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  "You must be freezing. Here take my jacket." He pulled off his light jacket and hung it over my shoulders.

  I didn't argue with him. I was freezing. But I didn't thank him either. If it weren't for him, I wouldn't be in this mess in the first place. I pulled the jacket tighter around my shoulders, but it didn't stop the trembling. There was only one thing that could make that go away.

  "For what it's worth, I'm happy to see that you're okay," Tanner said.

  Does this man ever shut up? "What do you care?"

  "You obviously have no idea the effect you have on people... on me," he admitted.

  "I'm nothing special."

  "You're the only woman who has been real with me since my wife left me; the only one who came right out and told me to get over it. That makes you special... to me."

  "That's not special. You don't know special. Did you ever think that maybe I'm just a bitch like that?"

  He grabbed my chin and turned it to face him, startling me from my rant. He looked me in the eyes, his warm and inviting, mine green and wide with alarm. He cupped my cheek, but still held me firmly in place. "Can't you just take the compliment? You are special and I like you, deal with it."

  I snagged my chin away from him and glanced off into the darkness. "I have other things to deal with."

  He chuckled. "You're more messed up than I thought."

  I didn't speak. In the silence, I realized that in the midst of our bickering, Tanner managed to steer my thoughts clear of Edwin. I should have been thankful for such a disruption from my self-deprecating thoughts, but instead I was consumed with guilt. "Thank you so much for laying that out on the table for me," I said, harsh and sarcastic. "Yes I've got issues and I don't need some random guy sorting out all of my troubles for me. Especially you. You don't even know me.”

  "I know that you have good intentions."

  I rolled my eyes and turned to face him, angrier than ever. "How can you be so nice to me when I'm trying to rip you a new one?"

  He smiled warmly. "I have my ways."

  I waved my arms erratically, knocking his jacket from my shoulders. "You probably think I'm nuts."

  "No. A little wild, yes, but not nuts."

  Breathless, I smiled. I couldn't believe I was smiling. I am nuts.

  "Look at that, she does smile," he breathed. Tanner reached his arm over my shoulder and inched closer as he adjusted the jacket for me.

  All at once I was feeling terribly vulnerable. I could taste the flame on my tongue. I was going to get burned. His attraction radiated from his tanned skin, luring me closer. I looked up into the clouded sky for some moral support and a mist of rain answered instantly. I shuddered involuntarily, pulled my feet onto the bench and tucked my legs into the oversize jacket, wrapping myself into a protective little ball.

  Tanner pulled my head onto his shoulder, cradling me in his arm, then wrapped his free arm around my legs, huddling me close to his heart. My arms, tucked neatly inside his jacket, weren’t quick enough to avert his advances. I pressed my eyes shut for a moment and hated to admit that I craved the warmth his arms provided. The warmth was nice, but his safety net was foreign to me. He was not Edwin.

  Instead of instantly removing myself from his embrace, with eyes shut, I imagined that Edwin and I were okay. To pretend that I was in his arms again felt good. But still, Tanner wasn’t Edwin. A sour smile covered my mouth, eyes painfully squeezed closed.

  "Abigail?"

  Rocked out of my daydream, my eyelids fluttered open. I lifted my head from Tanner's shoulder and stared into the honest eyes of the handsome man before me, his lips aching for a kiss. He slowly leaned in. I did the deer in headlights thing. He stopped, his warm breath tickling my lips.

  My alarm faded and Tanner seemed more confused than ever. "Tanner, no," I whispered. "I can't do this." I folded my lips in, stood up next to him and tossed his jacket into his lap.

  He glanced at me with a sideways smile. "Of course you can't. You're better than that."

  "No. I'm in love with someone else."

  I went to pass him, but he put his large leg out to block my way. "I want to hate you, but I feel like this is a step in the right direction," he said.

  I smiled at him and he turned his glance timidly to his feet. "Goodbye Tanner."

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  ~

  I RUSHED AWAY BEFORE Tanner could think of something else charming to say. I had to get to Edwin. I had to get through to him. My steady pace turned into a slow jog and then an all-out race. Suddenly, I couldn't get to Edwin fast enough. Digging deep, my heart driving me forward, I sprinted straight to his cabin. Without stopping for air, or reason, I burst through the door without knocking. I stopped when I got inside, breathless and shaky. The lights were out, but Edwin was standing in the middle of the dark room, all alone, his eyes glaring out the window.

  He turned his shadowed gaze on me. "Abigail?"

  Without giving him a chance to throw me out, I marched up to him, flung my arms around his broad shoulders and held on for dear life, eyes pinched shut. He didn’t hold me, but he didn’t push me away. Tears started flowing down my cheeks, mistakes upsetting my empty stomach. I dropped my arms and folded them over my bare belly. I was glad the lights were out because I couldn't bear having to look into his accusing eyes again.

  "Edwin. We need to talk; and I won't take no for an answer this time," I said.

  "No."

  My heart rammed into my throat. Did I hear him correctly? "What?"

  "I said no." He paused as I stood in total confusion, unable to gage his mood without being able to search his heavily shadowed eyes. "Not until you bathe. You smell absolutely repulsive," he said.

  My tears fell fast and my heart thumped with relief. If Edwin could find it in him to fool with me, then I had already won half the battle. He reached up a finger and swept a tear from my moist cheek.

  "Don't cry Abs. I was only messing with you." He wrapped his arms around me and held me, ignoring my sweaty hair and apparent stench. "On second thought, maybe it wouldn't hurt if you hit the shower real quick," he teased.

  A nervous chuckle trembled under my breath. Though I couldn't see his face, I knew he wasn’t frowning at me, and that was good enough. For now. I wiped away the wetness, as Edwin took my hand and led me to the bathroom. He switched the light on and I cowered from the brightness. My eyes were sore, but focused, like my mind.

  "You had us all worried sick. You shouldn't have run off like that," he said, very serious now. He smoothed his thumb over my cheek and ran his fingers down my jaw.

  "I'm so sorry. Please give me a chance to explain."

  "I will, as soon as you're done in here. I'll go get you some clothes and tell the others that you're okay. I thought something bad had happened to you," he said.

  "Something bad did happen. I hurt you. It was cruel and unfair."

  "Save it. I'll be back in two."

  "Promise?" I said, scared he might change his mind.

  "I promise," he whispered.

  The warm water wasn't nearly as refreshing as I had hoped. I hurriedly washed my hair and soaped up my body. The scent of Edwin's body wash made the tears start coming again. I gave myself a quick rinse and forced away the sad thoughts along with the tears, down the drain. I turned off the water and reached for a towel, my clothes already neatly stacked on the vanity. After drying off, I slipped on the fresh t-shirt and pants left out for me. I stared at my face in the mirror. My body was cleansed but I was feeling far from refreshed and my reflection was a perfect disaster. I was run ragged. So exhausted. It had been a trying day and a tiresome night. Having no socks, I tip-toed out of the bathroom barefoot. I found Edwin sitting in the tall bed, leaning against the white king-sized headboard.

  "Feeling better?" he asked.

  "Not really." Feeling incredibly anxious, I fidgeted with the towel in my hair. "Where is everyone?"

  "They're over at your place, but I told them we needed some time. We can check
in with them later."

  Relieved that he was at least talking to me, I had a seat next to him on the bed. "Edwin, I am so sorry. I went too far. I hurt you. And that was the last thing I wanted to do. I love you so much. Please forgive me."

  Edwin's aqua blue eyes remained dark, fathomless, unreadable.

  I tossed the towel aside. "If you need time, I will give you all the time you need, but please let's work it out together," I blathered on, restless, terrified. My hand covered his. "I was being selfish. I realize now that it was bad judgment on my part. I shouldn't have done that. I just love when you get all protective over me and you look so darn cute when you're mad. It was stupid." I squeezed his hand and pulled it to my forehead, trying to hide my face. It sounded so dumb out loud.

  Edwin stayed silent. I felt like I had to beg for his forgiveness. Make him see.

  "It was rotten of me. God, I'm so sorry. Please Edwin, forgive me."

  Our hands dropped back to the bed. Why won't he say anything damn it?

  "I know I've broken your trust. I'll earn it back. I can. I will. If you'll just let me prove myself to you."

  Edwin finally stopped me, his fingers gently covering my lips. "You done?"

  "Mmm hmm," I replied, more nervous than ever.

  "Well I did a lot of thinking myself after you took off."

  "And?" I asked, anxious, impatient.

  "And I realized just how much I need you in my life."

  I pressed my lips together to hide an exuberant grin. Tears of joy streamed down my face, but I stopped myself from attacking him. I folded my dry lips in my mouth.

  "There's a reason we got back together in the first place," Edwin said. "I'm in love with you. It's amazing how you can spend the afternoon with some hopeless dude and make me madder than ever, and yet you still get my heart racing when you walk in the room." He paused, and so did my lungs. "After talking to Hunter about it, I’ve decided to give you the benefit of the doubt. And I suppose I overreacted a little." He looked at me with big blue puppy dog eyes.

  My heart floated, weightless in my chest. "Okay," I said on a shaky breath.

  Staying serious, "I should have never said those things to you. I feel terrible. It just hurt to see you like that with another guy, especially after last night. I guess what I'm trying to say is I'm sorry."

  Huh? "You're apologizing to me? Here I thought you never wanted to see me again." My eyes threatened rain, but only one happy drop trickled down my cheek.

  "Abs, I love you. There's no need to cry anymore."

  "I know. I can't help it," I breathed. “I love you so much." I smiled into his dark, dreamy eyes, and Edwin pulled me onto his lap, up and out of the dumps. It felt so good to be in his arms again. I rested a hand on his warm, hard chest, his heart beating strong against my ear.

  Edwin leaned down, and his lips brushed mine, soft, slow and meaningful. "This is supposed to be our weekend, and I know I'm not going to let Arnold Schwarzenegger's son wreck what's left of it."

  "Arnold Schwarzenegger?" I said, a huge grin manipulating my dry lips.

  "You know what I’m saying," he said, smirking. Edwin brushed the hair from my eyes and then he leaned down slowly, his eyes soft, his kiss passionate.

  We kissed and kissed, until my lips hurt from sensory overload. And then we made good use of his massive bed. Slow and steady, Edwin romanticized make-up sex, touching, feeling and reminding me that I was all his.

  Sometime later, blissful silence filled the room, our breaths unified, as we absorbed each other's afterglow. Edwin rolled out of bed and pulled on a fresh pair of sexy surfer shorts, leaving the top button undone. Damn he looked good. He stood there staring at me, a fascinating package of masculinity, his arms propped out from his body, his biceps too large for his frame.

  Then, "So this is what I have to do to get laid around here?" He crawled back on the bed smiling and stretched out all that heavy muscle next to me.

  "Don't get any crazy ideas," I said, tangling myself in his long, powerful legs.

  "We should probably go next door," Edwin reminded me, his voice a soft growl. He kissed me on the nose and brushed the hair from my face. "But I should warn you, Jay and Tanner are over there."

  I winced at the sound of Edwin saying his name. I couldn't even imagine the thought of Tanner and Edwin together in the same room, let alone with me in between them. Edwin could sense the concern that washed over me.

  "Would you rather I call him Arnold?"

  I laughed, but I was still very anxious. I didn’t respond as I pulled away from him and rested back against the soft pillows.

  "Don't worry Abs, I've already talked to Arnold. I can handle it. We had a little chat while you were off practicing for the marathon. I hate to say it, but he seems like a decent guy."

  I'm sure he wouldn't think that if he knew what had went down at the dock. Better to save that for another time, when Tanner is far, far away. "I'm sure you and Tanner are best friends now," I said sarcastically, slinking off the bed for a quick drink.

  "Yeah. That's not gonna happen. He apologized for being such a dink and I forgave him. Not like I'm ever gonna see him again after this weekend anyway. We're good now. I mean, we're good, right?" Edwin glanced at me expectantly.

  I smiled as I returned to the bed. "We're very good Eddie. So good in fact, that I'd like to spend the rest of the night showing you just how good we are."

  With a smile plastered across his face, Edwin leapt up and swept me off of my feet. "Mmm. I hoped you'd say that," he growled. "I'll message TJ to tell them that we need more time."

  "You can tell them that I need all night. I don't want to be alone Eddie."

  Edwin pressed a soft kiss to my lips and lowered me to the middle of the bed. I rested, sunken in the feathery sheets, as he bent over the side of the bed to pull his phone from his pants pocket. "I'm sure TJ will get the hint. He can call it a night at your place. Hunter's already shacked up there with Aliah anyway." Edwin retrieved his phone to notify the others of our plans.

  ____________________

  10:46 PM

  Hey TJ. There’s been a change of plans. If the cabin's a rockin, don’t come a knockin. I’m serious. STAY AWAY!! YT Edwin (The Stud) Santora

  ____________________

  10:47 PM

  Make me. You've had enough time. TJ

  ____________________

  10:49 PM

  I will make you. Try coming over here and see what happens. I'll take you down with my hands tied behind my back. Don't think I can? Try me. Edwin (The Naked Stud) Santora

  ____________________

  10:51 PM

  Like fuck. Thanks for that nasty image you kinky bastard. Real fucking fair that I have to be here with Maddie and her latest lover, while you’re over there getting your fantasy fuck on. TJ

  ____________________

  10:52 PM

  If you don't fuck off, Maddie will be the least of your problems. I need this bro. I'm not gonna say it again. Edwin

  ____________________

  10:54 PM

  Fuck me. Am I the only one not getting laid tonight? TJ

  ____________________

  When I returned from the washroom, my curiosity was aroused from Edwin’s incessant texting. "What did he say?" I asked.

  "No problem," Edwin said. "The place is all ours."

  "Sweet. I'm sure if Ally had anything to do with it, Hunter will be in her bed anyway."

  "Yeah, they looked like they were getting pretty cozy together earlier tonight. It was actually rather depressing." Edwin tossed his phone onto floor, it skimmed over his pile of clothes and slid across the hard floor, landing a few feet away.

  Ignoring that, I got to my knees and yanked Edwin back in the bed with me. After crawling on top of him, I pinned his wrists over his head and kissed him hard. My tongue slipped inside his mouth and he groaned with the knowledge. With heavy breaths, my lips traveled up his rough jaw toward his ear. I released one of his hands and it instantl
y skimmed down my back. I eased his zipper down and took him in my hand. He was already ready for round two, and not a second too soon.

  "Thank you Eddie," I breathed, and flicked his lobe with my tongue.

  "Like I said before," he growled on a moan, when I squeezed around him, "this is our weekend. You and me baby. Forget about the rest."

  And I did.

  THE MORNING CAME FAST and so did my enchantment. To wake attached to my sleepy but satisfied man, in an amazingly fluffy king size bed that overlooked the scenic lakeside, was wonderful to say the least. It was cozy, I was safe, and it was exceptionally quiet in our little corner of heaven. I was happy that TJ had taken Edwin’s advice, leaving us the opportunity to spend an entire uninterrupted night together.

  Not wanting to skip any of the pleasantries, I slipped out from under Edwin’s heavy arm, pulled on his oversized t-shirt and tiptoed on the cold ceramic floor to the kitchen. The fridge was empty except for a half empty bottle of tequila and three bottles of beer. So much for breakfast in bed. Coffee will have to do. The counter held a single cup brewer, courtesy of the Southwind Inn. I was in luck. They had Edwin's favourite flavour.

  Moments later his was cup done and I clicked in my flavour disk for a French Vanilla cappuccino. I heard Edwin tousling around with the blankets, and before I could pull my mug from the machine, Edwin already had his nose nuzzled in my hair.

  "Good morning," he growled, deliberately pressing his morning wood against my naked thigh. Edwin was wearing nothing but some revealing tighty whities and they were hard pressed for space. His strong body flexed as he stretched his arms over his head, drawing my eyes to his sharply tapered back and incredible midsection.

  "Mmm, good morning. I made you coffee."

  Edwin reached around me, gathered his mug into both hands and inhaled the rich flavour. "Mmm. Thanks."

  Leaning against the counter, I turned to face him, and enjoyed my own drink. “So what’s the plan for today?”

  "It's late. Want to go for a walk?"

  "You don't want to grab some breakfast first?"