J. Robb - Bump in The Night

„Hey, you’re only human. You’ve been through a lot since yesterday. We both have.“ He moved up behind her and closed his hands around her upper arms, rubbing gently. „Who knows? Maybe she’ll visit again tomorrow night.“

„You don’t really believe that, do you?“

„Maybe I’m just trying to convince myself as well as you.“ His voice, so close to her ear, sent shivers along her spine.

She turned and found his face inches from hers. „You still look pale.“ She touched a hand to his cheek. „You sure you’re all right?“

„I’m fine.“ His voice sounded husky to his own ears. „But I wouldn’t object if you wanted to hold me.“ He gave her a heart-stopping grin. „Just for a minute, of course.“

She couldn’t stop the smile that curved her lips. „Oh, sure. Of course. Hold you.“

„Hey, it’s not every day I encounter a ghost.“

„Well, at least you saw her. That’s more than I can claim.“ Still smiling she wrapped her arms around his neck.

„Mmmm. That’s helping a lot. I feel better already.“ With a sigh he drew her close and pressed his mouth to the tangle of hair at her temple. „But if you feel like kissing me, just until my heart settles down, you understand, I won’t object to that, either.“

Now she was laughing. A soft, rumbling laugh that welled up and spilled over. „That’s a good line, Josh. I bet you’ve had a lot of luck with it.“

His smile went straight to her heart. „Actually, this is the first time I’ve tried it. Is it working?“

„I’d say so. I am holding you. And I’m halfway tempted to kiss you.“

„You are?“

Her laughter grew. „Just to see if I can soothe your poor, overworked heart.“

„I knew, the first time I saw you, that you were an angel of mercy.“ His mouth covered hers in the softest of kisses before he drew back.

The laughter died on her lips.

Seeing it, he dragged her close, keeping his gaze steady on hers. „But the thoughts I’m having about you right now are far from heavenly.“ This time his kiss was neither soft nor gentle. The arms that held her were almost bruising as he savaged her mouth.

For the space of a heartbeat she pulled back, caught by surprise. Then, as his lips claimed hers again, she sighed and leaned into him, giving herself up to the moment.

His lips moved over hers until she opened to him, urging him to take more. And he did, holding her so close, she could feel every beat of his heart inside her own chest. The taste of him, wild and just a bit dangerous, excited her. The press of that hard, muscled body to hers had her brain scrambling until she couldn’t seem to hold a single, coherent thought.

What would it be like to lie with him? To have those strong arms around her all night? To give in to the pleasure he offered, until they were both sated?

„Josh. Wait.“ Struggling for breath, she pushed free of his arms. „I’m… no good at this.“

He caught her chin, forcing her to meet his eyes. „I’d say you’re very good.“

„I don’t mean kissing. It’s this… man-woman thing. Relationships. I’m just no good at it.“

He started to draw her close. „Then we’ll forget about relationships and just go back to kissing.“

She started to laugh, but it came out on a sigh. „Sorry. I really enjoy kissing you. But sooner or later it would lead to more. And that just never works for me.“

His eyes narrowed slightly. „Maybe you’ve just never tried it with the right one.“

„Maybe.“ She shrugged and backed away.

Picking up her jacket she slung her backpack over her arm and headed for the door.

„Where are you going?“

„Outside.“

„It’s cold and dark out there.“

„Yeah. That ought to help me cool off. And who knows? Maybe the spirit will make another appearance. If she does, this time I’ll be there to record her visit.“

On a sigh of frustration Josh stood in the middle of the room, staring at the closed door. Finally he poured himself a cup of coffee and dropped onto a chair, staring into the flames of the fire. Unfolding the army blanket, he wrapped it around himself and felt the warmth envelop him.

He’d experienced so many things in his adventures, but this was a first. There was the ghost, of course. But that didn’t even come close to what he’d just experienced in Grace’s arms.

In his entire life, he’d never been so affected by a woman. What he was experiencing had to be full-blown lust. It wasn’t possible to fall head-over-heels in love with someone he didn’t even know.

Love or lust, he’d give just about everything he had right now to satisfy this gut-wrenching need.

Josh woke with a start and stared around.

A fire blazed on the grate. The wonderful fragrance of coffee permeated the little cabin. Grace was kneeling on the hearth, filling a mug.

Without a word he stood and made his way to her. Dropping to his knees he touched a hand to her cheek. „You all right?“

Her head came up with a snap. „I’m fine.“

„Yes, you are.“ His eyes were grave. „About last night…“

„No.“ She scrambled to her feet a little too quickly. „Nothing happened last night. I’m sorry I made such a fuss over a simple kiss.“

„Grace, we both know there was nothing simple about that kiss.“ Because she was determined to keep her distance, he tucked his hands into his pockets, to keep from reaching out to her.

„It doesn’t matter. It won’t happen again.“

He was watching her closely. „Want to bet? It will if I have anything to say about it.“

„Josh, I…“ At the barking of a dog, she turned to stare out the window.

A big yellow dog was heading toward the cabin, dancing along beside an old man.

„Who in the world…?“ Grace crossed the room and tore open the door. „Hello.“

The old man smiled and touched a hand to the dog’s head. At once the dog sat, tail mumping the ground in a steady rhythm. „I saw the smoke and realized that someone was staying in the old lodge.“

„Lodge?“

He stepped closer. He wore a heavy parka and a felt hat with an eagle feather tucked into the brim. His face was the texture of aged leather, with deep creases around his eyes and mouth. „Many years ago, when I was a boy, the lodge of my people stood on this very spot.“

Grace held the door wide. „Would you and your dog like to come in? I’ve made coffee.“

„Thank you.“ The old man stepped inside, and the dog followed.

Grace extended her hand. „My name is Grace Marin.“

The old man took her hand in his. „Grace. The name suits you.“ His eyes, dark as midnight, stared into hers. „Do you know what it means?“

„I’m afraid not.“

„It means ‘one who is blessed with beauty and grace.’“

From the way he was studying her, Grace had the strangest feeling that he could see clear into her soul. Flushing under his scrutiny, she turned away. „This is Josh Cramer.“

„Josh means ‘warrior on whom the spirits smile.’“ The stranger extended his hand, and Josh accepted his handshake. „Forgive an old man. I have always been fascinated with the meaning of names. I am Wyatt Eagle.“

Despite the man’s age, Josh could feel the power in his grasp. „And what does Wyatt mean?“

„ ‘Guide.’ And my dog is Barnaby.“

Josh ruffled the dog’s fur. „Does his name have meaning as well?“

Wyatt nodded. „His name means ‘consolation.’ He has brought me much comfort since we first met. He seems to have that effect on all who meet him.“

Josh knelt down and studied the dog’s sleek coat. „He looks healthy. Have you had him since he was a pup?“