The Winston Brothers - Tangled Sheets Part 2

Chapter Three.

It had been an awful night.Cole sipped his coffee and tried to order his thoughts, but lack of sleep and extended, acute s.e.xual frustration made his brain sluggish, hampering his efforts. The events at the bar, the sensual overload, and then the smothering guilt had conspired against him to make him toss and turn in between dreams of making love to a woman who looked and felt and tasted like Sophie but reacted like Sh.e.l.ly. Every so often, the two had combined to provide dreams so d.a.m.ned erotiche'd awake with his own raw groan caught in his throat, his bodysheened in sweat, every muscle hard and straining.

He could still tasteher, still feel the damp heat of her lips and tongue, and the warm softness of her mound as she'd worked herself against him. Her breast had felt perfect in his palm, small and sweetly curved, the nipple thrusting, eager for his mouth.And he'd wanted so badly to suck on her, to draw her deep until she begged for more.

He swallowed hard and closed his eyes, heat washing over him in waves. His hands trembled as he groped for his coffee mug and took a scalding gulp.

He had to talk to Sophie. When he admitted to her how he felt, how d.a.m.ned attracted he was to her, how badly he wanted her, she might bolt. If shewasn't interested in him, he could lose her friendship, and that wasn't something he even wanted to contemplate.But at least his confession should take care of Sh.e.l.ly, removing her as a temptation. Hecouldn't go through that again, couldn't chance the strength of his control. h.e.l.l,he'd been a hair away from laying her across his desk and stripping those d.a.m.n flesh-hugging jeans down her long legs. He would have taken her hard, in a hot rush, and he had a feeling she'd have liked it.

Buthe couldn't exchange one woman for another; it wouldn't be fair to any of them.And the simple truth was, he wanted Sh.e.l.ly because she was the exact image of his Sophie.But she wasn't Sophie, and he didn't want to blow a chance with Sophie by missing that distinction.

He glanced at the clock as he finished his third cup of extra-strong coffee. He was seldom up this early, not with his hours at the bar, but sleep had been impossible. The caffeinehadn't kicked in yet, but it was almost nine-thirty, and by the time he got to Sophie's boutique, she should be there. Sh.e.l.ly was right about that, Sophie was an early bird.He'd better go before he lost his nerve.

That thought made him laugh because no woman had made him nervous sincehe'd turned sixteen.But then , no woman had ever mattered like Sophie did.He'd been waiting seven months for her.Ridiculous. It was time he put an end to things.

A half hour later, Cole opened the oak and etched gla.s.s door of the boutique, hearing the tinkling of the overhead bells. It was a cla.s.sy little joint, filled with feminine scents andat the moment , lots of Valentine decorations. A small blonde-haired woman was perched in the corner, preparing to dress a nude mannequin in an arrangement of filmynight wear . She glanced up, looking at him over the rim of her round gla.s.ses.

"I'll be right with you," she said around a mouthful of straight pins that she held in her teeth.

"I came to see Sophie. Is she in?"

The woman straightened with new interest and quickly folded the garment in her hand, laying it aside and placing the pins on top. "No, I'm sorry.She's running a little late today. She called to ask me to open for her. Was she expecting you?"

Cole shook his head. Itwasn't like Sophie to be late, and a flash of concern hit him broadside. "She's not ill?"

"No, I gathered she's just extra tired today." The woman smiled. "I'm Allison, her a.s.sistant.Aren't you the oldest Winston brother who owns the Winston Tavern? I saw your picture in the paper recently."

Cole twisted his mouth in a wry smile, well used to the feminine teasing. "Guilty. I hope you ignored the article. The paper loves catching me and my brothers unaware."

Allison's grin spread as she gave him a coy, slanted look. "It was a very nice shot. I saved the article."

Her blatant flirtingdidn't bother him; he'd deflected plenty of female interest in his days, gently, so he wouldn't ever hurt a woman's feelings.

Unfortunately, hehadn't deflected Sh.e.l.ly very well.

Cole abruptly changed the subject. "Do you know when Sophie will be in?"

"Sorry, I don't. She just saidlater around a very loud yawn. I think she's zonked and getting a late start this morning, judging by how she sounded."

"She was probably up late with her sister." He frowned with the thought.What if Sh.e.l.ly had already related the events of the evening to Sophie? What ifshe'd told Sophie how he'd kissed her... and more? They'd probably sat up all night gossiping about him and his cursed lack of control.

d.a.m.n it, Sh.e.l.ly had no business interfering with Sophie's rest. He knew Sophie worked long hours, and if anyone was going to disturb her sleep, he wanted it to be him.

Allison laughed. "Nope, that couldn't be it because she doesn't have a sister. Sophie is an only child."

Cole was surprised that Allisondidn't know her employer any better than that, but then he thought of how private Sophie was, how little she talked, and he understood. "Sh.e.l.ly is her twin. She's in town for a short visit."

Allison shook her head and put her hands on her hips. "I don't know who's been pulling your leg, but Sophie is all alone. She lost her folks when she was just a kid. Her aunt took her in and raised her, but she died, too, about a year ago."

His heart flipped, then began to slow, steady thumping. Every nerve on alert, Cole asked, "Are you sure about that?"

"Positive."

Bombarded by a mix of feelings, most of all confusion, Cole braced his hands on the countertop and dropped his head forward, deep in thought.No twin.

"Hey, are you all right?"

He nodded. h.e.l.l yeah, he was all right. He was d.a.m.n good. It was just that... He looked up at Allison again, trying for a casual expression to hide the emotions slamming through him, most of all s.e.xual elation.

He felt off balance. On top of the carnal images crowding his brain, a swelling tenderness threatened to overwhelm him. Sophie was all alone in the world, not a single relative around.He'd lost his parents, too, so he knew how devastating that could be.But he'd always had his brothers, and they were closer than most complete families. He wanted to protect Sophie, to comfort her, to tell hershe'd never be alone again.

His mind immediately skittered onto more profound thoughts, like the heat and s.e.xual urgency of the night before. A hot rush of searing l.u.s.t forced him to grip the counter hard. If Sophiedidn't have a sister, then his entire day was about to take on a new perspective. Antic.i.p.ation churned low in his abdomen. "You know Sophie well?" He was careful to keep the question negligent, not to arouse suspicions.

Allison shrugged. "Sure. I've been with her since she bought this place, around seven months now."

"I remember when she opened it." Cole could feel the heated, forceful rush of blood in his veins. His body hardened, pressing against the rough fly of his jeans, but hecouldn't help himself. He shifted uncomfortably, remembering last night, howhe'd touched Sophie, kissedSophie . He knew what her breast felt like, how it nestled so perfectly in the palm of his hand. He knew the texture of her tight little derriere, the taste of her skin.

Andhe knew that Sophie Sheridan, actress and fraud, wanted him-enough to pretend to be someone else. His knees nearly buckled.

He cleared his throat twice before he could speak. "Sophie and I have gotten to know each other pretty well. But I could have sworn she told me she had a sister."

"No." Allison, bursting with confidences, perched on a stool by the cash register and leaned her elbows on the counter. "Her aunt was all she had, and they were really close.They've always lived together because the aunt got sick and Sophie had to take care of her.But then she died last year. It was an awful blow to Sophie and she took her inheritance and moved here, away from the memories." Allison tilted her head. "You interested in her?"

Oh yeah, he was interested. He knew his eyes were glittering with intent as he smiled down at Allison, making her blush. "We've been close as friends, but I was hoping to give her a surprise for Valentine's Day, something a little more... intimate. Could you dome a big favor, and not mention that I was here or that I asked about her? I don't want to ruin the surprise."

Eyes wide, Allison made a cross on her chest with an index finger. "I won't say a word. Sophie deserves a little fun."

Oh,he'd give her fun, all right. He mentally rubbed his hands together in sizzling antic.i.p.ation. Sophie Sheridan was about to get what she wanted.

No, not sweet shy Sophie, he thought, remembering how she'd refused to enter his contest, how she froze every d.a.m.n time he touched her.The s.e.xy Sh.e.l.ly. Cole grinned, already so aroused hedidn't know how he'd get through the day. Only the thought that the night would be an end to his frustration kept him on track with his plan.He'd deal with Sh.e.l.ly tonight-and then Sophie would deal with him in the morning.

He'dgive her a Valentine's surprise she wouldn't soon forget.

Sophie was dragging by the timeshe'd gotten off work. The combination of the late night, the stress of deception, and the antic.i.p.ation of starting it all again had her weary, both in mind and body. Aunt Maude had believed in early to bed, early to rise, and Sophie had always adhered to the philosophy, happy to do her best to please the auntwho'd raised and loved her. Yet she'd been up till almost two a.m. last night, and even after she'd gotten to bed, she hadn't been able to sleep, too filled with repressed desire. She wasn't used to the churning feelings that had kept her awake, and rather than sleep, her mind kept wandering back, remembering the delicious feel of Cole's hard, warm body pressed close, his muscled thigh between hers, his rough palm on her breast. She shivered anew. It had been a long, disturbing night.

Allison had been helpful, but too cheerful all day, smiling and humming, and Sophie had been endlessly relieved when she finally hung the closed sign in the front window.

Despite her tiredness, she was anxious to see Cole, now that they shared a measure of carnal knowledge. She knew what his body felt like, how ravenous he was when kissing,his heady taste.

When she walked into the bar, shivering from the icy night, Cole immediately looked up at her, snaring her in his golden brown gaze. She had the feeling he might have been watching for her, and her heartbeat tripped alarmingly. His smile was different somehow, warmer and more intimate. Sophie wonderedif it was Sh.e.l.ly's effect that made the difference .

For an instant, she was jealous of herself.

When Cole picked up a mug to fill with hot chocolate, releasing her from his gaze, she went to the back booth. Her belly tingled and her b.r.e.a.s.t.s felt heavy as she waited for him to serve her.She'd be herself, she thought, keeping her conversation to a minimum, drinking her hot chocolate without exception.

Only hedidn't just give her the chocolate and leave after a few polite words. He set the cup in front of her, then seated himself opposite her in the booth, propping his chin on one large fist and smiling directly into her stunned eyes. He surveyed her until she squirmed, all the feelings from last night seeping into her muscles likean insidious warmth until her breath came too fast and shallow and her nipples puckered almost painfully tight. She hunched her shoulders in an effort to hide them.

Cole grinned, his gaze still a little too warm, too intent, slipping over her face as ifhe'd never seen her before. Just to break the tension, Sophie nodded at the steaming mug. "Thank you. I've been looking forward to this all day."

"Hmm. Me, too."

She paused with the spoonful of whipped cream halfway to her open mouth. His tone had been a low hungry growl. "Cole?"

He reached across the table and his large hand engulfed hers,then gently guided the spoon to her mouth. His gaze stayed directed on her lips, expectant, and like a zombie, Sophie obediently accepted the whipped cream. Slowly, Cole pulled the empty spoon away from her closed lips then laid it aside, his eyes so hot she could feel them touching on her. Using his thumb, he carefully removed a small dab of the cream from the corner of her mouth, and the gesture was so sensual, Sophie experienced a stirring of need low in her abdomen. His rough thumb idly rubbed her bottom lip, and for a few seconds her vision clouded and she had to close her eyes to regain her equilibrium.

She felt nervous and too tense. Much more of this andshe'd be getting light-headed, fainting at his feet.

He pulled away, and his voice was low when he spoke, almost a whisper. "Have you ever dated, Sophie?"

His hands rested flat on the table, and she watched him shift, those long fingers coming closer to hers. She tucked her hands safely into her lap. If he touched her again,she'd be begging him for more, ruining her entire charade. "Why do you ask?"

"Oh, I don't know." His wicked smile was too s.e.xy for words, but also playful. "Meeting your sister last night made me wonder why the two of you are so... different."

"You liked Sh.e.l.ly, then?" She already knew the answer to that. If Chasehadn't interrupted them, she had an inkling their intimacy might have become complete. Whatthey'd done had been so satisfying in a way, but also very frustrating. The incredible feelingshe'd created had been escalating, building, and she wanted to know what would happen, what the fullness of it all would be. She wanted to feel his body bare of clothes, to trace the prominent musclesshe'd felt with her fingertips, skin on skin. His scent was stronger at his throat, and she wondered how it might be in other places, across his chest and abdomen, and where that thick erection had thrust against her.

Her breath caught and held as Cole reached across the table and fingered a curl hanging over her shoulder. "Yeah, I liked Sh.e.l.ly. But I like you, too."

She made a croaking sound, the best she could do with her thoughts so vivid and him looking at her like that. His knuckles brushed her cheek as he continued to toy with that one loose curl. "Well? Do you ever date?"

"No. I..." She tried a slight smile, but her face felt tight and strained. "You know how it is, how busy a business can keep you."

He nodded. "I raised my brothers, you know. Keeping them out of trouble and in school took up most of my time. I've just gotten to where I can have a serious relationship."

Sophie wanted to run away as fast as she could. Was he hinting that he wanted a relationship with Sh.e.l.ly? Good grief,she'd have to find a way to dissuade him of that notion.

Her jealousy swelled.

A smile flickered over Cole's mouth as he gave a playful tug on her hair. "Why don't you and Sh.e.l.ly get your picture taken together? I can't imagine anything prettier than that."

'Together?"

"Mmm.I could almost guaranteeyou'd win. And since you come in here every night, you could get your hot chocolate on the house."

And he could get his night on the town with Sh.e.l.ly.Words escaped her, so she merely shook her head. Winning the contest had never been her intent.She'd merely wanted to spend more time with Cole under the pretense of entering, using it as a way to introduce him to Sh.e.l.ly- on a temporary basis.

"All right.Suit yourself.But could you do me a favor? Ask Sh.e.l.ly if she can come in a little later tonight. Closer to closing. I havea lot of things to take care of and when she's here, I don't want to be distracted with work. Could you do that for me?"

Her mind raced.She'd probably have time to go home and catch a nap. She wasabsolutely exhausted , and as excited as she was about seeing him again, kissing and touching him again, she could barely keep her eyes open. A little sleep would refresh her and sharpen her flagging wits. "Yes.I'll tell her. There... thereshouldn't be a problem. Her time is pretty free right now."

"Good.And Sophie?" He grinned, waiting for the questioning lift of her brows. "If you change your mind and decide to enter the contest, just let me know."

She could feel theembarra.s.sed heat rushing to her cheeks and barely managed a nod. G.o.d, she hated it when she blushed. "Yes, all right. Thank you."

He walked away, whistling, and Sophie stared at her chocolate in abject misery. Most of the whipped cream had melted.

Well heck.She was horribly afraid her plans had justgotten irrevocably twisted.

Cole made it sound as though hehadn't stayed single by choice but rather by necessity.He'd even hinted that he wouldn't mind getting involved with a woman now.

Andhere she had stupidly given him over to her make-believe sister. Sophie covered her face with both hands.The best laid plans , she thought.

She finishedup her hot chocolate and literally fled.

You're grinning like the cat who just found a bucket of cream."

"Yeah."Cole turned to Chase and grinned some more.

He'dbeen grinning all night, and with good reason. d.a.m.n, he felt good.Sophie wanted him . He kept reminding himself of that, but every time, it thrilled him all over. If hehadn't already known about her ruse, her last blush before rushing out would have done it. No one blushed like Sophie. He wanted to see her entire body flushed that way, hot for him and how he could make her feel.He'd been thinking and planning for hours now, ever since Sophie left, knowing that Sh.e.l.ly would return.

"So, what's up?You and Ms. Sunshine finally hook up, or was it that little rendezvous with the sister? That lady looked like she could put the grin on any guy."

Cole and Chase had always been as much like best friends as they were brothers, possibly because they were the two oldest, even though nine years separated them.They'd pretty much always confided in each other, but even so, if he'd had a choice, Cole would have kept Sophie's secret to himself. Problem was, Chase already knew she supposedly had a twin, so an explanation was in order. He sighed. "There is no sister."

Chase paused in the act of polishing a gla.s.s. "Come again?"

d.a.m.n, but hecouldn't seem to stop grinning, the satisfaction almost alive inside him, bursting out. "Sophie doesn't have a sister." He said it slowly and precisely, relishing the words. "She's an only child."

Cole waited while Chase sorted that out in his mind, then a dumbfounded look spread over his face and he laughedout loud . "Well, I'll be." He gave a masculine nudge against Cole's shoulder. "Aren't you the lucky one?"

Relieved that Chase was going to view the circ.u.mstances in the same way he had, Cole nodded. "d.a.m.n right. But no one else knows."

"Not a problem. Mack and Zane were so busy tripping over themselves yesterday trying to figure out what was going on with youtwo, I just left them to their own imaginations. It's not often they get to see you tongue-tied around a woman."

Cole slanted him a look. "It wasn't my tongue that was knotted up. h.e.l.l, I think the Inquisition could have been easier than last night was."

"But tonight will be different?"

"Oh, yeah."Tonight he had no reason to resist Sh.e.l.ly's invitation. That expanding tenderness gripped him again, and his resolve doubled. When he thought of what Sophie was putting herself through, the elaborateness of her plan, he wanted to whisk her away and spend days showing her how unnecessary it all had been. Almost from the first dayhe'd seen her, he'd wanted her. All she had to do was smile, or order hot chocolate, and he was a goner. "If I don't miss my guess, Sophie is trying to get one thing without losing another."

"And you're both of those things?"

He nodded. "She's lived a sheltered life with an elderly aunt, and she hasn't ever dated much. She doesn't want to risk the comfort of coming here every night, which I gather is the sum of her social life, by causing an awkwardness between us. If we have an affair, things might change, at leastthat's how she likely sees it. But once I explain it all to her, she'll know how silly she's been."

"So you're going to admit to her you know she's an only child?"

"h.e.l.l no!"Cole scoffed at the very idea. Sophie, in all her innocence, was offering him a fantasy come true, and no way was he going to mess up her little performance. Besides, he wanted to see exactly how farshe'd go with it. "I intend to show her that I want her, no matter who she is."

"Sounds like a dumb, hormone-inspired plan to me. And one guaranteed to tick the lady off."