Foolish Notions Read online

  “Everything was wonderful.”

  Samantha reached for her hand. “I’m glad you enjoyed it.”

  James cleared his throat. “Mom, I know you’re stalling. Go find your purse and pay up.”

  Marie’s napkin stopped in midair. “Pay up? I won the bet.”

  James all but gaped at her statement. “How do you figure that?”

  “I got everything right, down the garlic mashed potatoes.”

  “I said potatoes, too,” he insisted.

  “Not garlic potatoes.”

  “It doesn’t make a difference what kind they are.” James looked to Samantha. “Tell her potatoes are potatoes.”

  Samantha raised her hands. “I’m not getting in the middle of this.”

  Marie sat up a little higher and challenged her son. “And you also said bread, not garlic bread.”

  “Garlic bread is a given.” James shot back as he looked toward Samantha expectantly.

  “Don’t try and drag me into this. I’m not saying a thing.”

  Samantha stood up and began stacking plates.

  He watched her rise. “Chicken?”

  “I prefer to call it smart.”

  Marie touched Samantha’s hand when she took her plate. “I didn’t raise him to be like this.” She shook her head as if she couldn’t figure where she’d gone wrong.

  “Don’t blame yourself, Marie, I’m sure there was nothing you could do.”

  She nodded. “Perhaps you’re right, dear. But this type of behavior is improper and quite honestly, embarrassing.”

  Samantha shrugged. “Sometimes you just get a bad seed and there’s nothing that can be done about it.”

  Marie nodded methodically at Samantha.

  “You did all you could do. Perfect manners can mask only so much; it’s bound to come out sooner or later,” Samantha said seriously.

  James waved his hands in front of the two women, trying to gain their attention. “Hello, do either of you see me sitting here?”

  Samantha grabbed the paper napkins and stuffed them between two plates before they blew away. “Did you just say something?”

  James just glared at her.

  “I hope you left room for dessert,” Samantha said as she gathered the silverware and piled it on the plates. “I’ll go get it while the both of you duke it out.”

  James held a hand up. “Wait, don’t get it yet.” He looked to his mom. “I’ll be willing to call the dinner a tie if you agree to have the dessert be the tiebreaker.”

  “You know I won, fair and square.”

  James got ready to counter her statement, but stopped when she eyed him.

  “However, since we didn’t decide how specific we were getting, I accept.” She puckered her lips as she raised her glass.

  “Shall we put it in writing?”

  “No.” He glanced at Samantha. “We have a witness.”

  They both followed Samantha into the kitchen. Samantha turned, rolling her eyes at the absurdity of the situation. “Tell me when I can reveal the dessert.”

  James sniffed the air as Samantha got out dishes and began to brew a pot of coffee. He eyed his mom and knew she too had guessed the rich sweet scent that filled the room.

  “Cheesecake,” Marie said happily. There was no mistaking it.

  “Yes, but what kind?” He leaned on the counter. “This time we are getting specific.”

  James watched his mom as she sniffed the air a few more times and carefully considered her options. He knew she didn’t have a clue what kind of cheesecake it was. However, he did. He knew without a doubt. Every time Samantha and he had celebrated anything together, whether it was she passing her state board exams or he closing a deal, she always made raspberry cheesecake. It was his favorite.

  James drummed his fingers across the countertop. “So, what do you think?”

  Marie shrugged her shoulders as she contemplated the aroma. “How am I supposed to know what kind of cheesecake it is?”

  “How was I supposed to know garlic potatoes?” His retort was a little mocking.

  She scowled at him and then looked at Samantha. “There he goes again with that bad—”

  “Oh, will the two of you stop it,” James said quickly. “I’m tired of you both ganging up on me.”

  Marie lifted her chin. “Well, it’s purely a guess, a safe one I think. I’m going to say cherry cheesecake.”

  He nodded his head. “A good choice. And yes, it’s a safe one.”

  “I’m glad you agree.”

  “However, it’s not the right one.”

  Marie glared at James. “Don’t count your chickens before they hatch, Son. I raised—”

  “It’s raspberry,” he interrupted.

  Marie scowled when Samantha set the raspberry cheesecake on the counter.

  James put an arm around his mom’s shoulders. “I believe there is a twenty in your purse with my name all over it.” He looked at his watch. “I expect payment in full within ten minutes.”

  Samantha took a long knife from the drawer and began to slice the cake. “You know what I think?”

  “I’m sure you’re going to tell me regardless of how I answer that.”

  She turned her attention to him for a minute, making sure he got the full effect of her scornful look. “I think you’re not a very graceful winner.”

  James watched her slip the cake onto three plates before he moved around the counter to her side. “You know what I think?” He said the words as he took her hand in his and studied the long, slender finger that was coated with cheesecake. When he brought her finger slowly into his mouth, he pulled her closer. He meticulously washed the thick sweetness from it. Taking his time, he carefully sucked on the tip before pulling it from his mouth and speaking. “That you make an amazing cheesecake.” His tongue traced over the top of her perfectly manicured fingernail. “Mmm, it’s still warm.”

  James had to work not to smile, because inconceivable was the only way to describe Samantha’s face at that moment. In fact, she was so astounded she couldn’t even utter a single word, although it looked like she was trying desperately to do so. He noticed she became even more flustered when Marie walked into the kitchen.

  Marie set the money on the counter and slid the bill to James. “Don’t spend it all in one place. And by the way,” she added, “I’m never betting with you again.”

  “That’s what you said last time.”

  “I mean it this time.” She turned her attention to Samantha.

  “Don’t ever let me bet with this man.” She gestured toward the plates. “Shall I carry something outside?”

  When Samantha didn’t answer, James spoke. “Nope. I think we’ve got it.” He took the twenty and stuffed it in his front pocket. “We’ll be out in a moment.”

  As James placed forks on each plate he watched Samantha arrange mugs, sugar, and cream on a tray. It wasn’t easy to leave Samantha speechless, but clearly he had. He moved behind her. “Don’t look so shocked, I’ve licked cheesecake off more intimate places than your finger,” he said in a seductive tone. When the contents of the tray clattered, James moved quickly around her and took the tray just in time to save everything from toppling over. “Here let me take that.” He paused. “What are you muttering about?”

  “I’m not muttering,” Samantha snapped.

  “Sounded like muttering to me.” He managed to get the words out without laughing, but the grin wasn’t as easily contained.

  “Stop looking so satisfied.” She pulled her gaze from his mouth to his eyes. “I should wipe that smirk off your face.”

  His smile was cool, taunting. “You haven’t seen me satisfied yet.”

  “Nor will I.” She was completely flustered.

  “You will, trust me.” His voice was so gentle it went straight to her heart. “Don’t pout. Your lips are too tempting when you do.”

  She lifted her long lashes, and found James staring at her intently. Her chin rose defiantly as she squared her sho
ulders.

  “You wouldn’t dare.”

  His lips found hers in record time. He nipped and teased her plump lower lip, before placing kisses along her jaw line, and then moving near her ear. He made sure he drove her over the edge before he pulled away. “Don’t ever dare me, Angel. You should know that by now.” If his hands hadn’t been full, he would have done justice to the small kiss. It would have to wait.

  “Why do you feel you can do whatever you please to me?”

  He set the tray on the black granite countertop. He took his time as he looked at her. Why was she so desperately trying to disregard any and all of his advances? Why wouldn’t she just put herself out of her misery and give in? Denial was to be expected, but this type of self-control was unheard of. “Angel, you wouldn’t be standing in my kitchen right now if I were to do to you whatever pleased me.”

  “You’re forgetting it takes two,” she pointed out curtly.

  “I haven’t forgotten.” He leaned in and she pulled back.

  “Whenever I decide to do what pleases me, trust me, you’ll be just as pleased as I’ll be.” He picked up the tray. “You can get the door for me.”

  * * * * * *

  Samantha stood in the kitchen while James went on. What was happening? How had things gotten so out of her control? She had made up her mind that she wasn’t going to allow him to affect her like this. What had happened to all that determination she had? Her fingers brushed her lips. She knew it was silly; the kiss had been nothing more than faint contact, yet she felt him on her lips like he had been there for hours. No matter how minor it was, just knowing that his mouth touched her was enough to set fire inside of her. Hell, she had been on fire long before he kissed her. She pressed her hand against her stomach, because her insides shook

  She didn’t like any of it in the least, but she couldn’t help how her body responded to him. It’s just been a while, she told herself. She looked up to see James waiting patiently by the screen door. Damn, he looked so sexy. Or was it smug? She decided it was a little of both.

  Chapter Sixteen

  As Marie took the last bite of the delicious dessert she wiped her lips with her napkin and moaned a long satisfying moan. “That was delicious. Cheesecake was the perfect way to top off this beautiful evening.” She looked to Samantha. “I can’t tell you how much I’ve enjoyed myself.”

  Samantha smiled. “Would you like some more coffee?”

  Marie shook her head. “I’m a little tired. I think I’ll turn in now.” She stood up and kissed James’s cheek. “Good night, baby.” She then kissed Samantha. “Good night, dear. As always, everything was just lovely.”

  Samantha smiled. “Do you need any help?”

  “No, I’ll be fine.” She turned toward the door. “You two just stay out here and enjoy this lovely evening.”

  James looked at Samantha from across the table when Marie slid the door quietly closed. “She does look tired.”

  “It was a long day, that’s all,” Samantha said as she sipped her coffee and stared over his shoulder at the ocean.

  “I was beginning to think she would never recover from that last round of chemo.” James shook his head, trying to shake off the unwanted images.

  Samantha sighed, remembering how draining it was, not only on Marie but on everyone. “Yes, it hit her hard.” She turned her attention from the rolling waves to a group of people on the beach standing around a bonfire. “It’s almost over. She has one more round next month.”

  “And that’s it?” In one aspect it felt like the treatments were taking forever, but in reality it had all been very timely.

  “Yes. Her doctor is very happy with the results. The last MRI showed the cancer has shrunk to almost nothing.”

  “Does that mean they may not operate?” he asked hopefully.

  “They may decide not to. We’ll have to wait and see how everything goes next month.”

  Several people walked by and waved as they made their way to the bonfire that had been started at dusk. There were over twenty people eating, swimming, singing, and dancing on the shore’s edge. The large fire snapped and crackled; small sparks shot up in the air, then floated around until they burned out.

  “Looks refreshing,” James commented, as the shrieks of a couple diving through the white foamy surf drifted up to them.

  “You want to go for a dip?”

  She shook her head. “I have a kitchen full of dishes to clean.”

  James got up and moved to the chair next to her. When he sat, he said, “You cooked, I’ll clean.” He reached around her neck and unclipped the barrette. Her hair cascaded in long sheets covering her shoulders. When he ran his fingers through it, a soft fragrance filled the air. “I’ve wanted to do that all evening.”

  Samantha tilted her head to the side, pulling her hair from James’s grip.

  Ignoring her gesture, James threaded his fingers back through her hair.

  “Please,” she said.

  He stared at her for a moment.

  “Please, stop.”

  “I don’t want to.”

  “Why are you doing this?”

  “I love the feel of it. I love the way it smells. And I can’t get enough of it.”

  “You know I’m not referring to my hair.”

  James brought the hair entwined in his hand to his nose. “I believe this is what heaven smells like.”

  Samantha yanked her hair from his hand and stood up. “This is what I’m talking about. Why are you doing this?” She snatched the clip out of his hand and pulled her hair back. “I will not let what happened the other night repeat itself. It was a mistake. We both know that.” She started gathering dishes off the table.

  James moved beside her. “Call it what you want. However, I would thoroughly enjoy it if it were to repeat itself.” The act of tracing his finger down her cheek and across her lips stopped her instantly. “They taste as soft as they feel.” he murmured.

  “Stop.”

  James indulged her but didn’t see any reason to move away. She was reluctant because she was afraid. Knowing that, he withdrew his hand and spoke. “You care, Samantha. You can try to convince yourself otherwise, but it’ll be futile.”

  She shook her head. “And how have you come to this conclusion? What makes you so sure that I still care?”

  “Dessert tonight tells me all I need to know.”

  “How so?”

  He wanted to pull a strand of her hair loose and twirl it around his finger. However, he fought the impulse. “Raspberries aren’t in season.”

  “And?”

  He moved in again and his mouth twitched when he spoke, “Tell me, Samantha, how many stores did you go to before you found fresh raspberries?”

  “It’s not every day that I can get Marie to eat a full meal, much less request one. I wanted it to be special. Don’t read more into this than there really is.”

  “How many?”

  “It’s irrelevant,” Samantha insisted.

  “Then you won’t have a problem telling me.”

  Samantha’s voice was low. “Three.”

  “Such effort and you don’t care?” He dipped his head and studied her lips. With a great sense of satisfaction he watched them tremble.

  Samantha tried to step back, but the table prevented any escape. “Your little observation proves nothing. Perhaps I did it out of habit.”

  James was going to toss her on the table if she didn’t quit licking her lips like that. “Could be, but I doubt it.”

  “You’re too sure of yourself.”

  “No one can ever be too sure of themselves,” he countered.

  His possessive look was deliberate, and he knew that it would dissolve her already crumbling will.

  “You can,” she insisted.

  He couldn’t wait, if he had wanted to. He needed to kiss her. Taking her face in between his hands, he tilted her head. He licked his own lips and then placed them upon Samantha’s. It only took a gentle nudge with his to
ngue for her mouth to open. A groan traveled across his lips to hers when he tasted her sweetness. He purposely let the kiss linger, enjoying every last detail, before deepening it to savor the flavor.

  The kiss built in heat until each of them felt its intensity race through and between them. With his fingers, James moved Samantha’s chin, changing the angle of the kiss, igniting even more pleasure.

  As their lips parted, James immediately began kissing her cheek, moving near her ear. He didn’t want his lips to be off her, not even for a minute. Lifting her onto the edge of the table, he pushed the soft material of her dress up to expose her creamy, soft thighs. Her moan filtered into his ear like a deep growl when he slid his hand between her thighs and stroked the tender skin.

  “I’ve wanted to touch you for so long,” he whispered.

  At the base of her neck, James could see her pulse pound through her skin. He pressed his lips against it, his heart slamming against his chest as he did so. The tip of his tongue touched the heated vein and flames swept through his body.

  “James.” His name spilled from her lips, barely audible.

  He didn’t move his mouth. “Yes.”

  Samantha knew that if her dress hadn’t been so tight she would have parted her legs and allowed him full access. She was in too deep to even care if what she was doing was reckless. Instead of contemplating her actions, she permitted herself to drift into the surprisingly powerful sensations he was creating in her as his thumb lightly stroked the supple skin. If she could verbally beg for more, she would, but words had long been replaced with sensation. A small noise, which came from somewhere deep in her throat, escaped her lips, to convey her satisfaction.

  She heard him whisper in her ear, but couldn’t make out what he said—the blood rushing through her body and her heartbeat were thunderous in her ears. She had wanted to feel like this for so long. She had longed for her body to come alive again. It was all so overwhelming. “James,” she repeated achingly.

  “Tell me.”

  “I’ve missed you touching me.”

  “What else have you missed?”

  “How you so easily make me want you.”

  “And.”

  “I’ve missed how my body feels when you love me.” Her fingers played with his shirt until they found their way underneath it, hot skin and soft hair met her needy hands. “You make me lose control.”