Almost Perfect

Chapter 17

Maddy had never considered her car to be small, but with Joe in the passenger seat the space shrank to minuscule. His silence, even more than his body, filled the space.

What was he thinking? He'd barely spoken two words since they left the gallery. Although neither had she. Here at last was the moment she'd planned for days, and all the well-rehearsed words vanished from her brain. Where did she begin?

"I, um… I'm glad you made it to the show even if you didn't get to enjoy much of it."

"I'm glad I made it too." He glanced her way briefly, almost nervously, it seemed.

What next? She racked her brain.

"So, um…" He shifted in his seat, as if trying to get his big body comfortable. "How'd you do?"

"Very well. We sold three of my originals and had a lot of people ask to be notified when prints of Sunrise Canyon become available."

"Great." He nodded, and silence returned.

Come on, Maddy, she ordered herself. She needed to get a conversation going. Then ease into telling him she was sorry for pushing for more than he was comfortable sharing, but that she'd like the relationship to move to the next level.

Next level. There, that sounded good. No scary words like "love" or "long-term commitment." Now she just needed to open her mouth and say it. As soon as she figured out how to build up to it.

She tightened her grip on the steering wheel, watching the dark silhouettes of trees slip by the car. The moon's glow turned everything to shades of blue-until a colorful mass appeared in her headlights on the side of the road.

"What was that?" she asked as she drove past it.

"I don't know." Joe turned in his seat to look over his shoulder. "A wad of clothes maybe."

"Wait, here comes more." She leaned forward, peering at the colorful mound in the middle of the road.

"Don't hit it."

"I won't." She swerved around the object. "Could you make out what it was?"

"It looked like a pile of trash."

"From what, a colored-paper factory?"

Red taillights became visible up ahead. As she closed the gap, the dark shape of a delivery truck took form. Something bounced off the back and exploded against the pavement. Her headlights caught a burst of candy flying into the air.

"Oh my God!" She laughed as the candy hit her windshield like brightly colored hail.

"Was that a pinata?" Joe sounded equally incredulous.

"I think so." As she slowed to the same speed as the truck, she saw that the rolling door at the back hadn't been latched. Each time the truck hit a bump, the door bounced up, then down, revealing a load of pinatas.

"Watch out!" Joe shouted as the truck hit another bump. This time several pinatas flew out.

She fishtailed in an effort to maneuver around them. When the car steadied, she sped up and honked her horn.-

"What are you doing?" Joe asked. "Slow down."

"Someone needs to tell him his door isn't latched." She honked again, but the truck kept bouncing along, spilling a menagerie of donkeys, rabbits, and pigs.

"Try going around him," Joe suggested.

"On this road? Are you crazy?"

"There's a fairly straight stretch up ahead. Can you see anyone coming?"

She leaned to the side. "I don't think so. Roll down your window and wave the guy over as I go past."

"You worry about driving. Leave the truck to me."

"Okay, here goes." She hit the accelerator and pulled into the other lane. Headlights appeared up ahead, coming too fast for comfort. "Oh shoot!" She jerked back into her lane just as a giant pink elephant flew out of the truck and exploded against her windshield. She screamed in surprise as her car slid on the candy, then went into a spin, spiraling toward the right shoulder. They left the road and came to jarring stop.

When the noise settled, she blinked a few times, then glanced over at Joe. "Are you okay?" he asked.

"I'm fine." Since he obviously was too, she burst out laughing. "This is so my life! One dramatic wreck after another."

"Hey, we survived." He glanced around. "Although we seem to be slanting."

She peered into the darkness beyond the windows. "Looks like I slid into a ditch. Should I try to back up?"

"Let me check things out first. You wait here."

"Gladly," she said, not sure her shaky knees would support her at the moment.

He got out and went to the front of the car, checking out both tires, then came around to the driver's side and waited for her to roll the window down.

"One of the tires dropped into a hole. I want you to back up gently while I push."

"Okay." She waited while he got into position, then put the car into reverse. When she depressed the accelerator, the tires spun in place.

"Turn it off," he called over the whine of the engine, then came back to her window. "You're really stuck."

"Do we need to call a tow truck?"

"We'll never get a signal in this valley."

"What are we going to do?"

"Do you have a jack?"

"It's in the trunk." She climbed out of the car to get it.

"I'll need a flashlight too, if you have one."

"Somewhere." They spent the next half hour with her holding the light while he wedged rocks and other debris under the tire. "Are you sure this will work?"

"We'll find out." He removed the jack. "All right, get back in and hit the gas on my signal."

She climbed behind the wheel as Joe braced his hands on the hood.

"Are you ready?" he called.

"Whenever you are."

"Okay, go!"

She pressed on the gas. The engine whined and the tires spun. Just when she thought it wasn't going to work, the car sprang free. She hit the brake to keep from snooting all the way across the road into the opposite ditch. "Woo-hoo! We did it!"

After putting the jack away, Joe came around to her side and opened the door. "Scoot over. I'm driving."

"What, I have one little accident, and now you don't trust me to drive?" Even as she complained, she moved over to the passenger seat.

"It's not that." He climbed in and put the car in gear. "We've busted curfew, so Harold's already locked the gate."

"Don't you have a key?"

"Of course. But he sleeps right there in the guardhouse. Trust me, the man's itching to "dress me down."

"Joe, that's silly. He works for you."

The dashboard lights cast his face into sharp relief as he looked at her. "You clearly don't know Harold. He's a retired drill sergeant with a bruised ego about growing old. This is just the sort of thing he likes to jump on to prove the lion still has his roar."

"So, explain what happened."

He shook his head, chuckling. "There is absolutely no way I'm going to drive through that gate past curfew with a woman sitting beside me and claim we're late because we had a wreck with a pink elephant. That's even lamer than saying we ran out of gas."

"Well, it's true."

"Care to guess how fast this story will spread to the other coordinators? Then on to the counselors, who have to answer to me when they bust curfew? I'll have an insurrection on my hands. Total rebellion."

"And a lot of teasing."

"That too." His teeth flashed in the darkness.

"So what are we going to do?"

"You'll see." The eager note in his voice had her brows arching in curiosity. And concern.

They continued on toward the camp, following the colorful, candy-strewn trail. Joe slowed as they neared the last curve in the road before the gate would come into view. Turning off the headlights, he steered onto a private drive to a stable. A bridge took them over the river, where he pulled the car behind a bank of scruffy cedar. Quiet descended when he killed the engine.

"I need something to write on." He flipped on the dome light.

She rummaged through her purse until she unearthed an ancient grocery list and a pen. "What's the plan?"

"First, I write Bart, the stable owner, a note so he doesn't have your car towed before we can retrieve it."

"We're leaving it here all night?"

He nodded. "Tomorrow when I relieve Harold for his lunch break, I'll claim we returned before curfew, then say surely he heard us, unless he was sleeping on the job again." A grin split his face.

"Followed by my favorite question, 'So, Sarge, when's the last time you got those hearing aids checked?' "

"Oh, that'll win points."

"While he's at lunch, I'll jog over here and move your car to the Craft Shack."

"That still doesn't tell me how we'll get inside the camp, since it's surrounded by a twelve-foot security fence."

"You'll see as we go along." He got out of the car and slipped the note under the windshield wiper, then motioned for her to follow him. She wobbled along on her high heels, until they reached the fence. "I don't suppose you're much of a climber?"

She looked at the twelve-foot wrought-iron fence, then down at her dress and strappy sandals. "Dressed like this? Uh, no."

"I didn't think so." He studied the obstacle, then her. "If I had the right gear, I'd strap you to me and carry you over, but I guess we'll have to go with Plan B."

"What's Plan B?"

"You wait here. I'll be back."

"But-" She watched him pull his way up the metal posts hand over hand, using sheer upper-body strength. The sight made her heart flutter. "How long will you be gone?"

"Not long." He dropped to the ground and winced as his left leg buckled. After rubbing his knee, he straightened. "Just stay here."

With that he headed off at a jog, limping slightly as he vanished into the shadows. She shook her head, thinking old lions weren't the only ones who needed to prove they still had their roar.

The sound of a car approaching jolted her. What if it was Harold? Or someone who knew him and would mention seeing her? She ducked behind some bushes, squatting down where she couldn't be seen-and instantly felt ridiculous. Although beneath that was a little thrill of excitement. She hadn't done anything like this since the nights when she was grounded and Joe would help her climb out of her bedroom window.

Several long minutes passed with her straining to hear any sign of Joe's return. All she could hear was the lapping of the water against the riverbank, night bugs, the hoot of an owl.

"Maddy?"

With a screech, she landed on her backside and looked up to find Joe leaning over the bush. "You scared the tar out of me!"

"Why are you hiding?"

"I heard a car. And… I don't know. I thought it might be Harold out looking for us."

"Not a chance. He's sitting in the guardhouse clear on the other side of camp, lying in wait."

Seeing his grin, she narrowed her eyes. "You're enjoying this, aren't you?"

"Absolutely." He held out his hand. "You ready?"

Accepting his hand, she let him pull her to her feet, then gasped when he swept an arm behind her legs and lifted her off her feet. "Are you hauling me around again?"

"Just trying to keep your shoes dry." He carried her toward the river.

Turning her head, she saw a canoe pulled to the bank, barely visible in the moonlight. "Ah, I see." She circled his neck with her arms and smiled at him. "My brave Indian warrior, come to row me away in the moonlight."

"So, I've moved up from caveman?"

"A little." She tipped her head flirtatiously! "Although maybe I like strong he-men."

He glanced down, his face all sharp angles and strong planes in the darkness. "I know you do."

When they reached the water's edge, she realized he'd left his cowboy boots in the canoe and rolled up his pants legs. He waded into the water and settled her on one of two seats. With hardly a sound, he pushed the canoe away from the bank and leapt nimbly inside to settle on the seat facing her.

She watched him row as they slipped in and out of moonlight. His arms and shoulders moved with easy strength and fluid grace. Water dripped off the paddle like silver pearls that dropped back into the black river. Her mind conjured a fantasy of him bare-chested with glossy black braids that hung past his shoulders while a loincloth and buckskin chaps hugged his lower body. The image made, desire throb deep in her belly. Savoring the mild discomfort of it, she tipped her head back and studied the star-strewn sky as wispy clouds drifted" by the moon. "It's beautiful out tonight."

He glanced up as well. "It really is. One of the things I like about being away from city lights is all the stars."

She listened to the dip of the paddle as they glided along. "You always did like the out-of-doors."

"It sharpens the senses. Especially at night."

He guided the boat to shore in the shelter of a weeping willow, then stepped silently into the ankle-deep water. After pulling the boat onto the shore, he lifted her into his arms.

"Thank you," she said as he released her legs and let her slide to the bank.

"My pleasure." He stared down at her a long time, his face hidden in shadow. The throb in her belly built to an insistent ache. Just when she thought he would kiss her, he stepped away.

She looked around, trying to gather her scattered thoughts. "Are you going to leave the canoe here?"

"No. That would raise too many questions." He pulled it higher onto land and retrieved his boots. Leaning against the tree trunk, he dusted off his feet before putting the boots on. "I'll walk you home, then come back and put it away."

"Oh." Nerves fluttered as she debated what to do when they reached the Craft Shack. Should she invite him in so they could talk? Or maybe the progress they'd made tonight was enough for now-which raised the temptation to invite him in and not talk. But no, she'd sworn she wouldn't do that. No sex until they settled a few things.

"Ready?" He held his hand out to her.

Taking his hand, she let him lead her up one of the trails, through the trees. The path grew steeper, the ground rougher. With her mind distracted, she stepped wrong and nearly fell.

"I've got you." His arm went about her. "You okay?"

"I'm fine." She started to straighten and winced as pain stabbed her ankle. "I think."

"Did you twist your ankle?"

"Maybe."

"Hang on." He lifted her again, that effortless move that had her cradled in his arms, snug against his chest. Her arms went about his neck as he moved up the trail. In spite of her earlier complaint, she decided a woman could get really used to this.

They stopped in the Serenity Garden, an area at the side of the trail where Leah and the campers had planted wildflowers and berry bushes to attract butterflies and songbirds. He lowered her to a bench and knelt before her. Sitting back on his heels, he removed her sandal and placed her foot on his thigh.

"Does this hurt?" His fingers probed the ankle, sending little shivers of delight up her leg.

"Not too much." She suppressed a moan of pleasure when his hand continued its exploration. "I think it will be fine in… mmm, a minute or two."

He looked up, still cradling her ankle in his hand, his skin warm against hers. "Do you need me to carry you all the way home?"

Oh, wouldn't that be sexy? Especially if he carried her inside and laid her on the bed. Staring into his eyes, she decided they really needed to get past the talking portion of the evening, so they could get to the not-talking part. "No. Just give me a minute."

He nodded, but made no move to rise and join her on the bench.

She gathered her courage. "Joe-"

"Maddy-" he said at the same time, then laughed. "Sorry. You go ahead."

"No, that's okay. You first."

He took a long while to gather his thoughts, his fingers absently caressing her lower calf. "About your offer to design brochures for the boot camp. If, um, if you're still willing, I'd, uh…" His eyes lifted and looked deep into hers. "I'd like to take you up on that."

"You'd-" Her heart skipped. "You'd let me be part of it? Starting your business?"

"I would." He nodded stoically. "In fact, I'd like it very much. If the offer still stands."

Joy poured in as she realized what he was really saying. He was willing to open himself up to her again, maybe not all the way, but it was a step in the right direction. "Yes, the offer still stands."

"Are you sure?" He cupped her jaw with his free hand, searching her eyes.

She nodded as tears filled her eyes.

"Then why are you crying?"

"Because I'm scared I'll let you down."

He stroked her lips with his thumb. "I thought you said you were a good graphic artist."

"I am." She meant she feared hurting him again because she still hadn't figured out everything she wanted. She just knew she wanted more than casual sex. "I promise I'll try very hard not to disappoint you."

"Oh, Maddy." He came up on his knees and pressed his forehead to hers. His hands moved over her back in soothing circles. "You don't have to promise me anything. We'll just… take it as it comes, okay?"

"Okay." She wrapped her arms about him and held him tight. So many emotions filled her-fear, relief, happiness, love. And desire. "Make love to me, Joe. Right here."

"What?" His hands went still. "Here?"

"Please." She lifted her head to look at him. "Here in the moonlight, beneath the stars. Make love to me."

He looked at her, and she saw all her own emotions burning in his eyes as he cupped her face in both his hands.

"Here," he agreed on a sigh. Slowly he lowered his head and kissed her with a thoroughness that left her breathless. Wind sang through the trees as his hands ran over her, arousing all her senses.

Leaning into his touch, her head fell back as she gloried in the feeling of Joe touching her, caressing her. He slipped the jacket off and ran his palms up her bare arms. Needing more, she started to unbutton her dress, but his hands stopped her.

"Let me," he whispered, his voice hoarse with desire.

Dropping her hands back to the bench, she watched as he unbuttoned her dress and slowly parted it. Night air brushed her heated skin. Somewhere in the distance, an owl hooted as Joe lowered his head. She closed her eyes, listening to the night sounds as she absorbed the feel of his warm lips on the upper curve of each breast. A quiver went through her as he pulled the lace do^vn and his mouth closed wetly over one nipple.

If she couldn't give him promises about the future, she'd give him now and the fullness of her response, letting him know he aroused more than her body. His gentle intensity went all the way to her heart.

Arching her back, she moaned as his tongue worked its magic over her tingling skin. His hands swept beneath her skirt, taking hold of her panties.

"I want to touch you," he said, tugging at the scrap of silk. "All of you."

"Yes," she breathed, lifting her hips so he could remove the barrier. His hands returned quickly, pulling her forward so she sat on the front edge of the bench. With the dress bunched up to her waist and gaping at her breasts, she was completely open to him, an offering for the taking.

Her eyes met his as he eased her thighs apart,! and a winsome smile curved her lips.

Oh, Maddy, he thought, aching to have and to keep this time. Forever. He accepted that that might never happen. Love had to be given freely. No conditions.

The knowledge made him tremble as he ran his hand purposefully up her thigh, toward the center of her heat. Her gaze remained fixed on his and she opened her thighs a fraction more.

He might not be able to hold her forever, but for tonight, this moment, she was his.

Be mine, he told her with his eyes as he slipped a finger slowly inside her. Stay mine.

"Yes," she sighed as if she'd heard his words. "Yes."

He chained his own hunger and concentrated on pleasuring her, slowly, deliberately, driving her up and over the edge, soaring with male satisfaction as she slowly drifted back down.

Only then did he release his own need. He took a second to protect them both, then poised at the entrance to all that heat. Pressing into her was like entering heaven. She engulfed him, drew him in, and held him tight.

He closed his eyes, thrilling to the sensation of being part of her, yet loving her so much that he feared it.

With a moan deep in her throat, she lifted her hips, taking him even deeper, and he couldn't hold back. He thrust hard and strong, every muscle in his body tensing as the pleasure built, and when it burst free, he thought for one heart-stopping moment that he would die from it.

He braced himself, still buried deep inside her, his head back as his heart thundered. As he drifted back to his senses, he realized Maddy had wrapped herself about him, her arms and legs holding him tight as she pressed her head against his chest.

He wrapped his arms about her as well and rested his cheek against her hair, wishing he could hold her like that all night.

Eventually, though, his spent body eased from hers, breaking the connection. With a sigh of disappointment, she tipped her face to smile up at him.

"You're right," she said. "The senses are keener outside."

He smiled as he caressed her cheek. "Do you think you can walk on that ankle now?"

"Ankle?" Wicked delight danced in her eyes. "What ankle?"

They straightened their clothes and he helped her rise. "Come on. I'll take you home."