An Unexpected Gift (Insta-Spark Book 4) Page 8

  “I can’t wait to see inside,” I admitted. “I’m already in love with the place.”

  Evan grinned, kissing my hand again. “Okay.”

  I slid from the SUV, stretching to relieve my tight muscles. Evan opened the back door, lifting Chester out, and stood beside me. He wrapped his free arm around my waist and pressed a kiss to my head. He drew in a deep breath and smiled.

  “Welcome home, Holly.”

  My heart stuttered with his words, but I felt only a sense of rightness. Being with Evan felt like home, and the house in front of us was going to be my sanctuary—the same way it was for him. There was no doubt about it. I returned his smile with one of my own.

  “I love you.”

  He beamed, hugging me tight to his side as we walked toward the door.

  “Those are my favorite words, ever,” he murmured.

  Two hours later, I was still wandering around in a daze. The house was massive. Four bedrooms, a big kitchen that took up half of the main floor, while the other half was a living-dining area. There were windows everywhere, with views of the ocean, the woods, and the lovely open areas around the house. Evan’s workshop was tucked against the backdrop of massive fir trees, and as he showed me around, he explained how he loved to have the huge barn doors open so he could hear the sound of the waves and smell the fresh air as he worked. He pointed to the loft over his work area. “I’ll turn that into a studio for you. You can paint and sketch to your heart’s content.”

  I could only kiss him in thanks.

  His shop was neat and orderly, as was his house. It was comfortable and furnished with pieces he had restored, along with newer sofas and chairs. The angel wings I had given him were the only decoration above the massive fireplace that heated the entire first floor.

  As I stood, gazing around, Evan slid his arms around my waist, and he pulled me back against his chest. “The place needs a woman’s touch,” he murmured, his lips close to my ear. “Your touch.”

  “I’ve never had a home to add my touch to,” I admitted.

  He kissed my neck. “Now you do. I’ve always loved this house, but this is the first time it’s felt like a home to me, Holly. Because you’re in it. We’ll make it ours.”

  Ours.

  I liked the sound of that.

  The sound of a car approaching made me lift my head to meet Evan’s gaze. He grinned, the corners of his eyes crinkling. “Carol and Dan, no doubt. She insisted on ‘dropping by’ with dinner for us so we didn’t have to worry about cooking.” He chuckled. “The truth is, she’s so anxious to meet you that I’m shocked she wasn’t on the porch waiting when we got here.”

  I felt a wave of nerves hit me and Evan tightened his grip. “I’m right here, Holly. And I swear—they’re gonna love you. And you will love them. I know it.”

  A knock sounded on the front door. He kissed my neck. “Ready?”

  I huffed out a long breath. “Ready.”

  10

  Holly

  Carol and Dan were warmth personified. They arrived with dinner, groceries, and lots of hugs, and they stayed for coffee. By the time they left, I understood Evan’s affection for them. I loved seeing her gently admonish him about making sure he kept the house warm enough for me and the way Dan teased him about how his firewood was stacked. It was impossible to feel nervous after a few moments. They seemed to accept me for simply being me—and the fact that I was important to Evan.

  Carol told me about all the charming spots in town, and we made arrangements to spend some time together.

  “I’ll show you all the best places to shop and introduce you around,” she insisted.

  “That would be lovely. I need to find a job as well. Is there a diner in town?”

  “Yes, a few. They are quiet this time of year, but you never know. Once tourist season kicks in, they’re always looking.”

  I nodded, already thinking ahead. I had enough money saved; I could be without a job for a while and still contribute. I had to discuss all that with Evan.

  After Dan and Carol left, I poked around the kitchen, figuring out where things were and putting away the groceries they had so kindly brought with them.

  Evan strolled in, leaning against the counter, watching me.

  “Holly.”

  Something in his voice made me stop what I was doing and turn to him. “Evan?”

  He inhaled deeply and crossed his arms over his chest. “I’m rich.”

  I stared at him with a frown. “Rich?”

  “I have a trust fund, and my business does very well.”

  He had mentioned a trust fund before, but I hadn’t paid much attention. Confused, I smiled. “Good.”

  He huffed out a breath and held out his hand, tugging me close when I slid my palm against his.

  He looked down at me, pushing a curl behind my ear.

  “Hear me out?” he asked, his voice serious.

  I nodded.

  “I told you my family lives a life I’m not comfortable with. Frivolous and greedy. I rarely touch my trust fund. In fact, it’s larger now than when I got it. I’ve invested most of it, and I only use it for important things.”

  “Okay.”

  He tightened his arms. “You’re important, Holly.”

  “I don’t understand.”

  “I don’t want you to work. I want to have you here with me. You can do whatever you like. Hang around the house with Chester. Sketch and paint. Take some online courses.”

  “But I have to contribute. I didn’t come here to sponge off of you.”

  “You wouldn’t be sponging.” He regarded me intensely. “I want—I need—to look after you, Holly. You need that. No one has ever looked after you properly before. Put you first. I will. I will always put you first. Let me care for you. I want to see you sleep in, relax, putter around the house and make it ours. Read. Take baths. Make us sandwiches and have lunch with me. I want you around.”

  He paused. “I need it as much as you do. Settle in. Get to know Carol and Tara. Decide what you really want to do, because for the first time in your life, you can take the time to do so.” He leaned down and kissed my nose. “I don’t want you working and tired.”

  The thought of not being on my feet for hours at a time was tempting. Not smelling like grease and having to face endless strangers, smiling as I filled coffee cups and carried heavy trays. The idea of being here with Evan and making a home for both of us was a lovely thought. Exploring my options for school, not having to worry if not taking that extra shift meant dipping into my savings for the heating bill.

  He met my gaze, his anxious for a different reason than mine.

  “Please,” he whispered. “Let me.”

  “Only if I can help you with your business. I’m good with numbers.”

  His eyes crinkled in happiness. “Then you’re hired. I hate doing the books.”

  “Okay, then.”

  He pressed his mouth to mine.

  “Okay.”

  I relaxed against the porcelain tub, the steam rising from the water—a mist in the air. My gaze took in the room. Evan’s en suite was larger than my whole bedroom had been in Connie’s place. After an early dinner, he’d insisted I have a bath and relax.

  “It’s been a long trip, Angel. You must be tired.”

  “You’re the one who did all the driving,” I pointed out. As I discovered, Evan liked to be in control behind the wheel. He had looked affronted when I offered to drive, informing me that it was his job to do so and my job to enjoy the scenery. I had struggled not to laugh at his over-the-top reaction, realizing that it was his way of looking after me. And I was enjoying the sights. Having never been out East—even with the snow—the landscape was beautiful. He often pulled over so I could take a picture, and at one point, had stopped and bought me a new sketchbook and pencils in case I felt like drawing. He made the entire trip about me, and I loved every moment of being with him.

  I sighed in contentment. I had never had a bath in such a lar
ge tub until now. I used some of the bath salts Evan had given me for Christmas and the room smelled of lilacs and roses.

  The door opened, and Evan came in, carrying a glass of wine and a rolled towel. He set down the wine beside me and flipped his fingers. “Head up.”

  I lifted my head, and he slid the towel under my neck. The softness and warmth felt good, and I grinned at him. “You heated it up.”

  He returned my grin and dropped a kiss to my head. “I learned that from you. You heated up the towel and warmed my feet. Just repaying the favor. I ordered a bath pillow for you online, but this will do until it comes.”

  I gripped his hand. “Evan—you don’t have to get me a pillow. Or anything else. I’m fine.”

  He stared down at me, his brow furrowed. “Yes, I do, Holly. It’s my job now to look after you, and you need a pillow. I want you to use the tub, enjoy it. It’s sat there for three years, ignored.”

  “You’ve never had a bath?”

  “No, I’m a shower kind of guy. Apparently, the wife of the couple I bought the house from loved to soak in the tub and look at the stars.” He indicated the skylight above me. “Never really got into that myself.” He frowned. “You need candles too. Women like candles, right? We can get some in town tomorrow.”

  I had to stop my laugh. He was determined to make sure I had everything he thought I should have, whether it mattered or not. There was no point in fighting him. Instead, I held out my hand.

  “You could join me.”

  He paused, his hand on the doorknob. “In the tub?”

  I chuckled. “Yes, in the tub. Lots of room. I’d scrub your back if you wanted.”

  He stared at me for a moment, reached over his head and pulled off his shirt, then yanked down his pants. I watched his movements, admiring the way his muscles rippled.

  “Maybe I need to give this tub thing a shot.”

  I held out my arms, welcoming him as he lowered himself into the steaming water. He leaned back into my chest with a sigh. I wrapped my arms and legs around him, then kissed the top of his head. He relaxed, his body loosening, and we lay together, staring up at the stars overhead.

  “I see why she liked this,” he murmured. “But I think having you with me makes it better.”

  I held him tighter.

  “Are you nervous, Holly?” he asked, his voice low in the room. “About being here with me? Leaving your life behind?”

  “No,” I replied. “It wasn’t much of a life, Evan. I was waiting—searching for something.” A sigh flowing through my chest. “I think I was looking for you. For the first time in my life, I feel…content. As if I’m home.”

  He lifted my hand from his chest and kissed it. Tilting up his head, he smiled tenderly at me. “You are home, Holly. You never have to search or be alone again. I’m right here.”

  I lowered my face and our lips met. They moved and molded together, a perfect fit. Evan threaded his fingers into my hair, cupping my head while our kiss deepened. The water splashed as he rolled, his chest pressing me into the sloped porcelain. Our mouths never separated, if anything, our kisses becoming deeper. Our bodies sculpted to each other, the water warm around us, the air filled with his groans, my whimpers, and our heavy breathing.

  Evan sat up, taking me with him. My legs straddled his thighs, his erection trapped between us. “Holly,” he moaned. “I want you right here.”

  I nipped at his neck, running my hands over the taut muscles of his back. “Then take me.”

  “We’re gonna get water everywhere.”

  I licked his ear, sucking his lobe. His shiver made me smile. His hard cock twitched, making me shiver in return.

  “I hope you have a lot of towels, then.”

  He lifted me as if I weighed nothing, and I slowly slid down onto his length.

  “I’ll add those to the list. I have a feeling we’re gonna be having a lot of baths,” he mumbled. “Lots of baths.”

  I groaned at the sensation of him buried inside me, the water surrounding us, and the steam making the room a private sanctuary. I began to move, gripping the edge of the tub.

  “Good.”

  11

  Holly

  Springtime A Year Later

  Sun scattered across the water, the late spring breeze warm on my face. I carried a tray to the porch and stood looking at the dance of the waves as they hit the shore. I loved it here. The sounds of the ocean, the smell of the fresh air, the warmth of the people—and the life I had built with Evan. I studied the waves, knowing I would probably end up back in my studio, trying to capture the endlessly changing colors of the ocean. The scope here was vast, and I never ran out of inspiration. Evan had his favorite paintings framed and hung around the house and his shop and had even given a couple to Carol and Dan. He was overly proud and boastful of my talent, but I loved him for it. I loved him for everything he was.

  I couldn’t help remember the day he had shown me the studio he had created for me.

  “Evan!” I exclaimed, trying to take in everything in the room. I met his gaze, his green eyes dancing with excitement. He had refused to let me in his shop for over two weeks. He, Dan, and Andrew had been busy—the sounds of hammers, saws, and drills going on for days. Finally, I was allowed to see the space he created for me over his shop. A set of stairs ran up the side of the shop to a wide-open space above. The front was all windows, offering a great view of the ocean and the vista surrounding the house. Broad planks on the floor and reclaimed wood on the walls gave it a warm feeling. A huge set of shelves, an easel, and a vast selection of watercolor paints, paper, canvases, and pencils waited for me. There was a loveseat facing the window, antique, recovered, the wood trim gleaming in the sun. I ran my hand over the arched back.

  “You made this for me?”

  “I did all this for you, Holly.”

  I flung myself in his arms and kissed him. I loved kissing Evan. He was passionate, warm, and giving. His mouth was magic against mine, and he held me as though I was the most precious thing on earth to him. He growled in pleasure, low in his throat, and sat down heavily on the loveseat, never releasing my mouth. We kissed until we were breathless, yet it wasn’t enough. It was never enough with Evan. With a sigh, I rested my head in the crook of his neck.

  “I’m so lucky,” I murmured. “You are the greatest gift I ever got.”

  He chuckled, his breath stirring the curls around my forehead. “I’m the lucky one, Holly. I get you.”

  I tilted up my head, smiling. “We get each other.”

  His grip tightened. “Yeah. Perfect.”

  “You know what else is perfect?”

  “What?”

  “How we can see the world from this window and no one can see us. Very private.”

  He raised one eyebrow, his grin wide. “Private?”

  I slid off his knee to the floor in front of him. I ran my hands up his thighs, feeling the sinewy muscles clench. “Very private.”

  He let his head drop to the back of the loveseat as I cupped his erection, then yanked down his pants.

  “Good planning on my part,” he groaned.

  I lowered my head, my breath washing over his cock. “You can look at the scenery while I’m, ah, busy. It’s pretty spectacular.”

  He grunted as my mouth closed around him. Our gazes locked, his dark and intense. “I’m already looking at the most spectacular, sexiest thing I’ve ever seen.”

  I winked, unable to speak.

  It was rude to talk with your mouth full.

  I grinned at the memories as I stared out over the vast horizon. I would never tire of this view.

  There were times I still had to pinch myself that this was my life and Evan belonged to me. That I belonged to him. Evan Brooks was every fantasy I ever had…and every dream and wish I never spoke of.

  The loneliness that had permeated my life had been banished. With Evan, I found a home and people to call my family. Light glinted off the rings on my finger, making me smile. We had been
married for just over a year, exchanging our vows against the backdrop of the view I loved so much. Us, our adopted family, and the friends we had made here in this small town. I had a part-time job I loved, a husband I adored, and a life I never thought would be mine.

  I touched my pocket with a smile. There was something else I never thought I would have. The sound of the shop door sliding shut made me look up, and my breath caught as I watched Evan stroll toward me.

  He walked differently these days. Taller, his head held high, his broad shoulders straight. His dark hair gleamed in the sun, the white patch at the front bright. He had grown more confident—sure of himself and his place in the world. His place with me.

  He climbed the steps and came directly to my side, sliding his arm around my waist. He lifted my chin with his slender fingers and kissed my mouth. Long, slow, sweet. It was his hello every single day. That, and his greeting.

  He smiled against my mouth. “Hello, my beautiful wife. Miss me?”

  I laughed as always. “Yes, the last hours without you have been terrible.”

  He kissed me again. “Cheeky. You’ve been with Carol all afternoon. I was lonely while the two of you were shopping up a storm.”

  I sat down, making sure to hide my grin. Shopping had been brief. I only bought one thing.

  He sat down and picked up his glass of iced tea, sipping it and looking toward the water. “What a great day.”

  “In every sense.”

  He tilted his head, studying me. “Did you find some great bargain? A new piece of furniture you’re trying to figure out where to put?” he teased.

  Our home had changed a great deal since I’d arrived. Evan’s once bare walls were now filled with artwork, photographs, and my paintings and sketches. There’d been many trips and memories—all captured on film, our favorites displayed on the walls. Pieces from local artists we’d picked out together. Our life’s story told in frames and souvenirs that made us smile. Celebrations of moments of the love that we shared.