Christmas in Good Hope (A Good Hope Novel Book 1) Read online

  The stroking fingers sent shock waves of feeling through her body.

  “I can’t help wanting a taste.”

  Ami arched back and closed her eyes. Her need was a stark, carnal hunger she hadn’t known she was capable of feeling. “Yes, please.”

  Beck gave a strained chuckle. “Always so polite.”

  He lowered his head and his mouth replaced his fingers. His tongue circled each tip before bringing one nipple into his mouth.

  Ami surged against the pleasure swelling like a tide inside her. Her body ached with desire so intense she thought she might burst into flames. When he finally lifted his head, Ami grasped his face in her hands and gave him a ferocious kiss. He tasted like wine, and she wanted to drink him in until she was drunk.

  As the kisses and touches continued, Ami wasn’t conscious of exactly when they’d shed the rest of their clothes. She only knew he’d been as eager as she was to have nothing between them.

  Beck had an athlete’s body with broad shoulders, narrow hips, and large, clever hands. She found herself overcome with the desire to run her fingers over his body, to feel the corded strength of skin and muscle sliding under her fingers. She wanted to feel the weight of his body on hers. Wanted to feel him inside her.

  The flames from the firelight cast a golden glow to the room, which was unlit save for a floor lamp in a far corner. It felt as if she and Beck had been transported to a world made up of just the two of them, one filled with warmth and caring and incredible need.

  His lips returned to her mouth for a long, deep kiss that had her head spinning. She slid her fingers through his hair.

  When his warm mouth moved down her neck, scattering kisses everywhere, she arched her back and begged him not to stop. With a smile and a murmur of reassurance, he continued to taste and touch until her whole body ached with a need she hadn’t known she possessed.

  Ami had never experienced anything like the emotions and feelings Beck stirred in her. After tracing the small broken-heart tattoo on her left hip with one finger, Beck placed a kiss in the center.

  As their lovemaking continued, Ami grew more confident, becoming bolder. She was determined to give pleasure as well as receive. If Beck’s moans were any indication, he appreciated her effort.

  Her pleasure began to build; Ami desperately wanted—no, needed—him to be even closer. Beck held off, kissing and touching her in ways that made her squirm and writhe beneath him in pleasure. Finally, when his breath came in short puffs and she was ready to explode, he sheathed himself and entered her slowly.

  She was ready.

  Beck took it slow until she arched toward him and began to rock her hips in a pattern as old as time. She dug her nails into his back, determined not to have him stop.

  Her passion soared like the rockets that exploded over Green Bay on the Fourth of July. She tossed her head from side to side, tried to catch her breath, then gave up the effort as her release claimed her.

  She cried out Beck’s name and clung to him. She hadn’t known, she thought hazily as her body released and muscles contracted, that this much pleasure existed in the world. That she could feel so good, so right, so everything.

  Beck continued to stroke, to caress, until he’d wrung every last drop of pleasure from her before he took his own release, plunging deep once more and crying out.

  When he shuddered and collapsed onto her, his heart beating hard against her chest, it pleased Ami to know she hadn’t been the only one affected.

  Ami wasn’t sure how long they remained there. When he finally rolled off of her, she felt cold and lonely and more than a little apprehensive. She wasn’t experienced, and she desperately hoped it really had been as good for him as it had been for her.

  Then he made everything so easy and right by simply pulling her close. “You about killed me, Ami darlin’.”

  She saw warmth and amazement in his eyes. His lips curved up.

  “You did pretty good.”

  “Pretty good?” he said in a teasing growl.

  “Okay, excellent.” She chuckled, so languid and relaxed any concerns she’d harbored had nowhere to hide. “I wonder if it would be as good in a different setting.”

  Puzzlement filled his gaze.

  She leaned over and planted a kiss at the base of his neck, his skin salty beneath her lips. “Like in the shower.”

  “Ami Bloom, you are a surprise and a delight.” Beck grinned and grabbed her hand. “Let’s find out.”

  Instead of having coffee and pastries at his café the next morning, Beck whipped up a breakfast of bacon and eggs and lots of black coffee at his house. Then he insisted on walking her home. They held hands on the way to her bakery.

  When they reached the front door to the shop, Beck folded her into his arms, anchoring her against his chest as his mouth covered hers in a deep, compelling kiss. Dreamily, Ami stroked his thick hair.

  “I’d like to see you—and your tattoo—again,” he murmured against her neck.

  Love for him blew through her. She’d never felt such a connection to any man. Ami wasn’t just falling in love with Beck. She was already there.

  Her lips curved. “I think that could be arranged.”

  “Later, darlin’.” He stepped back, but his arms remained around her, as if reluctant to give up the intimacy.

  She cast him a flirtatious glance. “You know where to find me.”

  But when he turned to go, she went with impulse, grabbing the lapels of his jacket and, raising herself on her tiptoes, kissed once more.

  She heard him whistling as he strolled away. Ami knew just how he felt, as she was ready to burst into song. Once inside her shop she decided to enjoy a cup of tea while her heartbeat steadied.

  Ami hummed as she heated water for the tea in the back. Despite her hearty breakfast, a lemon curd scone seemed to be calling her name, so she dropped it onto a pretty floral plate. As she sank into a chair, Ami realized she couldn’t remember the last time she’d felt so happy.

  Darlin’.

  It might be sophomoric, but she loved the way the endearment rolled off Beck’s tongue.

  She’d devoured half the scone when a tapping sounded at the door. Though the Closed sign was facing the street, out-of-towners often knocked, hoping the sign was a mistake. Ami shifted her gaze and saw Dakota at the door, a thin jacket the girl’s only protection against a stiff wind.

  Quickly unlocking the door, Ami motioned the teenager inside.

  “Come and warm up.” Ami noticed but didn’t comment on the girl’s red-rimmed eyes. “You’re just in time for tea and scones.”

  “Thanks, but I’m not hungry.” Dakota pushed a straggly strand of hair back from her eyes with a jerky gesture.

  “You might be when you taste my lemon curd scones. They’re fabulous.” Ami kept her voice light and casual. “The tea will warm you up. You have to be cold. The wind is brutal today.”

  “Okay, yes.” Dakota’s eyes darted around the shop.

  “We’re alone,” Ami told her as she crossed the room, made a cup of Earl Grey, and plated another scone. “I’m glad you stopped by.”

  “I didn’t know where else to go.” Dakota took the floral cup and saucer with a hand that visibly trembled.

  “A bakery is always a good choice.” Ami offered an easy smile.

  Dakota bit into the scone, chewed. “This is good.”

  “Told you.” Ami winked and sipped her tea.

  The teen kept casting furtive glances at the front window, as if worried someone walking by might see her. “You’re probably wondering why I’m here.”

  “I invited you.” Ami picked up her plate and cup. “On second thought, why don’t we go upstairs to my apartment? We can talk more comfortably there.”

  Relief rippled across Dakota’s face. She jumped to her feet so quickly her knees bumped against the table.

  Inside her apartment, Ami gestured to the small dinette table in the kitchen. “Why don’t we sit over there? The sun is coming
in so fiercely this morning, as long as we don’t look outside and see the snow, we can pretend that it’s summer.”

  Ami kept talking as she made her way across the living room. It wasn’t until she reached the kitchen that she realized Dakota hadn’t followed her. “Is something wrong?”

  “It’s so clean. Not cluttered with junk.” Dakota seemed embarrassed by the admission, yet added, “And your tree is beautiful. Those pink lights are supercool.”

  “Thank you, Dakota.” Ami motioned the girl forward. “I wanted something that felt like home.”

  Dakota’s face darkened. “I wouldn’t want anything like my home.”

  The fear in the girl’s eyes had Ami’s heart twisting. “Sweetie, come and sit down. Tell me what’s troubling you.”

  “I shouldn’t have come here.” The teen glanced at the door behind her and appeared ready to bolt. “You can’t help me. No one can.”

  Ami crossed the room. She placed her hand on Dakota’s shoulder and gazed into troubled hazel eyes. “I want to help you. I will help you.”

  Uncertainty crossed Dakota’s face, but she released her grip on the doorknob and finally took a seat at the table.

  They spent a minute sipping tea and eating. Ami chattered about the various scones they made at the bakery, hoping to put the girl at ease.

  Not until Ami returned to the table after putting the teakettle on for more water did Dakota bring up the reason for her visit.

  “You know Clint.”

  A sick feeling took up residence in the pit of Ami’s stomach. “Yes.”

  Dakota continued to nibble on her scone but kept her gaze on Ami. “What do you think of him?”

  “I don’t like him.” Ami spoke bluntly, seeing no need to sugarcoat. “And I certainly wouldn’t trust him.”

  “You shouldn’t trust him,” Dakota warned. “He has a mean streak. And he’s determined. Once he wants something, he’s going to have it. Like me.”

  Ami inhaled sharply. “Has he—”

  “Not yet,” Dakota hastened to reassure her. “But it’s just a matter of time.”

  “Tell me what’s going on.”

  “My skin crawls every time he looks at my chest, every time his hand touches my shoulder.” Though it was warm in the apartment—thanks to the new furnace—Dakota wrapped her arms around herself as if she was suddenly freezing. “He makes comments about how nice I look. Nothing you could pin him on, but I know what he’s really saying and what he wants. I’m not stupid.”

  “Is it just you? Or your brothers, too?”

  Dakota looked confused. “Kaiden and Braxton?”

  Ami nodded.

  “He ignores them.” A light of understanding filled her eyes. “Clint only likes women.”

  Or girls, Ami thought to herself. Still, knowing Dakota’s younger brothers were safe remaining in the household was a blessing.

  “So, it’s only you that he’s focused on.”

  A muscle jumped in Dakota’s tightly clenched jaw. She gave a jerky nod. “I overheard him telling a friend that as soon as he gets the chance he’s going to—”

  Dakota whispered the rest of the sentence. The words were shocking but not unexpected. Ami had seen that predatory gleam in Clint’s eyes.

  “What does your mom say?”

  “According to her, Clint is a stand-up guy. She made it clear I better not screw it up for her with my lies.” Dakota gave a bitter-sounding laugh. “Oh, and I need to quit flirting with him.”

  For one of the few times in her life, Ami was struck speechless.

  “I don’t flirt with him.” Dakota spoke quickly, as if worried Ami might believe her mother. “I avoid him as much as possible.”

  “Do you have a school counselor you could speak with—?”

  Dakota gave a dismissive snort. “Apparently being a perv isn’t a crime unless you actually do something. The counselor did speak with my mother, who told her I was jealous of the coming baby and making up stories.”

  The girl closed her eyes against the pain. A second later her lids popped open and the eyes were ice.

  “We could go to the sheriff.” Leonard Swarts had held that position for twenty years, and Ami knew him to be a good guy.

  “It’ll be the same thing that happened with the counselor.” Dakota heaved a resigned sigh. “When he asks what Clint has done, I’d have to say nothing yet. But sure as heck going to the sheriff will piss Clint off.”

  “Maybe he’d be afraid to do anything if he knew Sheriff Swarts had been alerted?”

  “If you know Clint at all, you know it’d only make him more determined to get away with it. He’ll figure a way to discredit whatever I say against him, and my mother will back him.” Dakota raked a hand through her hair. “I didn’t know where to go.”

  “What about your grandmother?”

  “No.” Dakota dismissed the suggestion without an explanation.

  “Lindsay would take you in.” Ami knew Dakota and her aunt were close. Lindsay wasn’t a pushover like her sister, and Ami felt confident she’d do whatever was necessary to protect her niece.

  “I know she’d let me live with her if I asked,” Dakota admitted. “But Aunt Lindsay is the only real support my mom and brothers have right now. If she sided with me, Mom would cut off all contact with her. I can’t let that happen.”

  “Which is why you came to me.” Ami finally understood.

  “It was stupid.” Dakota nervously crumbled the rest of her scone on her plate. “I don’t know why I thought you could help. It was just when you told me to stop by, I got the feeling you saw through Clint. I was hoping I wouldn’t have to leave town. But right now I don’t see any other choice.”

  “You could speak with an attorney.” Ami reached out a hand to stop her when Dakota rose to leave.

  Dakota plopped back in the chair. “What about?”

  “You could become an emancipated minor.” The words popped out of her mouth, dredged up from the past. Years ago, Ami’s father had told her about a kid at the high school who went out on his own. “Be responsible for yourself. Get a place to live here in Good Hope. Finish school. Maybe get a scholarship to college. Lindsay is always bragging how smart you are.”

  “I’m in the top five of my class,” Dakota admitted with a hint of pride. “But that’s a legal thing, right? You have to go to court and everything?”

  “I’m not sure what’s involved. But I know court is part of it.”

  Dakota’s shoulders slumped. “I’ve got enough money for a bus ticket, but that’s all.”

  “One of the attorneys in Sturgeon Bay might be willing—”

  “I need someone to help me now. With Christmas coming, no one is going to take the time. Especially when they find out I don’t have any money.”

  The girl made a good point. But Ami wasn’t about to give up.

  “Could you figure out some excuse to stay with your aunt for a few days or so?” Ami asked.

  “Maybe. Why?”

  “I want you safe while I contact an attorney. I’ll try Sturgeon Bay, and if we can’t get an appointment, I know one here in Good Hope.”

  “There isn’t an attorney in Good Hope,” Dakota told her.

  “We didn’t have one before,” Ami told her, “but we do now. He moved here last summer.”

  Chapter Fourteen

  Feeling as nervous as a sixteen-year-old boy, Beck pulled out his phone. While he didn’t need an excuse to call Ami, he was glad to have one.

  He’d just gotten off the phone with Cory White. The young teacher and his wife were celebrating their tenth anniversary. His parents had given them a gift certificate to Muddy Boots. Cory wanted to know the best time for them to come in that evening.

  Since it wasn’t yet the weekend, Beck didn’t expect a large crowd. Tom and his helper would handle the dinner rush with ease. The food would be good, but not anything special. Knowing Cory and Jackie’s history, Beck wanted the evening to be memorable.

  Ami answered on
the first ring. “What a coincidence. I was just about to call you.”

  The warmth and ease in her voice had his grip relaxing around his phone. “I missed you, too.”

  Beck heard her startled intake of air. He hadn’t meant to say what was on his mind, but neither was he going to apologize for it. Leaning back against the wall, he blocked the sounds of the early lunch crowd and focused on the conversation.

  “We need to talk about something.” Her voice had turned serious, and he pictured a little pucker of a frown forming between her brows.

  Beck hesitated. Did she want to talk about where they went from here? If that was the case, he wasn’t prepared. He was still trying to sort out his feelings.

  There was no denying what had happened between them had been about more than sex. There was a connection between him and Ami that transcended physical need and pleasure.

  As if she’d read his thoughts, Ami gave a nervous-sounding laugh. “It’s nothing concerning us. Not that there is any us.”

  From the comment it appeared she was equally unsure and tentatively trying to find firm footing. But she was wrong about one thing; there was very much an us.

  Beck decided to play it cool for now. “What’s up, Ami? What can I do to help?”

  “Dakota stopped by this morning.”

  Whatever he’d expected her to say, it wasn’t this. He frowned. “Didn’t she have school?”

  “She skipped. But truancy is the least of her problems.” Ami blew out a breath. “Would you have a few minutes to talk about her situation this evening?”

  “Sure.” From his vantage point, Beck could see that everything in the café was running smoothly. “Or we can discuss it now. I have time.”

  “I prefer to make a few phone calls first,” she demurred. “See if I can get this resolved on my own before involving you.”

  Something in her voice pricked his curiosity. “Are you certain you want to wait?”

  “Yes. Later will be best. Good-bye, Be—”

  “Wait. Don’t hang up. I have something to ask you.”

  Silence filled the air for several heartbeats.

  “Ah, what is it?”