The July Guy Page 8

  Yeah, that’s all this was. Lust. He hadn’t had sex in a long time, what had he expected? Instant attraction was something he knew nothing about. Just because they’d had amazing sex, it didn’t mean anything serious would develop between them. She was leaving. Nothing could develop between them.

  “Are you okay?”

  He didn’t know how long he’d been staring up at the ceiling. He rolled back to pull her into his arms. “Yeah. Wow. Sorry. I think you screwed my brains out. It’s been a while for me.”

  She grinned up from where her head rested on his shoulder. “Hey, do you know we might have had sex on thousands of dollars?”

  “What?”

  “Yeah. You hear of people hiding money under mattresses, right? Aggie stuffed bills into almost every other place. I haven’t lifted the mattress yet to check, but I wouldn’t be surprised.” She rose to her knees, a mischievous look on her face. “Let’s check right now.”

  “We’re naked.”

  “So?”

  She turned to climb out of the bed. It was then Noah noticed her back. He put his hand on her shoulder to stop her. “My God, Anita, your tattoo is glorious. How did I not see it before now?” Because he’d been too mesmerized by pretty boobs and penetrating eyes and imminent sex.

  Anita’s back was covered with an amazing phoenix swirling, rising out of flames the same red and orange and gold as the bird whose wings spread across her shoulder blades. He brushed his palm over the image, expecting to feel the heat bursting forth, but of course, he simply felt the smooth warmth of her skin. He wondered what might have happened to prompt her to choose that tattoo.

  She wriggled away from him. “I’m glad you like it. Now let’s look for cash.” She scrambled off the bed. “Get off,” she said with a laugh. “I can’t lift it with your big, strong body on it.”

  He chuckled and joined her beside the bed. He helped her lift the mattress. “Nothing. This is heavy. I wonder if Aggie could have even lifted it by herself.”

  “It probably was too heavy for her to lift. Too bad. I kind of liked the idea of rolling around on top of a bunch of money.”

  They started to drop the mattress back down when Noah noticed a tear in the thin fabric that covered the top of the box springs. They set the mattress back on the foundation, and Noah slid the bottom corner just enough to uncover the tear. It wouldn’t have been too hard for an eighty-five-year-old woman to push the mattress that short distance.

  “I think there’s something in there.” Noah stepped aside to let Anita reach inside. Sure enough, she pulled out a long white envelope so thick with money that a heavy rubber band held it closed.

  Anita turned it over to read the writing on the front. Surprise! The rubber band snapped and went flying. She peered into the envelope. “Hundred dollar bills.” She glanced at Noah. “I think I can pay for the new porch now.”

  …

  Noah slipped his shorts back on long enough to grab the wine from the deck. Anita, gloriously naked, locked the doors. Naked again and back in the cozy double bed, they toasted the night and Aggie, good red wine, and really great sex. Leaning back against a pile of new pillows, Noah said, “You told me you were an art professor, but you didn’t say you were an award-winning artist.”

  “Helps the career if you can bring some awards to the table.”

  “You shouldn’t sound so cavalier. That sounds like a major accomplishment.” He’d never competed for much of anything. He hadn’t had time for sports when he was in school. He’d always been at the salvage yard. More responsibilities were handed to him as the years went by. This race for mayor was the first time he’d competed in something.

  “I’d paint even if I never won an award, but the validation is nice.”

  “Have you been able to get any painting done since you got here?”

  “No time yet with the house and the handsome man in my bed.” She leaned over to bump his shoulder and give him a quick kiss. “Maybe I’ll take the day off tomorrow and get my canvas and paints out.”

  “Sorry, but you’re busy tomorrow.”

  “I am?”

  “It’s the Fourth Fest. I’m hoping you’ll want to go with me.”

  “And what’s a Fourth Fest?”

  “It’s the Fourth of July. Lakeside celebrates big time. It’s one big party. Didn’t you celebrate the Fourth with your other men?”

  She shrugged. “I’m generally not in the U.S. on the Fourth of July.”

  That took him aback for a moment. “I thought you travelled around the country every summer.”

  “No. I travel overseas. Last year, I was in Paris. I had scheduled a trip to Santorini this year, but my plans changed.”

  “I had no idea.” Wow. How much did that cost?

  “What does it matter? The first few years, when I first started teaching, I stayed in the U.S. I went to the Grand Canyon, Miami, and New York City, but after I got a little bolder, I started spreading my wings.”

  “I can’t imagine you not being bold.”

  “I was young once. I was scared to venture out of my comfort zone. But I’m not anymore. And what does this have to do with the Fourth Festival?”

  “Nothing. Part of this fling for me is to invite you to go with me to certain events and gatherings. I’d like to invite you to come with me tomorrow.”

  “Wouldn’t it be better for your mayoral chances if we’re not seen together?”

  “Nope. Don’t care. If we’re doing this, we’re doing it. No dirty little secrets. No sneaking around.” He paused for a moment. “Although it might be fun to sneak a kiss or two when no one is watching.”

  “If the whole village is involved, will it be possible to find a place where no one is watching?”

  “I don’t know. Guess we’ll find out.”

  “A PDA challenge?”

  “Exactly.”

  “I don’t want to do anything to ruin your chances.”

  “I appreciate that, but you know, if the majority of the people I live with have a problem with me spending time with a beautiful woman, then they’re a hopeless cause and I don’t want to represent them anyway.”

  “Spoken like a true idealist.”

  “Something wrong with that?”

  “No. It’s refreshing. I like you, Noah Colburn. Have I told you that?”

  “Once or twice.” He swept his gaze over her. Two days ago, he’d never have believed he’d be sipping wine in a double bed with a beautiful, naked woman. “So this is what you wear to bed?”

  That grin got him every time. “Are you surprised?”

  “Not at all.” Noah finished the last of his wine and set the glass on the nightstand. A glance at the bright numbers on the digital clock told him it was much later than he thought. “We should be turning in soon.”

  “Why? We don’t have to be up at the crack of dawn, do we?”

  “Well, the fire department sponsors a pancake breakfast first thing in the morning. And I have to stop at home and change clothes before we go.” He cupped the back of her head and pulled her in for a deep kiss. “Next time I’ll pack a bag.”

  She tugged him down onto the mattress with her. “Good idea. Will I meet your opponent in the morning?”

  He settled on top of her. “Most likely.”

  “I’ll be sure to give him my biggest smile.”

  “Oh no, you won’t. Your biggest smile is for me.”

  “So it is.” She pulled his head down for another kiss. “He only deserves a little smirk.”

  “Except we’re going to take the higher ground.”

  “Of course we are.” She rubbed her naked breasts against his chest. “I’m not tired yet. What do you say to fooling around a little more before we go to sleep?”

  “I don’t want to miss the pancake breakfast.”

  “We can set an alarm.” She reached over to stroke his growing erection, and he decided he didn’t care about pancakes all that much.

  Chapter Seven

  They forgo
t to set the alarm.

  When Noah exploded out of bed the next morning, it startled Anita awake. “What’s the matter? What happened?”

  He looked so sexy standing over her, all sleepy-eyed and naked. “The pancake breakfast has already started. I’m going to run home to shower and change. I’ll be back in half an hour to pick you up.”

  She wanted to groan and put her head back under the covers, or better yet, pull him back under the covers with her. But she’d promised to go. Noah was stepping out of his comfort zone in more ways than one, and she realized she did want to support him.

  She sat up and raked her hands through her tangled hair. “Don’t rush. It takes me more than half an hour to get ready.”

  He gave her a mock-stern look. “Half an hour.”

  She mock-saluted him. “Yes, sir, Mr. Mayor, sir.”

  “God, you look so sexy in the morning.” He laid a quick hard kiss on her. “Gotta go.”

  She took the shortest shower in history, pulled her damp hair back into a ponytail, and threw on some makeup. First impressions were important. If it were just her, she wouldn’t care what the citizens of Lakeside thought about what she wore for a Fourth of July festival. But she would be there with Noah, who was making his first appearance as a mayoral candidate. She wanted to make a good impression, especially for all those people who’d only seen her on Facebook licking Noah’s ice cream.

  After she dressed in navy-and-white striped capris and a crisp red blouse, she grabbed her phone. She couldn’t believe she’d gotten ready in time. While she waited for Noah, she’d check and see what the village Facebook page looked like this morning.

  Shit. Ethan and Helen Bradford were already at the fire hall, eating pancakes and smiling for the camera. She skimmed through all the positive comments and then farther down to check out Ginny’s post from yesterday. Noah definitely had his fans as well. Lots of people were looking forward to seeing the work done on her house.

  She froze when she saw one of the last comments. Anita, please message me. It was from Antonio Delgado.

  Her father.

  “Anita?” She hadn’t even heard Noah come into the house. He sounded as if he might have called her name more than once. He put his hand on her shoulder. “Are you all right?”

  She couldn’t take her eyes off the phone. She nodded. Then shook her head, took a deep breath, and nodded again. She hopped off the mattress. “I’m fine. Let’s go. Your opponent is already eating breakfast. But you know, it looks like Ethan Bradford should probably stay away from pancakes. He’s got quite a belly on him already.”

  Noah chuckled even as he eyed her curiously. With his navy shorts and red-and-white striped shirt, it looked as if they’d coordinated their wardrobe. Of course, red, white, and blue were the colors of the day. Anita slipped on her navy flats and grabbed her purse. She followed Noah out of the house, her mind still on the message from her father. He’d never tried to contact her in all this time. Why would he do it now? Why through the Lakeside village page of all places?

  “You’re very quiet,” Noah said softly. The drive took only a few minutes. They pulled into a nearly filled, big parking lot beside the brick fire hall. “Did something happen while I was gone?”

  “I’m okay. I’ll tell you about it later. Right now, you need to get in there and show the people of Lakeside how much better you are at eating pancakes than Ethan Bradford.”

  The buzz of conversation stopped when they walked in the door of the fire hall. The emergency vehicles were all parked outside, and long tables and chairs filled the space. Probably a couple of hundred pairs of eyes were trained on them.

  No. They were trained on her. Normally, she didn’t mind attracting attention. Normally, she savored it. She realized she was worried about screwing things up for Noah. For a man she’d only known a couple of days.

  She plastered a smile on her face while Noah bought their tickets. “This is an annual fundraiser for the department,” he told her.

  Noah took her hand and led her to the long table across the back wall where firefighters were pouring batter onto griddles, cooking bacon and sausage, as well as scrambling up eggs.

  “Hey, Mack,” Noah said to the firefighter serving up the pancakes. “Have you met Aggie’s granddaughter, Anita?” Noah turned to Anita. “Mack Washington was one of the first responders on the scene when Aggie fell.”

  “Thank you for your service and for helping my grandmother. I’m pleased to meet you. Everything smells delicious.” She accepted a plate heaping with pancakes from the brawny, bald man. “Oh, that’s way too much for me to eat.”

  Mack laughed. “Noah’ll help you finish them off.”

  Noah accepted bacon and sausage and scrambled eggs in addition to the pancakes. Anita waved off everything but the pancakes. As they found their way over to a couple of empty seats, she leaned in to whisper in his ear. “Be careful or you’ll get a belly like Mr. Bradford.”

  He winked at her, and after they sat, he introduced her to the people sitting closest to them. Anita couldn’t remember all the names, but the two little boys were adorable even though their parents were hustling to keep them from getting their sticky fingers on everything around them. Noah drowned his pancakes in syrup. Anita was a little more restrained.

  Other volunteers brought around coffee and left a full carafe on the table for refills. Anita sucked her first cup down before she dug into her pancakes. A stream of people stopped over on their way in or out to chat briefly with Noah and shake his hand. Anita didn’t pay attention to their conversations as her mind turned back to the father she barely remembered.

  Her father left when she was four years old, so her memories were not much more than images of a tall bear of a man who gave great hugs. English was his second language, and she remembered him singing her lullabies in his musical, accented voice. But he was gone before his presence had made a huge impression in her life.

  The hole he’d left had made a much bigger impact.

  “Full already?” Noah pointed to the breakfast she’d barely started.

  “No. Taking it slow. I figure you’ll be here for a while.” She refilled their coffee cups. “I can’t believe you’ve had time to eat with all the people stopping by to talk to you.”

  “I’m good at multitasking.”

  The cute family left, and an older couple sat across from them. Noah grinned and made introductions. “Anita Delgado is Aggie’s granddaughter. Janet and Dan Larson are friends of my parents.” He turned to the silver-haired man and redheaded woman. “Have you guys seen my folks this morning?”

  “They’ve been and gone,” Dan said. “Janet and I had kitchen duty, but I saw them here first thing.” He paused. “Your dad’s looking…good.”

  Noah shrugged. “As good as can be expected, I guess. Looks like a great turnout this year.”

  Anita remembered Noah mentioned his father had a stroke. It sounded as if he was doing well enough to get out to a pancake breakfast, even if he wasn’t able to do much for the business right now.

  When Noah and Dan started talking about the decline in volunteer firefighter membership and what the village should do about it, Janet turned to Anita and smiled. “I’m so glad to meet you. Patty was one of my best friends growing up. How’s she doing?”

  Anita had never talked with anyone who’d known her mother before she was born. Another reminder that besides Aggie living here in Lakeside, her mother had grown up here, too.

  When she didn’t respond right away, Janet grew concerned. “Oh no, is she not doing well? She hasn’t died, has she?”

  “No, she’s still living.” How much to say? Anita didn’t want the subject of conversation running through the village today to be Patty Swanson Delgado’s regrettable condition. “She retired from nursing a few years ago.”

  “Well, tell her I’d love to see her. I was always so disappointed she never came back to Lakeside after she and Tony left for Philly.”

  Anita’s heart thudded
. “Tony?”

  “Oh, does your father go by Antonio now? Back when they were dating, they were Patty and Tony, and they were always together. A group of us used to have a blast dancing at the disco.” Her eyes narrowed good-naturedly when Anita couldn’t think of a word to say. “Don’t make fun. Disco music was the thing back then. How is your father?”

  Anita could usually maintain a conversation with anyone. But trying to wrap her mind around the casual way this woman was talking about her parents had robbed her of her speech.

  Janet’s cheeks pinked. “Oh dear, did I step in it this time? Tony’s alive, isn’t he? They are still together, aren’t they? I never saw a couple more in love. I thought Patty was so lucky to meet that nice, handsome guy. So much fun. And oh, that sexy accent he had.”

  Anita was still getting over the shock that her father had been here in Lakeside, too. “No. I mean, yes, my father is still alive, as far as I know. But I’m afraid they divorced. My father moved back to Spain.”

  “No! I never saw that coming.” Janet cleared her throat. “Well, how about you? I saw on Facebook that you’re an art teacher. And an artist yourself. I wish I were creative. Are you married? Any kids?”

  Were all small towns like this with all the questions?

  “No. Never married. No children.”

  “Oh, that’s too bad.”

  “No. No, it’s not. It’s the way I wanted it.” Anita didn’t want this woman to think she’d been searching all these years for a man to marry her. She tried to take the sharpness out of her voice. “I’ve worked hard to build my life, and it’s quite fulfilling without a man in it.”

  “Of course it is, dear. But I see you’ve hooked Noah Colburn.” She lifted her brows. “He’s quite a catch.”

  Anita resisted rolling her eyes. “I met Noah three days ago. I’m not trying to reel him in.” She couldn’t resist continuing the metaphor. “I wasn’t fishing for a man when I came to town.”

  “Of course not. I’m sorry if I made you uncomfortable. Dan will tell you I never stop asking questions. I used to be a reporter for the Lakeside Herald. Can’t help it, even if I’m retired. In my blood, I guess.”