Bad Traveler Read online

  Today’s scene with Kyle infuriated her further. Chloe was cutting teeth. Sometimes, she bite. That was why Gwen kept teething rings everywhere. If he’d read anything about parenting or asked any questions or observed any children, he would have known that, wouldn’t he? She’d have to give him her copy of What to Expect the First Year.

  And the men. Kyle’s calm demeanor as Cody tried to intimidate him impressed her. All the same, he shouldn’t have had to endure such posturing after he returned from a long trip. She would have warned him or vented if he’d bothered to call her this past week. Something was up with him. Kyle didn’t seem all that calm, not to her.

  Worse, Cody cheated her out of a reunion moment that should have involved one of those kisses that made her toes curl in anticipation of what would come.

  The stress wasn’t good for her. Her breasts no longer filled with milk, and Chloe worked hard to nurse. To be the mother she wanted to be, she needed to unwind. After tucking Chloe in bed, she put on a green-clay face mask and climbed into a hot bath, lavender scented with essential oils. With closed eyes, she reclined and inhaled the calming scent. Her toes wiggled, and the warm water soothed her aching feet and calves. In her mind, she was at a fancy spa, preparing for a massage. This was as close as she could get to one. Her muscles loosened until a pounding on the door jarred her back to her surroundings.

  “Gwen, honey, you have a phone call.”

  “Who is it, Mom?”

  “Coach Kyle. Should I tell him you’ll call him back?”

  Her shoulders eased, almost back to where they were minutes ago. “No. I’ll be right there.”

  She sloshed out of the tub and held a towel across her body as she opened the door. “I’ll take it in here.”

  Her mother arched a disapproving eyebrow. Rather than insisting she speak to a boy dressed and on the kitchen phone as was the house rule when she was in school, Mom passed the phone through the open door. “Don’t drop it in the tub.”

  “I won’t.” She took her hand off the speaker. “Hi.”

  “Hi, gorgeous.”

  She eased into the bathtub, keeping the phone away from the water, and pressed it tight against her ear. “Is this a bad time?”

  “Not at all. I’m relaxing in the tub.” The water wasn’t as warm as earlier, but still soothing, especially combined with his silky tones.

  An audible gulp reached her ears. “So, you’re wet and naked in the tub.”

  “That’s how a bath works.”

  He groaned. “You have no idea what you’re doing to me. I called for a reason, but now all I can think about is how much I want to be there to scrub your back.”

  As she sat upright in the tub, a wave of water splashed against her stomach. He must have read her mind. When she tried it in the past, dirty talk had made her uncomfortable, but tonight it seemed right. She reclined again, smiling to herself. “Is that all you would scrub? I have other body parts, too, that might need your attention.”

  “Hmmm, like what?” His voice grew deeper, and she envisioned his green eyes darkening with lust.

  Damn him. He’s going to make me be explicit. She was nervous and thrilled at the prospect. “I suppose I could dangle my feet over the side of the tub.”

  “Then I would work my way slowly up your leg, caressing your calf, kissing your knee, touching your thigh.” His words grew more ragged. Maybe he hadn’t done those things to her, but her skin tingled in anticipation as he tantalized her thigh through the phone line. “I’d look in your eyes, with their dilated pupils, and wait for your next direction.”

  Remembering the intensity in his lust-filled eyes the other night nearly made her quiver inside. How could he have this powerful an effect on her with his words? She considered what to do next. “I’d sit up, splashing water out of the tub, and I’d grab your tie, using it to pull you closer to me until we kissed, and you fell into the tub with me.”

  “That would make a big splash. You should at least let me take off my pants before pulling me in with you. Otherwise I’ll have to hang my heavy, wet pants somewhere.”

  “Since this is hypothetical, can’t we ignore details like that?”

  “Okay, but I’m going to unbutton my pants now for real. You make me so hard.”

  Is he really going to…? Her cheeks flushed with desire. His physical response to her words swelled into a sense of pride. But it wasn’t just him. Heat pooled between her legs, emboldening her. “I am sliding one hand down your wet, soapy chest, while the other hand caresses the back of your neck, holding your mouth against mine.”

  “As much as I love tasting your mouth, your fingers on me make me crave more. I kiss your neck and collarbone as I cup your luscious breasts in my hands. I blow the bubbles off your breasts and then cover your tight nipples with my mouth.”

  She glanced down. Her nipples pebbled tight as if he were there.

  “I gasp then run my hands farther down, until I find your hard….” She hesitated, not sure what to use. May as well go all out. “Hard cock. I stroke the shaft, rubbing my thumb on the tip.”

  “Is this an oversize bathtub, or do we need to move to the bedroom at this point?”

  She glanced around the bathroom with its chipped beige bathtub that seemed too shallow and narrow for one much less two. “Oversize tub, as big as it needs to be.”

  “Good, because I need to sit up now and pull your naked body onto my lap and press you against my chest before kissing your lips again. Comfortable?”

  “Yes, I’m wrapping my legs around your back and holding you close with my arms as I trace circles on your spine. I nip your lower lip then whisper in your ear that I want you inside me.”

  “As you wish, my dear. I enter you, and you ride me, controlling the pace.”

  “I start slow.”

  “Giving me ample time to slide my hand across your nipples and then lower until I find that little spot you so enjoyed that morning at my place.”

  “I’m so excited I move faster. I’m grabbing your shoulders as I kiss your neck, your chest, whatever I can find.”

  “We move together, making waves in the tub, the lapping of the water just audible over the sound of our breathing.”

  With her knees, she created audible splashes and listened as his breathing grew erratic. “It feels so good being with you, it feels so right.”

  His words came in gasps and pants. “We find our release together.”

  “Together.” She collapsed against the back of the bathtub, feeling spent and happy, every muscle mellowed.

  They sat in silence, each in their own space as they recovered. What should I say? If they were in the same room, the answer would be easy. His arms would envelope her, and she would nuzzle into the crook of his neck, in a place where words weren’t necessary. The water was too cool for comfort.

  “Gwen, if you are willing to do that again sometime, I promise I will never lose my cell phone or let the batteries get low or drop it into a damned puddle. I never did that before but wow. That was amazing. You are amazing.”

  Her body burned everywhere, part from mortification. Part from increased blood flow. “Thank you. You weren’t so bad yourself. I just wish we could be together more. I missed you. And I know your schedule is crazy on the road, but you didn’t call.”

  “I missed you. Stupid cell phone. I had your number in there and not committed to memory. The Sweet Spot isn’t in online phone directories yet. You need a Web site.”

  “That’s my next project. I’m glad you’re home safely. I was beginning to worry, but I figured if a true disaster had occurred, it would be all over the TV, considering what a media darling you are.”

  “Touché.”

  “Still, I missed hearing your voice the last few days. It was as bad as when we had that fight….” She reached for the towel on the floor and wiped off her shoulder. Pinching the phone between her ear and shoulder, she climbed out.

  “Except then, I thought I’d lost you through my—”
r />   The plastic must have been too wet; the phone escaped slipped from her shoulder. “Shoot!” She retrieved it, hearing the concern in his voice as he shouted, “Hello,” into the receiver.

  “Sorry. I dropped the phone while I was drying off. What were you saying?” She sat on the closed lid of the toilet. The bathroom was best spot in the house for her to enjoy a private conversation.

  “So, that guy was Chloe’s father?”

  “Yup. He just showed up at my parents’ house with suitcases. He said he saw Chloe waving and had to see his daughter with his own eyes, that it was his right.”

  “Did he call first?”

  “No, he didn’t e-mail, call, anything. Even when we were together.” The word tasted wrong in her mouth. “We used a message board. He never had any interest in coming to visit my folks before. In the whole time I’ve been here, he only contacted me once before.”

  “How? Through the lawyers?”

  Gwen winced. She had the birth certificate, but no custody agreement. Because Cody had showed no interest in Chloe after her birth, she never bothered to contact a lawyer. She needed Kyle’s reassurance everything would work out fine.

  “He sent us a Christmas package, lots of packages sent to my parents’ house.”

  “Why didn’t you tell me this sooner?” Concern rose in his voice.

  “No lectures, please. I didn’t know what to do. Frankly, the presents scared me. They were weird and inappropriate, and I was mad that they arrived at the house. I’m sure he had my parents address written down somewhere.”

  “What kind of gifts?”

  The thought of that red negligee made her shudder, so it would remain a secret. Instead, she named the gifts for Chloe like the battery-powered pink Jeep designed for older children.

  “The presents made me mad, but this is worse. I mean, part of me is glad he wants to be a father. Chloe might miss out otherwise. But mostly, I want to leave that time and relationship behind. Before he ignored us, and now, it’s like he won’t let us go. I never dreamed he would come here to track us down.” Tears streamed down her cheeks.

  “If he harms a hair on your or Chloe’s head, I’ll dismantle him for you.”

  “I appreciate the offer, but no offense, did you see his muscles? His arms are bigger than my thighs! He was strong before, but this is crazy.”

  “He’s all flash, relying on looks to intimidate people.” His voice softened. “I promise, I won’t pick a fight, but given the opportunity, he’ll be begging for mercy before I even break a sweat. Not that I’m bragging.”

  Something in his tone made her giggle, short-circuiting the tears. “I’m convinced. But I hope it doesn’t come to that.”

  “Me, too.”

  “I still don’t know why he came now, after all this time. I sent his mom new photos of Chloe in December. It seems strange to me that after walking past that photo for weeks, he jumped on a plane to come see her.”

  “I don’t think that’s what he meant when he said he saw Chloe. Photos don’t wave.”

  “But I would have seen him if he were standing in the background during one of the video calls. Grandmother sits with her back to a wall, and if I can’t figure out how to record a video call for a later viewing, I doubt she can. I set the program up for her before I left.”

  “Do you remember the basketball game you came to two weeks ago?”

  “Of course. I promised I’d be there, but Chloe got sleepy, and we left early.”

  “It was a nationally televised game.”

  “So?”

  A quick blast of sound erupted through the handset, and she fumbled the phone, saving it from another crash to the floor.

  “Sorry. I knew you were there not because I saw you in the crowd, but because I saw you on the Jumbotron. They always show crowd shots going into and out of commercial breaks. I recorded the game…. Here we are, about thirty-five minutes into the broadcast. You have your head tilted toward Chloe. I liked your hair like that by the way.”

  He liked her quick braid, the one she did when Chloe was pulling too much at her hair? She thought it was lazy and a sort of an I-give-up look.

  “She’s waving like crazy, kicking her legs, and looking adorable. I wanted to run out and find you after seeing this. The camera focused on you two during the whole lead in. I’ve never been so annoyed to see the list of corporate sponsors as I am now. One of the logos covers up Chloe’s smiley mouth.”

  The idea of them on TV was absurd, and yet she believed him. “Why didn’t anybody tell me?”

  “I’m going to go out on a limb and say that the people who know you best were all at the game and assumed, as I did, that the crowd shots overhead were the same type showed during all home games, televised or not. During breaks in the game, the cameras often pan the crowd and, for whatever reason, people get all excited to see themselves or the cheerleaders or dance team on the big screen. I’m proud of you, Gwen. Most people act stupid when they realize the camera is on them.”

  “I-I had no idea we were on camera. We waved back and forth with my parents. We did it once before the game, and Chloe kept waving and bouncing when she saw other people doing it, too. So, you think Cody saw the game?”

  “I’m certain of it. He made a weird crack at the bakery. Besides, considering how adorable the two of you look, I’m sure the only reason more men aren’t trying to find you is because they assumed you had a doting husband in a line to buy you popcorn.”

  She snorted in response.

  “You know, if the camera had sound and captured you making that little noise, the line would reduce by half. I wouldn’t leave though.”

  “I’m rolling my eyes at you.”

  “I liked the sexy talk better.”

  “Kyle! As if you haven’t embarrassed me enough….”

  “I’ll come around tomorrow, see what intel I can gather on Cody. Can we have dinner tomorrow?” He spoke with renewed seriousness.

  “I wish we could, but Mom invited him over.” She yawned.

  “Don’t sound so enthusiastic. It’s getting late. I have a game Saturday afternoon, but maybe after Chloe goes to bed, I could come over or you could come here. I want to see you again, Gwen.”

  “We’ll figure something out. I haven’t told Cody about us, although he may be suspicious after today. It’s silly, but I feel better with you back in town. Thanks.”

  “For what?”

  “Being you. See you tomorrow at breakfast?”

  “I’m counting the hours.”

  Chapter Fifteen

  Kyle and his fellow coaches staked out the corner table for their breakfast meeting as soon as the Sweet Spot opened. It amused her that they always seemed dressed up. The students rolled in wearing pajamas, but she hadn’t seen the coaches look sloppy yet.

  She carried over a thermal carafe of coffee, one she’d bought for them since they sucked down coffee almost as fast as she could fill their mugs.

  “Morning, Gwen.”

  “Good morning, guys. It’s been a while. Coffee all around?” She started pouring, but Kyle stopped her with a hand on her bare forearm. Could anyone else hear the crackling of electricity in the air?

  “We’ve got it. And, Gwen, why don’t you let me get the breakfast tray?”

  “Okay.” That was unusual. He followed her to the counter and stood on the other side as she assembled a pile of muffins and scones. When she raised her head above the counter, his gaze bore into her.

  “I really, really missed you. Last night was good, seeing you is better, but….” He waggled his eyebrows, letting them complete his thought.

  The temperature was rising. If she got any hotter, she could unplug the oven and use herself to bake the next round of cookies. Too bad there was an audience.

  After that little tease, he sat down to business, leaving her full of anticipation. She couldn’t get too dreamy-eyed today. Between customers, she prepped for her interviews with the top two candidates for her open part-time positio
n.

  Cody sauntered in after the morning rush ended around nine. Her heart sank. She should have known he’d show up today and not be content with dinner tonight. “Where’s Chloe?”

  “My mom watches her Fridays.”

  “I don’t think my daughter should be in daycare.” He spoke loud enough that other customers put down their forks and turned their heads toward him.

  “She’s not. She’s with her grandma.”

  “Her working grandma. My mom’s retired.” He knew how to make “work” sound like a dirty word.

  She stood firm, protected behind the counter. Not that it would do any good; even with a wide stance, he outsized her. “I don’t see how this is relevant unless your mother plans to move to Indiana.”

  His eyebrows drew together, folding into a deep crease above his nose. He was mad. She’d seen him get that look a handful of times, and each one of those ended in a bar fight. Muscles contracted along her spine. Kyle watched them. He must have overheard them. Then again, who wouldn’t have considering how loud Cody had spoken. A spoon clattered.

  Cody glanced around, straightening himself and adjusting his crotch. Ugh. “Can I get a coffee and a blueberry muffin to go?”

  The magic words. He didn’t plan to stay. This might be a good day after all. “Sure.” She handed him a bag with a day-old muffin and coffee cup, knowing not to expect any remuneration.

  “Hey, sorry if I was a jerk. I just wanted to see her this morning. I guess I’ll just have to wait until dinner.” His remorse sounded genuine.

  “Later, then.” Her forced smile faded when he swiped a newspaper from an unoccupied table on his way out the door. Strange. Cody rarely read the newspaper, and then, only the sports and employment sections. How could the local paper’s minimal coverage interest him? They gave nothing more than final scores for games without a local rooting interest, and sometimes those were delayed a day.

  The coaches stood up to leave. Kyle had trained them to pick up their cups, plates, and silverware and return them to the front counter. He would make them wash their own dishes, too, if she let them near the sink. It was a nice gesture. He lingered after the others left.