Love me till the end

Chapter 10

Visions of Charlie in her bath plagued Luke as he sat with Swanson in front of the fire. It was going to be hell having her in his bed tonight, smelling all fresh and sweet and teasing his senses. And that glorious mane of hers. He wanted to bury his hands in her hair while he pulled her to him. He envisioned the long silky strands wrapped around their bodies as they rolled in the blankets making love. Yet, even if he wanted to do anything about it he wouldn't. Not with Swanson sleeping directly below them. The bottle of scotch might be the only thing to help him get through the night, but he doubted it.

"Pretty lady," Swanson said, as if knowing exactly what Luke was thinking about.

Luke gave a curt nod and reached for the glass of scotch Swanson had poured for him. "Yep." He took a long swallow, hoping his friend didn't get too curious about Charlie. Until now they hadn't delved too deeply into each other's pasts, respecting each other's privacy. However, just to make certain Swanson knew where he stood on the subject, he added, "Charlie's off limits, friend."

Swanson's eyes narrowed on Luke over the rim of his glass, his brief nod indicating he'd respect Luke's wishes. Breathing a silent sigh of relief Luke's gaze went back to the fire. That had been easy enough. In the silence that followed sounds coming from the bathroom reminded him Charlie was in there taking her bath.

When she began singing in that sexy lilt of hers he felt a definite stirring below his belt. And something in his heart that he quickly brushed away. Damn. He closed his eyes and tried to focus on the sound of the logs crackling in the hearth, the sound of the wind howling outside. Anything that would take his mind off Charlie and the thought of what she looked like naked in her bath.

He brought his glass to his lips and drained it. Beads of sweat broke out on his brow. Maybe he could drink himself into a drunken stupor and not be able to climb the loft ladder.

"You have it bad, my friend."

Luke's eyes shot open and fixed narrowly on Swanson. The other man was only guessing. Without speaking he held out his empty glass and waited for a refill. He wasn't about to acknowledge Swanson's remark by giving him more fuel.

"This is good scotch." Luke held his glass up pretending interest in the deep color of the liquid Swanson had just poured. "I'm in the mood to get a little drunk tonight."

Swanson laughed out loud and leaned back in his chair until it creaked beneath his weight. "Yes, women have that effect on men." His deep voice was heavy with amusement. "Or the lack of one."

Luke met the other man's eyes over his glass, acknowledging his statement with a twist on his lips. Swanson had his own demons to chase. He'd divulged bits and pieces of his story and Luke supposed that someday he'd know the whole thing. However, it would be on Swanson's terms. That seemed to be the law of the land for anyone living the way they chose to live. You didn't pry. And you accepted people for the way they were.

For now Luke raised his glass higher in a silent toast before bringing it to his lips and draining it. Swanson followed suit without speaking. For a few moments they continued to sit there in silence, staring into the flames of the fire and enjoying their drinks in the quiet surrounding them. Only the crackling of the logs and an occasional sound outside the cabin disturbed the tranquility.

"Would either of you like anything before I turn in?"

Luke hadn't heard Charlie approach. His gaze moved over her when she stepped within eyeshot. She was clutching his robe over her breasts. Her soft hair flowed like a waterfall around her, catching the light of the fire as she swayed closer.

His body tightened instantly, envying the robe hugging and caressing her sensuous curves. He wanted to be wrapped around her. He wanted to be in her. He gritted his teeth and swallowed the last of his drink, doubting she was aware of the soft invitation in her tone-a lethal mixture of wicked seductress and innocent angel. Only Luke knew it was probably caused from the combination of sleepiness and the relaxing effects of her long soak in the tub.