoulders. My bare back hit the cold granite causing my body to arch upwards practically begging for Luke’s undivided attention. His lips showered my chest in slow seductive kisses while his warm hands began their descent down my body, leaving a path of heat the entire way down.

  My core clenched tightly with heightened anticipation of what was yet to come and I was beginning to feel a slow, burning pulse pumping rhythmically throughout my entire body. Taking in a deep breath, I tried to relax and focus solely on what was about to happen, which was exactly what I’d hoped for the other night when I had bailed on Luke last minute.

  My sensitive skin prickled as Luke’s lips left a hot path down the inside of my thigh, kissing me gently where I desired it most. My body quivered under his warm breath and I moaned in appreciation. “Please, don’t stop.”

  A grin spread across Luke’s face as he looked up at me before dipping back down to ensure I was fully satisfied. I couldn’t help but fall into a state of ecstasy as Luke continued on as if he’d gone to Pleasure College and graduated valedictorian of his class. After catching my breath I was finally able to pull myself up into a sitting position. Taking my face between his palms Luke fiercely kissed my lips allowing me to taste every second of enjoyment on his tongue. “My turn,” he whispered in a deep throaty tone.

  Hopping off of the kitchen counter I gripped the granite to ensure my legs were still working properly after the satisfaction I’d just experienced moments earlier. I took Luke’s hand and smiled up at him while I tugged him down the hallway toward my bedroom. Twining my arms around his neck, I molded my body against his, surprised to feel the excitement building up within him. Drawing back slightly from my embrace I tiptoed my fingers down his immaculate chest until the skin of my fingers met the cool buckle of Luke’s belt. Out of nowhere, the two of us were in a rush to the finish line; both of our hands working as quickly as we could make them move. He pulled his shirt over his head while I undid the button of his jeans and then his zipper, and allowed his pants to slide to the floor beneath us. No boxers, that’s hot. I admired the magnificent specimen standing before me.

  I led Luke over to the plush chaise lounge that adorned the corner of my bedroom, pushing him down onto it and he leaned back in all of his glory awaiting his prize while I licked my eager lips in anticipation.

  Luke placed his hands on my hips and lifted my body slightly, then slowly slid me down onto his lap. I closed my eyes as he filled me, and reveled in the completeness. The faint smell of a lavender candle mixed wonderfully with the hint of sweat. Luke’s fingers dug sharply into my hips as he moved me in perfect rhythm. At the sound of his ragged breathing, I popped my eyes open just in time to see his face wracked with delight. Pressure built from inside
and I tossed my head back as waves of gratification overcame me.

  I collapsed onto Luke’s chest, my body rising up and down searching for air to fill my lungs after coming down off of the explosive high I’d just earned seconds earlier. Standing up off of the chaise lounge Luke cradled me in his arms and carried me to my bed, lying me down as he climbed in next to me. “We’re going to have to do that again,” he crooned, nuzzling into my hair.

  CHAPTER FIVE

  Brooke

  MONDAY TOOK FOREVER and a day to arrive, especially with Savannah falling off the face of the Earth. After sending her another text, I stared at my phone wondering when I should alert authorities. Her much anticipated response finally buzzed back through.

  Been busy this weekend, in bed. ;-) Sorry about that!

  Instantly needing my sounding board, I replied.

  Oh my! Well I will be needing the details of who, not how! No call yet, are you sure Monica is going to hire me?

  My insecurities and nervousness came through in my text. Ugh! I let out a loud exasperated sigh as I plopped into my arm chair. Becoming Hourglass’s Design Editor would change my life. It was what I had dreamed of doing from day one of starting school and the internship I selected promised to pave the way. The job allowed me to work with a multitude of people within the company from the editors, the photographers, and the companies we partnered with. It would fall on my shoulders to design the pages that made people buy Hourglass, made the models, clothes and stories jump from the pages.