Silver Stud

An over 40 romance series novel

Lyz Kelley

Contents

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Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Author Notes

More Books By Lyz Kelley

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Chapter 1

If Drew Baxter wanted a different outcome, he needed to make a change. 

So why was he at the Bay Cove Tavern again, sitting on the same worn-out barstool, watching his favorite football team lose?  

“Want another?” Joe, the tavern owner, asked. 

Drew picked up the drink menu. “I’ll try the lager for a change.” 

Joe paused his mixing and pouring and stared. “You okay? You always order the IPA.”

Well, hell. Did everyone need to point out he was in a rut?  Even one of his brothers made some smart-ass remark while going over the construction schedule that morning—something about him needing to get laid and a much-needed change of attitude. 

His little brother, who wasn’t so little anymore, had a point.

He’d been doing the same ol’ routine for the past two years. Work. Sleep. Eat. Repeat. His life resembled a half-eaten loaf of bread, now stale and bluish green with mold. 

Drew pushed the drink menu across the bar top, and ignored the rumbling in his stomach. “I’m fine—just wanting to try something different.” 

Joe gathered up the menu and stowed it away before retrieving a frosted glass from the below-counter refrigerator. “Okay, but don’t blame me if it’s not to your liking.” 

Drew ignored Joe and glanced at the big screen above the bar.

Pass interception.

That’s just great. He hung his head and blew out a stale breath. 

Man, he needed a change. 

The tavern’s front door opened and sent a sliver of sunlight in his direction. 

And as if fate answered his prayers, in walked the prettiest thing he’d seen in weeks. Check that…years.

The forty-something woman had straight brown hair that curled at her shoulders and a smile that warmed his cold beer. 

There wasn’t any wasted denim hugging those hips, and the white tank top with lace trim suited him just fine. The sizzling lust that came along for the ride caught him by surprise. It had been a long while since a woman made him feel much of anything. And boy did she make him warm in places he thought were on a permanent hiatus. 

Her breasts were full, her waist just right, and her hips round and curvy, just the way he liked. He took his time rolling his gaze down and then back up to her lovely face. 

No one else in the bar paid much attention to her, but he found the way she held her confidence high and proud made the whole visual appealing. This woman was right in the bull’s-eye of his type—the kind he hadn’t seen anywhere near this place for a long time. 

She glanced around the bar area and then turned to greet the man coming in the door. 

Figures. Why are all the good ones taken? 

He lifted his lager and sipped to cool his piqued interest. His taste buds revolted over unfamiliar flavor, and he worked to swallow. 

A movement made his gaze once again travel to the front bar area. He reassessed.

Ms. Stunning’s guy friend took several shuffling steps, leaving the impression he’d had one—or three—too many. 

She intercepted the man’s stumbling fall and then did her best to avoid guy friend’s hands. 

The Army had taught Drew a bunch. The most useful was assessing a person’s character in a flash of a second. Guy friend was in no shape to listen to the word “no,” and Ms. Stunning was losing control. Fast.

Drew pushed back from the bar. 

Joe placed a hand on his wrist, and stopped him. “Go easy.” 

He winked at the bartender. “That’s the plan.” 

He strode toward her, still assessing the situation, and then slowed to an amble. He didn’t want to misjudge what was going down.

If his instincts were correct, she needed an out, and he was in the mood to give her one. 

“Hey, hon! Did you have a nice day?” He stopped just behind her and placed a hand against the bar several inches away from her back, not touching her, but also close enough to allow his six-foot-four frame to create an impression. 

“Oh, hi,” she looked up, and then tilted her head back, her eyes widening as her head angled back some more.  

He liked that her head came up to mid-chest. He liked her beautiful eyes even more. “Hi, I’m Drew,” he reached around her and extended his hand to stumbling buddy. 

Mr. All-hands didn’t respond. He just looked between Ms. Stunning and Drew. 

Her creamy, flawless skin turned a bit rose-colored as she turned toward All-hands. “Oh, I’m sorry.” She licked her full, luscious lips. “Mike, this is Drew, my…my fiancé.” 

Fiancé? His brow lifted but he said nothing. Her eyes sparkled with recently resurrected humor. 

Buddy paused. “Fiancé?” He looked at his Rolex. “Gee. Look at the time. It’ll take me an hour plus to get back to the city. I should be going.” 

The city he was talking about was San Fransisco, and with the traffic and road construction travel time would be more like three hours.

“Let me call you a cab,” Nate offered.

“Fuck off, buddy.” City backed up several steps. “I don’t need a cab.”

“If you change your mind, there is a little B&B just down the road. I’m sure they have accommodations if you want to sleep off your buzz.” Sexy Lips added for encouragement.  

Mike’s keys were out of his pocket faster than a nail flew out of Drew’s staple gun. “Amy, you are a complete bitch.” And in a flash Mike was gone. 

But Drew wasn’t interested in Mike. He was too busy checking out Amy’s relaxed posture, and taking in the luscious smell of her sweet shampoo.

When she turned, Drew got a full look at her bright blue eyes. A jolt of heat ran the length of his body. Their gazes locked for longer than was appropriate under the circumstances. Something about her called to him, and he liked the message. He connected with her. Knew what she needed. Excitement quickened the blood pulsing through his veins. 

He backed off to a respectable distance. “Would you like a drink or something to eat? I get the feeling you’ve had a very long day.” 

“You have no idea,” she laughed, an airy sound that reminded him of Spring, a sound that grabbed him and forced him closer. 

“Has anyone ever told you your eyes are the color of the ocean?” 

“Is that supposed to be a pickup line?” 

The question should have made him take another step back, but he leaned in closer. “Just making conversation. Besides, you don’t seem the type of lady who would go for a pickup line.” 

Her full lips and sensual aroma made him imagine things he had no right thinking about, especially just after meeting the woman.  But then again, he was here, Mr. All-hands was gone, and she didn’t seem in a hurry to move on. 

“If you’re not into pub grub, there’s a nice little cafe a mile down the road. Fresh Catch has seafood just off the boat and some other, lighter options.” 

Her eyes flared with approval. “The place has been on my must-try list for the past several weeks, but I’ve just never found the time. Normally I would say no, but it has been a long day, and I’m starved.”

His heart gave an extra pump for victory. He peered over his shoulder at Joe. “Let me settle my bill here. Then we can go.” 

A smile fell into place, and this time it seemed gentler, more genuine. 

Damn. He didn’t believe in insta-love, but he didn’t know how else to explain the swift connection. And there was a connection. A strong hook and pull and he didn’t want to let go.

The Army also had taught him to follow his gut. Those early days of honing his instincts had spilled over when he returned home and started his construction business, and his aggressive style of solving people’s problems earned him and his younger brothers a good living. 

And boy, he sure wanted to solve this lady’s problem. But first he wanted to explore and discover what she needed. 

Her sweet vanilla ice cream scent awakened his manly parts—parts that had been dormant way too long. 

He stood there, taking her in. Cataloging the multiple ways he might take care of both their needs. 

“Didn’t you say you wanted to settle your bill?” she pointed at Joe. 

“What? Oh, yeah.” A tingle swept across the back of his neck. “Be right back.” 

He opened his wallet to toss a twenty on the old wooden bar, grabbed his fleece jacket, and then offered her his arm. “Ready?”  

“Give me one second,” She ignored his arm and lifted her cell phone to send off a quick text. “Now I am.” 

“Sending off an S.O.S. text just in case?” he asked. When she blushed, he knew the answer. “Good call.” He moved ahead to open the front door and closer in to capture her lip-smacking scent as she walked by. “It’s never a bad thing to be cautious.”

“It’s not always a good thing either,” she winked.

Oh, he liked this woman. He didn’t know why, and frankly he didn’t want to think too hard about why. He wanted to enjoy the moment, since having fun was such a rare commodity.

“We can take my truck.” He pointed to the monster black four-by-four sitting at the far end of the parking lot.  

She stiffened. “Why don’t we take mine? It’ll be easier for me to climb into.”

Too bad she wasn’t willing to give it a go, because he’d sure like to help those beautiful curves into the cab. 

She dropped her phone into her stylish red bag, pulled out her keys, and walked up to the driver’s side of a baby blue Honda Accord. 

He waited while she opened the door and tossed her purse in the back. The inside of her car was tidy, just like her. She appeared to like having things orderly, but he was already imagining what it would be like when she lost control. 

He hesitated when the passenger lock clicked open. He had never liked small, closed-in spaces, a side-effect of getting stuck in a bombed-out hut for three days until a rescue team got to his location. But then again, he would happily fold his body into an origami square if it meant being next to her. 

“Do you need help with directions?” He asked, clicking his seatbelt into place and taking in another whiff of her glorious scent. 

“The local florist said to take Highway One just past the grocery store, then take a left and follow the road.” She started the engine and backed out of the parking spot. “Does that sound right?”

“You got it. Have you lived here awhile?” 

Please tell me you’re local, not just passing through.  

She glanced his way before leaning forward to check for traffic. “I came up here for a short vacation last month, and then I guess I just stayed.” 

Yes! His heart did a quick pump. “That’s cool.” 

She glanced at him. Her eyes met with his before turning back to watch the road. “I love the combination of the ocean and redwoods. This place is beautiful, and the people friendly. What about you?” 

He measured her response. Was she running from something or someone, or was she just spontaneous? He hoped the latter. 

He tapped his fingertips on his thighs, letting the nervous energy settle. “This place has a way of calling people to come back home.” 

“I take it you grew up here.” She flicked on her turn signal. 

“Yep. My parents’ house is just up there, beyond that cluster of trees,” he pointed to the ridge overlooking the ocean.

He liked how she leaned forward and squinted, as if she might see the house hidden within the green and gold landscape. “Your parents must have a great view.” 

His parents’ house had a hundred and eighty-degree view of the coast, north and south, but he liked the view from his two-bedroom better. Most nights he fell asleep to the waves crashing against the shore. The house was intimate, pared down to essentials, but she didn’t seem like the type who would care. 

He imagined her on the go all the time. A restless soul who would much rather jump on an airplane, boat, or train than settle in one place. Then again, she might want something different. He hoped she might find it here.

She drove down the little lane and parked outside the cafe. “You sure this place is good?” 

The wooden-sided building, darkened a blackish grey by time and weather, didn’t look like much, granted, but the structures in the area were constructed to blend into the landscape. Like most of the local buildings and houses, it was what was on the inside that counted.

“Trust me,” he chuckled. “You won’t be disappointed.”

Her manicured brow lifted. “I don’t know you well enough to trust you.” 

At least she was smiling after making the comment.

“Come on. It’ll be fun.” 

He unfolded out of her car and rushed around to open the driver’s side door, all because she seemed like a woman who would appreciate having her doors opened. 

Inside the cafe, he greeted the hostess and held up two fingers. 

“Hey, Drew,” Linda said. “Outside table?” 

He did a quick check with the beautiful woman beside him. Amy nodded. “Sure.” 

He allowed her to precede him and followed a few steps behind her loveliness to his favorite table looking out over the ocean. The sun would set in about an hour, so the timing was perfect. He held out her chair and waited until she settled, wondering whether she would be warm enough, then decided he’d loan her his jacket if she wasn’t. 

“Thanks, Linda,” he gave the hostess-slash-waitress a quick smile and returned his attention to the intriguing woman staring up at him. 

“The salmon is good here, as is the crab. Get whatever you want, my treat.” 

She looked at him for a long moment, as if trying to decide if he was for real, then opened the menu. “I’m happy to pay for my meal. I just got a new job, and I haven’t yet been able to celebrate.”

“Then we will celebrate together.”

She peered over the menu top. “And what are you celebrating.”

“Meeting you,” he said. “That’s not a pick up line either.”

“Good to know.”

She gave him a good once over before turning back to peruse the menu. Linda dropped off waters and took Amy's order of salmon, and his order of halibut.

“Are you always such a gentleman?” Amy asked, her tone light, almost teasing. 

“Pretty much. My dad was a Marine, and my mom was a saint. Ma was gentle when needed and strict the rest of the time. She raised three rambunctious boys practically on her own and taught us all what’s what. I’m the oldest, and I have two brothers who work for me.” 

“And what do you do?” 

“I’m in construction,” he said, to keep it simple. He wasn’t sure it wise to reveal that his company had built most of the homes in the area, or that they won builder of the year three years running. That would come in time. And already he was hoping for a lot more time. “And what do you do?” 

“I’m an event planner—weddings, conferences, business events. I coordinate everything, down to the smallest detail.” 

She too was hedging. He couldn’t hold back his grin. He’d double his bet that there was much more to her job, but she was waiting, assessing, just like he was. 

And he liked the caution flag. 

After dealing with his ex and the needy women he’d dated in the past, he didn’t mind taking it slow. Then again, the way she tucked her hair behind her ear, the way she glanced at him out of the corner of her eye gave him the impression that if he wanted to, she was willing to engage in a much closer relationship. The kind that burned fast and hot. 

Over dinner the conversation and the wine flowed smoothly—perfectly.  

They talked about places they traveled, favorite meals, and a few bucket-list items. They even explored the hurts of past relationships, and all the emotional baggage those relationships left behind. They had one marriage apiece. Her youngest daughter attended a college in Sacramento, and the oldest just graduated from nursing school. He explained about his son being in Colorado, and why he came to visit for summer vacation. 

He liked her quiet composure. She was what she seemed, a well-traveled, sophisticated lady who liked to explore and have fun. Confidence was a benefit of getting older, and here was a woman who understood what she needed and didn’t hesitate to ask for what she wanted. 

He looked out to the ocean and told himself to focus on the setting sun instead of the interesting woman across the table, but his mind kept wandering back to her. Imagining her body beneath his, skin to skin. 

The conversation flowed, and he got the impression this wasn’t one of those one-time dinner dates. The push-and-pull of not wanting to make a misstep, yet wanting the steps to intimacy to progress faster, made him light-headed. 

The meal drew to a close, and he was weighing his options for what to suggest next when she reached across the table and touched his hand. 

“I’m enjoying this conversation. It’s the first non-client conversation I’ve had with someone interesting in a long time.” She paused, studying his face. “I received a wonderful bottle of Merlot yesterday from one of the local vineyards for promoting their wines, and I don’t want to open it alone. Do you want to come back to my place and have a glass?” 

Lady, you read my mind. “Sure. Sounds great.” He hoped he didn’t sound too eager, but he liked where she was headed. 

There were no games. No hidden agendas. She showed him a clear, full-color picture of exactly who she was. 

As she stood and placed her napkin on the table, all his must-dos for the evening fell away. Walking out of the restaurant, he appreciated again how her sexy body moved. His gaze lingered over the curve of her hips, and this time he didn’t stop his fantasies from rolling. 

Folding once again into her car, he settled in and gave her another once-over. When she glanced his way, he tore his gaze away from her plump breasts, which were swelling above her scoop-neck top. A wisp of a smile touched her mouth, as if she’d knowingly caught him looking and was okay with giving him a view. 

She started the car, and he couldn’t help but blissfully indulge in the rolling contours of her chest.

“What are you thinking?” Her gaze flickered with laughter as she pulled out of the parking spot and headed toward the rural highway. 

“Just admiring the view.” He shifted his focus to her face to make sure she heard his subtle message. 

A few minutes later she pulled into the driveway of a one-story rental. A place he recognized, since he renovated the kitchen for one of the locals that liked to buy cheap, fix up, and then rent to vacationers. Only this time, he’d rented to a someone Drew was hoping might stay a bit longer.  

Breathe. Slow down. What was with him?

He never thought long-term. Well he did with his business, but never a woman.

He unfolded from the car, and she met him halfway to the door, placing her hand on his chest. Without a word she looked at him, asking him for what she wanted. 

“Are you sure about this?” he asked, wanting a “yes” so bad it made his groin ache.

She lifted onto her toes. “Kiss me, Drew.” 

He didn’t hesitate, lowering his mouth to her full lips. She pressed in, wanting more. He licked. She sucked. They met in the middle, both giving and taking what they needed.  

He groaned and lifted his head. “Holy crap, woman.” He fought to catch his breath. 

“Are you going to come in?” 

Hell, yeah. He mentally checked his wallet for a condom. All good there. “I’d like that,” he paced his response to avoid sounding overeager.

She lifted her mouth to his and whispered, “The door’s open.” 

He cupped her bottom and lifted, and then he forced his grip to loosen. He slid her down his body, and set her back on her feet. “I can’t do this.”

She was looking at him like she’d just been beaten over the head. “Why not?”

He took another step back. “Because for the first time in a long time, I’ve met a lady I find smart, beautiful and fun. I don’t want a one-and-done thing. I want to see where this might go.”

“I see,” she bit her lip as if making a decision. “If that is the case, then let’s go inside and get to know each other better, and then maybe you’ll change your mind.”

Yes, his heart did a double pump.

He loved that she didn’t shy away with embarrassment, or back off with indecision.  She was content. And he found that sexy.

Chapter 2

Amy awoke out of a deep sleep, and reached to find the muscular, sexy body next to hers. The instant pull and tug of surprise and thrill rolled up her spine.

He had stayed. 

Memories of the glorious night replayed in her mind. The talking. The laughing. The indulging in too much wine. When he had helped her undress and then tucked her in bed, she was certain he would leave, but for some reason, he laid down and wrapped her in his arms and they talked until the wee hours of the morning.

For the first time since her divorce she felt desired and comfortable in her skin. There wasn’t any pressure to perform or be a bedsheet vixen. In fact, after three glasses of wine, he again refused her offer to be more intimate. He was sincere in his suggestion to let things naturally happen. He wasn’t a loser, the jobless type she’d been too often attracted to. This time she had the impression she’d finally gotten it right. 

A satisfying awareness of the hot body lying next to her heated her all over again. Holy crap, he knew how to make her laugh and feel valued. He listened with his hands and lips. She could be in his company all day and never get antsy, like others she’d been with. If only she could stay, but she couldn’t.

She rolled over to glance at the clock, flinched, and flipped back the covers. “Oh, shit.” She launched out of the bed.  

One of Drew’s eyes squinted open. “Is there a fire alarm going off?” 

“I’m late for work.” She reached for a clean bra and opened the top dresser drawer for a fresh pair of panties.  “I have to go.” She changed her underwear, pulled on a skirt and slipped a blouse over her head, then gathered her hair into a bundle and twisted it into a messy bun. “Oh, crap. Your truck.” 

Drew was sitting up now, rubbing a hand down his face. “Don’t worry about it. I’ll get one of my guys to come get me.” 

“You sure? I’m sorry. I gotta go. I’m so late.” 

“Go. I’ll be fine.” 

She hopped to the kitchen table, pulling on one shoe, then balanced putting on the other, grabbed her keys, and headed for the door. 

Fifteen minutes later, she was trotting toward the front door of the Silver Fox Resort. 

Crap. Crap. Crap. Crap. Crap. The second week on the job and I’m already late. 

Maybe she could sneak in and her boss wouldn’t notice.

She dropped her purse behind the concierge desk and reached to log into her computer when a shadow fell across her desk. She glanced up to find Zoey Foster, her new boss looking down at her. 

Zoey tapped the skin under her eye. “Your mascara is smeared,” she pulled out a pad of tissues from her pocket, separated one from the bunch and handed it to Amy. 

“I’m late.” Amy offered taking responsibility, “I’m sorry.” 

Zoey's stern face relaxed. “It happens. Please don’t make lateness a habit.” 

“Not a problem.” 

“Good. I have a project for you.” 

Amy grabbed her organizer. “I’m ready.” 

“I finally have a date for our grand opening, and I need you to develop itineraries and travel package ideas for our four VIP guests. I’ve emailed you their names, and all of them are owners of high-powered online travel review sites. These executives have seen it all. Done it all. We need to create a memorable experience, something different, something to make us stand out from the rest of the exclusive destination resorts.” 

“Got it,” Amy wrote the task assignment notes in cryptic shorthand. “I’m assuming this means flights, airport transportation, the whole package.” 

“Yes. And be creative. Original. I want to see what you can do. Let’s put a meeting on the calendar for Thursday. Will that give you enough time?” 

“I should be able to put a budget and a high-level plan together by then.” 

“Perfect,” Zoey started to leave and then turned back. “And you might consider visiting the restroom. Your shirt is inside out.” 

Zoey gave her a wink and then walked away. 

Amy looked down. Sure enough, the stitched blouse seams were giving her a mocking thumbs-up. She closed her eyes, reliving events of the late night. Or had it been an early morning?

Asking Drew to come in for a glass of wine from a bottle not only had they opened, but had finished and started on another, had been a brilliant idea. Even if time rewound and she had a do-over, she wouldn’t change a thing.

As she powered up her computers, a song from her drive over popped into her head. She did a little dance side-to-side in time with the beat, remembering how Drew took up most of the bed, leaving her to curl into the corner, wrapping her body around his. Since she hadn’t been able to take a shower, the scent of Drew still eased into her senses. 

Rolling through the prior day's events, a startling realization came over her. She didn’t have Drew’s number or have any other way to contact him. 

A stern disappointment crept in and added to the already overwhelming ache of being alone, in a new place, with a new job. She rushed to the restroom to fix her top, and then rushed back to her desk.

Somehow she forced her nerves to calm enough to concentrate on the assigned task. This was her choice. She’d wanted a new start, and now she had the opportunity to find herself. She decided to call this, The Remaking of Amy Denham.

Clicking on her desktop calendar, she counted the weeks. She had a little over three months to pull the project together. With the end-of-year holidays fast approaching, she’d need to act quickly, especially if she wanted to create something memorable. There would be vendors to research and reservations to be coordinated. So much to do. 

She glanced up when the front door opened and pressed back her shoulders, preparing to greet the incoming guest. Her smile faded, “Drew? What are you doing here?” 

Those little butterflies circled again. The man was hotter than LA in midsummer, and when he touched her, she just...melted. He was tall and built to move lumber. All her body parts approved.

His eyes flared, then settled, “Hey, gorgeous. What a surprise to see you here.” 

Embarrassment crept up her cheeks. She looked around him to make sure Zoey wasn’t within hearing range. “Please don’t call me that—not here.” 

His expression wilted. “Why not? It’s what you are. Besides, you didn’t mind me calling you beautiful yesterday.” 

“I work here, Drew.” Each word came out as a crisp whisper. “I’m the event coordinator.” 

He scratched his peppery gray morning stubble. “Ohhh. Got it. I’ll let you do your thing. Besides, I have an appointment.”

She stood. “You have an appointment? Here?” 

He didn’t respond, just looked around. 

“Well, it’s been nice.” He winked. 

He shifted away when her hand shot out, taking hold of his wrist. His skin was warm, and the thrum of his pulse sent a tightened awareness through her. She wasn’t even close to being done with this man. 

Drew’s expression, for the first time since they met, became unreadable. She fought to say something. Anything. 

“Drew,” Zoey called. “You’re early. Did you bring the plans?” 

Amy’s arm snapped back to her side. Her heart raced. She bit her quivering lip. Drew glanced her way, his face now void of all emotion. 

Drew raised his briefcase she just now discovered he’d been holding. “Got everything right here.” 

“Good. Let’s go into my office.” 

Zoey and Drew moved off and left her standing there, her senses heightened, aware of everything around her. His renewed absence left behind a craving to touch him, feel his heat. 

Damn him for making her believe in possibilities again. 

She pushed the swelling emotions away and returned to her desk to stare at the screen. Her mind whirled and veered between thoughts of Drew touching every inch of her and concentrating on her assigned task. She opened an Internet search screen, but she moved from site to site without absorbing any of the information.  

Thirty minutes later she was still on the same web page when Drew walked out of Zoey’s office. 

He just sauntered to the exit without looking her way. 

The only solace from Drew’s visit was knowing that somehow he was involved with Silver Fox. She just needed to figure out how to contact him again. 

Amy returned her focus to the computer screen to concentrate on what needed to be done, but she was restless. Her mind kept going back to the previous night and the comfort of Drew’s arms wrapped around her, his hot breath warming her skin. Her body throbbed with memories. 

She pushed away from her desk, intending to get some coffee, but headed for the front door instead. Some fresh air might be just the ticket to restore her balance. 

She pushed through the heavy wooden door, took two steps, and then gasped. A large hand wrapped around her wrist and tugged. Finding herself in a familiar embrace, she relaxed. 

“You need to be kissed,” Drew whispered with husky need. His warm hand slid to the base of her neck and pulled her closer, a smile on his sexy mouth. “So how about it?” 

No words were needed. She closed the distance between them, brushing her lips against his until he pressed in. Searing heat pushed her deeper. She forgot about needing fresh air, or taking a walk, or clearing her mind. Drew was doing the job for her.

She wanted to climb him like the steep ocean cliffs. Step by step. She hungered to reach the top, and the kiss went out of control, hands grabbed, and arms embraced. He pressed her hips closer. Her core instantly reacted. A long-aching need she thought they’d quenched the night before came roaring back. She reached a hand around his broad shoulders. She wanted this man. Wanted him now. 

“Drew,” she moaned against his mouth. 

He needed no more encouragement. He picked her up and swung her around, her back now against the building, surrounded by climbing vines. She needed more. Lots more. She slid a hand around his hips to grab his butt. 

“What in the hell are you two doing?” Zoey’s anger resonated loud and clear. 

Drew eased back, allowing Amy to slide down. He turned, keeping her hidden, giving her time to straighten her skirt.

“Ms. Foster, this is my fault,” Drew offered as an explanation 

Zoey stood with fists on her hips. “Now, I understand why Amy’s been distracted all morning.” She took a step closer. “Drew, this isn’t high school, and you’re not the football captain any longer. I should fire you both, right now. I expect professionalism. And this…” She waved her hands in their direction. 

Zoey was so angry even her ears were red. 

Amy stepped out from behind Drew. “This will never happen again, Ms. Foster. You have my word. Just please let me keep my job.” 

She needed this job, more than she needed a man in her life. Men always left her behind in a heaping mess, and she needed a way to pay the bills.

Zoey crossed her arms. “My dream is to create an exclusive resort. To do that, I need to hire only the best. Don’t make me regret my decision, Ms. Denham.” 

“You’re right,” Amy said, truly contrite.  “Our behavior was insensitive. I’m sorry. Please, I need this job.” 

“And, you,” Zoey pointed at the man beside her. “I will review your construction plan and give you my answer in a few days. And just because our families have known each other for years, don’t think I won’t hire someone else.” 

“Understood.” Drew’s eyes had turned dark and focused. 

Construction plan? Oh, God. Zoey’s retreat villas. Had she just put Drew’s bid in jeopardy? His expression had turned glacier.  

Zoey walked to her car, and drove out of the paved parking lot. 

Neither she nor Drew said a word until the car was out of sight. 

Amy took a deep breath, her heart racing. What was she doing? She needed this job. She wanted a new start, but this…this wasn’t good. Or was it? Confusion weaved around her heart and lungs and pressed inward, forcing her to take an extra-long, extra-deep breath. 

Sometimes life provides what is needed, not necessarily what is asked for. Drew couldn’t be what she needed. She just couldn’t rely on a man again.

Drew raked his fingers through his hair, his expression again blank.

She closed her eyes to avoid seeing his closed-off reaction. 

“I’d better go.” She took a step toward the door and stopped. “Do you have a card?” 

He fished in his pocket and pulled out a standard-looking business card.

“Drew Baxter. I never asked your last name.” She held up his card and plastered on a smile as fake as the eyelashes she normally wore. “See you around, Mr. Baxter.” 

“Are you going to call?” he asked as she pulled open the door. 

She turned back and looked at his face. There was hope in the lines fanned out next to the corners of his eyes. 

“At this precise second, I don’t know,” she said, because he deserved her unfiltered honesty. “I need this job, and neither of us can afford to lose Zoey Foster’s business. Plus, I’m not very good at relationships.” 

“Yep. We both need to keep our jobs, but that doesn’t mean we can’t see each other.” His look intensified. “And about those relationships. Maybe you just haven’t met the right guy, yet.”

“And you think you’re the right guy for me,” she asked trying to gage his thoughts.

“We will never know if you never call.”  

He didn’t wait for her answer. He turned and strode back to his truck, but his stride had become heavy and his construction boots dragged along the pavement. Her chest ached with uncertainty. Had she just pushed away one of the best men she’d ever come across? Probably.

Yes, she couldn’t take the chance. Men had disappointed and plagued her all her life. But even though she just met Drew, and regardless of the past, this regret hurt. He’d been nothing but a gentleman.

Holding the resort door open, she glanced back to see his truck’s taillights round the corner.

This morning she’d been brimming with emotional fulfillment. She reveled in the satisfaction of being on the right path to get the life she wanted—a good job and a nice man to spend time with. Now she felt hollow, empty. 

Oh, how she wanted to turn off the longing for his lips on hers, or waking up with his arms wrapped around her. 

Tears stung her eyes. 

Come on, Amy. Get a grip. He’s just another guy.

But that statement didn’t ring true. He was one of the good ones—that type she never could keep.

She opened the door wider, walking back to her desk, and then got back to work.

Chapter 3

Drew was pissed off. He’d been fuming for a week.

Amy hadn’t given them a chance before backing off. What was up with women?  Either they were hot or cold. There wasn’t anything in between. 

The two times he’d met with Zoey Foster, Amy had managed to be away from her desk. She was purposefully avoiding him. And that just sucked.

That morning, he spent the entire drive over to his construction site working to shake off the irritation. He parked his truck, downed the last of his coffee, and then pushed out of the cab.   

“Aw, hell,” his brother Bryce called from the equipment van. “I thought we had a shot at winning that resort contract. The numbers we put up were competitive.” 

Drew hung his head. His foul mood wasn’t about the construction contract. It was about a beautiful woman who wouldn’t get out of his head. Every time he closed his eyes, Amy was there, her head pressed into the pillow, asleep.

He shoved his truck keys in his pocket. “Do your hires. We got the Silver Fox contract.” 

Bryce took his time placing the tools in his hand back in the toolbox, just as his dad taught him, and his grandfather taught his dad. He then waited for Drew to approach. “So why do you look like someone just pissed in your coffee?” 

Drew reached past his brother for the clipboard of the day’s assignments. “We need to get this job done, because we’ve only got two weeks before we start the Silver Fox job.” 

“Is this about that lady you took to dinner? And don’t look at me like that. It’s a small town. You want to talk about it?” 

“Shut it, and let’s get to work.” 

Bryce stepped in front of him, which made Drew take a step back. “The guys all have their assignments. Everything is good. We don’t need you beating the shit out of some wall unit or dismantling a sink. Talk to me.”

Drew blew out his frustration. “I thought she and I had something going, you know? We had this connection.” 

“I take it you mean physically.” 

They hadn’t had sex, and he wished he had. Maybe he would have gotten her out of his system sooner. But as it was, each time he laid his head on his pillow all he thought of was her. How her curves felt underneath his hands. How her mouth felt on his lips. How she smelled. Oh, that glorious smell.

Drew tossed the clipboard aside. “You want a fat lip?” He moved out of arm's reach of his brother, just to make sure he wouldn’t make good on his threat. 

Bryce’s brow raised. “Wow. You’ve known this woman all of what? A week?” 

“We only had the one dinner. Crazy, right?” 

“Nope.” His younger brother shoved his hands in his front pockets. “She must be special. I haven’t seen you this pissed off about a woman in a long time. Not since Cindy.” 

He turned at the mention of his son’s mother. “Leave her out of this. We got married too young.” 

“And that justified her screwing your best Army buddy while you were away at battle school?” 

Drew shoved his fingers through his hair. “That was a long time ago.” 

“Yes it was, but c’mon, be honest with yourself. You haven’t opened up to many women since. This woman is different.”

“Maybe she is, but the ball is in her court, and she’s decided she doesn’t want to play.”

“And that pisses you off.” Bryce grabbed the nail gun and a box of nails from the back of the truck.

“Got that right.”

Bryce shoved the box of nails under his arm, and picked up his tool bag. “Then let's go take some frustration out on a few two-by-fours and leave the guys to do their jobs.” 

Drew stopped by the cooler and pulled out a jug of water.

“I’ve got an extra sandwich if you want it,” Bryce offered. 

Funny how in the past few days his appetite had disappeared. Man. He was sooo screwed. Why had he let a woman do this to him again? 

He’d forget Amy Denham, as he had all the others, if he could. 

Every time he closed his eyes, there she was. Maybe Bryce was right. If he spent the day framing and hanging drywall, his body would forget her curves. Her softness. Her endless blue eyes. 

Who was he kidding? Even if he worked for three days straight without sleep, his body wouldn’t forget how those curves felt underneath his finger tips. “I’m good.” he fibbed. 

Bryce eyed him. “Like hell you’re fine.” 

“You know what the worst thing is? …never mind,” he kept walking toward the house.  

“Spill,” Bryce let the frustration over his brother’s secretive nature sharpen his tone.  

Drew scratched at the day’s stubble on his chin. “The woman works at Silver Fox. I’ll be forced to see her every day.” 

“Dude. Didn’t you warn me against mixing business with pleasure?” 

Drew glared at his brother but said nothing. What could he say? His brother was right. 

But then the thought of her again did all kinds of crazy things to him. Even if she didn’t want him, he sure as hell still wanted her.

God, she was driving him nuts. 

He picked up the staple gun and battery power pack sitting just inside the front door of the house they were working on, before making his way to the back of the one-story rental his brother wanted to flip. 

Halfway through the day he concluded that Amy had a point. If they saw each other, it would put both their jobs in jeopardy. He had his brothers and crew to think about. 

All day, Drew stapled, pounded, and screwed until his arms screamed with exhaustion. Bryce was in and out to hand him half a sandwich or a refreshed jug of water. Drew never slowed down once. He couldn’t. He needed to focus on something besides her.

Bryce reappeared in the bedroom’s doorway closet when the sun’s rays were fading from the window in the room where he’d spent the day. “You going to work here all night?” 

“Probably.” 

Bryce grinned. “That’s too bad. There’s a hot-looking woman outside leaning against your truck.” 

Drew arched back just enough to see out the window overlooking the street.

He’d know those glorious curves anywhere. He glanced at his brother. “I’ll be back to finish up in the morning.” 

“Or afternoon. Either way, I’m good,” his brother smirked.

Drew pulled off his work gloves and slapped them against Bryce’s chest. His brother laughed as he fumbled, then caught the gloves before they hit the floor. 

Bryce didn’t follow him out of the house, but did expect his nosy sibling would watch and make sure he was okay. That’s just how the Baxters’ worked.

Amy was wearing a sexy-hot red dress, and those long legs gave him goose bumps. He wished now that he hadn’t started something he couldn’t finish. Bryce was right. He shouldn’t be mixing business with pleasure, but oh, those ocean blue eyes made him want to drift away with her. 

Her full mouth curled at the corners at the sight of him. 

“Hey. Congratulations on getting the Silver Fox contract.” She lifted a bag. “I brought two glasses and the bottle of champagne. How about a little celebration party?” 

“Do you think that’s wise? I had a hard time resisting taking you to bed last time. I’m not so sure I could resist a second time.” Not that he needed any alcohol to be with her.

His fingers twitched with the need to touch her, but he couldn’t. He wouldn’t put her in an awkward situation at work again.

“It’s just a glass of champagne,” she said, but he saw in her eyes that what she wanted wasn’t just a glass of bubbly. She wanted him in her bed.

He wanted more. 

He took a long inhale and let the breath out. “You were right. Seeing each other wouldn’t be healthy for either of us right now.” He put more space between them. “You need anything, call. I’ll send one of my guys over.” Because being around you is too dangerous for me, he wanted to say, but couldn’t. 

“You’re angry because I didn’t call.” The bag in her hand swung to her side. “I waited to make sure you got the contract first. I was protecting you.”

“You weren’t protecting me.” He wanted to pull her into his arms and hold on so bad it hurt. “You were protecting your heart.”

God, he hated the look of hurt in her face. Why did life keep throwing obstacles in his way toward happiness?

“This is goodbye, then?” She tilted up her chin. 

“Your choice. It seems you still have a few things to figure out.” Drew shoved his hands in his front pockets to keep from reaching out. His gut tightened with determination. “The project with Silver Fox ends in eighteen months. How about we revisit what’s between us then? If you’ve moved on by then, we’ll have our answer.”

“And if you move on?”

“I won’t,” he stated, but knew it was a fact. She had ticked many of his boxes, and he would wait for her decision.  

She pushed from the side door of his truck and lifted onto her toes to brush a kiss on his cheek. “Take care, Drew.” 

He rubbed his hollow chest as she got in her car and drove away, watching the gorgeous woman drive out of his life. 

Bryce appeared at his side. “How about that pizza and beer you’ve promised me for the past two weeks?” 

He squinted into the setting sun, tempted to go back inside and take his frustrations out on a closet. But working all night wouldn’t take away the hurt or mask the loneliness sweeping into his heart. He pulled the truck keys out of his pocket. “Yeah, why not?”

Chapter 4

Amy rushed to put the finishing touches on the VIP plan. 

She’d done a half-assed job, and she knew it. The past four days had been so crowded with thoughts of Drew that concentrating on anything else had become impossible. 

Maybe getting fired wouldn’t be such a bad thing. Then again, what would she do for a job? Perhaps she had a shot at working for Drew. He said he worked with his brothers. Construction companies always needed office help. But then she wouldn’t be able to do what she loved.

The past few days she’d done a lot of thinking about their last conversation. 

He hadn’t shut the door on their relationship. He said they might revisit this connection they shared in another eighteen months, when his contract was finished. That wasn’t a no, it was a wait and see. 

Zoey stepped out of her office and gazed in Amy’s direction. 

Amy raised the papers in her hand. “I’m coming.” 

Striding across the modern welcome center, Amy’s heart pounded. 

How was she ever going to pull this off?  If only she hadn’t been so distracted with thoughts of Drew. She was a planner. Why couldn’t she figure out how to keep her job and him at the same time? 

Amy rushed into Zoey’s office, closed the door, and took a seat on the opposite side of Zoey’s small desk return, sheer panic a fist in her chest. She was freaking. She’d never gone into a planning meeting so ill prepared. Ever.

“So what’ve you got?” Zoey leaned over to look at the sample itinerary pages Amy had put together.

“When I think exclusive, I think pampered,” Amy scooted the fabric-covered chair closer to the desk. “The goal is to make each person feel special. The challenge is, everyone wants something different—which got me thinking. Why create something for just the VIPs when every guest coming here will expect to be pampered?

“With this in mind, I created a questionnaire of personal preferences. The data can be kept long-term for analysis purposes so we can better serve our clientele. There are general questions such as, are the VIPs here to relax, or to have adventures? And there are more detailed questions related to pillow types, bath scents, food likes and dislikes, allergies, and energy levels.”

Amy offered Zoey a printed image of her website design. “I’ve mocked up a sample web page with the Silver Fox products already on hand. Over time we can see what product lines are requested most often and expand or limit the offerings. All the data will be stored in one place so you can make better decisions.” 

Zoey's lips pressed tightly together. She seemed distracted. “Okay. What else?”

What else? Amy blew out a frustrated breath. Keep it together, Amy. Just keep going. Breathe. 

Amy took a page from the file on her lap. “Depending on how extravagant you want to get,” she placed the page on Zoey’s desktop. “California traffic can gridlock for hours. What if, instead of offering limo service, we offer helicopter service? Time is money, right?” 

Zoey continued to be distracted. Her eyes every few minutes flicked to the welcome area, then back. “Helicopters?” she sat back in her chair. She crossed her arms, her gaze still focused on the lobby. 

Was she thinking about her VIPs entering the lobby? Maybe she hated the questionnaire idea. Too bad, because Amy thought the concept was fabulous. 

“Tell me more about the helicopters.” Zoey said.  

Amy pulled out another sheet of paper. “Here are the rates and an executive summary of one company in the area. The pilots are well qualified.” 

Zoey studied the details and then looked at her. “The plan is brilliant. This,” Zoey waved her hand across the table, “this is the reason I hired you. Your plans are creative, original, and perfect. I’d like to expand on these ideas.” 

Amy blew out a breath she didn’t even know she’d been holding. “I’m glad you like my ideas. The suggestions are not inexpensive, but by making each stay personalized, I believe Silver Fox will create a more lasting impression. At least that’s what I’m aiming for.” 

“How fast can you have the website questionnaire ready?” 

She swallowed, a warm glow of pride filling her. “I suppose you want it yesterday,” she said, only half-joking. “I’ll start on it right away.” 

Zoey’s grin started, then expanded. “Again, very, instinctive…smart.” 

Amy shuffled the papers on the desk into a pile and slipped them back into her folder.  “I should be able to get you something more substantial by the end of the week.” 

“I have another idea,” Zoey’s expression soured, her eyes squinting, and assessing. “Do you have something you need to do for the rest of the day?” 

Zoey’s non-verbal cue had turned negative, making Amy rewind the conversation. How odd. There wasn’t anything out of line on her end. 

“Um, no, just this. Why?” 

 Zoey’s frown reversed course, and then blossomed. “Then I would recommend you take the day off before my chief construction foreman paces a pathway in my newly-laid flooring.” 

Amy followed Zoey’s stare. Sure enough, there was Drew, pacing back and forth with a bundle of eye-popping yellow sunflowers in his hand. 

Amy snapped back into her previous position. “He has flowers.”

Zoey smiled back. “Yes, he does.” 

“Oh, dear.” Her body pulled inward as embarrassed heat scurried up her neck.  

“Why don’t you go out there and ease the guy's pain?” Zoey suggested with the raise of a brow.  

Amy might have found the situation funny if this was about a resort guest. But it wasn’t. It was about her, and everyone was watching—Zoey, the accountant who needed paperwork signed, even the gardener had stopped to stare. Oh, man. What was she going to do? No way could she keep ignoring the hot, sexy man on the other side of the door. 

Amy stood and convinced her feet to move toward the door. Drew, seeing the meeting had ended, met her right outside the door. 

“Hey, these are for you.” He shoved the yellow bundle toward her waistline. He looked past her shoulder. “Zoey, do you have a minute?” 

“Wait!” Amy pulled on his arm. “Don’t.” 

His frown deepened the creases between his eyebrows. “Amy? What do you think I’m about to do?” 

“I’m not sure, but if it has something to do with me, I’d like to be involved in the decision.” 

“Fine,” Drew grabbed her hand, hustled her back into Zoey’s office, and shut the door. 

This time it was Zoey’s turn to frown. “Mr. Andrews?” She stood and crossed her arms. “May I ask what this impromptu meeting is about?” 

He studied the woman behind the desk. “When you offered me the construction job to build the retreat villas, you said I wasn’t the lowest bid, but that you trust me—more importantly, that you trusted that I would get the job done right.” 

“That’s true.” Zoey’s mouth quirked with humor. Only for a second, but Amy caught the expression.

Energy vibrated through their hands. 

“I promise you I will deliver your villas on time and on budget, but I have one favor to ask.” 

“Go on,” Zoey didn’t move or change her expression. 

“I’ve met the woman I believe is my better half,” Drew looked at Amy with such tenderness she wanted to weep tears of joy. “And while we’ve only had one date, I don’t want to wait to have another. Plus, I don’t want to give up the chance to see where this connection might take us. I have come to formally state my intention of dating Amy Denham while working my ass off to finish your project.” 

Zoey dropped her arms and walked around the edge of her desk. “You promise no groping in the front of the building?” 

“Yes, I promise,” Amy and Drew said in unison. 

“No sex in the linen closet?” 

“Nope,” Amy said, but Drew hesitated slightly.

Zoey cracked a smile and pointed the finger at Drew. “Fine. Just don’t let a guest catch you.” 

Amy’s mouth dropped open. “What? You won’t fire either of us?” 

“Why would I fire you? You both are brilliant at what you do. I need a good team of people to make this place spectacular.” Zoey waved her arm toward the door. “Now, go. Wipe those miserable frowns off your faces. I want only happy staff. No. I demand only happy staff,” Zoey winked at them.  

Amy reached out to Zoey and wrapped her in an embrace. “Thank you.”

“When you find a good man, don’t let him go,” Zoey advised, with a tenderness in her tone Amy had never heard before.  

“Thank you,” Amy whispered again, because Zoey might have just given her one of the best gifts ever. Love was priceless. 

Zoey squeezed Amy one more time, then released her. “You two can talk in here. I need to sign some paperwork and then go get a massage.” 

She gave Drew a nod as she opened the door, then closed it behind her. 

Amy stared at the door in disbelief, then turned back to Drew. “Did you mean what you said to Zoey, that you believe I’m your better half?” 

He cupped her neck and ran a thumb along her jawline, his warm palm sending tingles down to her toes. “No.” 

She wanted to slip out of his grip, but then she saw the beginning of a smile. It started, then crept across his whole face.

“Amy, honey, you're more than my better half. Hell, you’re my hundred percent. When I’m with you, everything is easy.” 

She snuggled her arms around his waist. “I’ve missed you.” 

“So what do we do now?” The heat from his body warmed hers. “I suggest we get out of here before we find ourselves locked in a linen closet.” 

He threw his head back, his bark of laughter echoing around the room. She pressed an ear against his chest. He quieted. The thrum-thrum, thrum-thrum of his heart filled her soul.  

“Amy?” 

“Shhh. I’m listening.” 

He wrapped his arms around her shoulders. “What are you hearing? 

“I’m hearing our hearts heal.” 

He planted a kiss on top of her head. “Is it too soon to tell you I love you? Because I think I do.” 

Amy giggled with delight. “At our age, nothing’s too soon.”

“Good. Cause I want to spend the rest of my life proving it to you, if you will let me.”

Amy tightened her arms round the man she wanted to hold for a very, very, very long time. “You don’t need to prove anything. Just be you, because I fell in love the first time you said, hey, hon. Did you have a nice day?”

Author Notes

Dear Reader,

I’ve always been a person who runs off a cliff and then worries about how I will land.

That’s why when a writer friend said, “join us, we’re releasing novelettes for the holidays,” my first reaction was, sounds exciting.

My second thought was, Yikes. I don’t write short.

But I’ve always been interested in writing something for the parent who’s waiting to pick up a kid, a business person in between meetings, or a senior waiting for a doctor’s appointment.

Plus, who isn’t up for a fun challenge?

And despite whether I think I can or can’t write short, you, my reader friend, are the ultimate judge.

I hope you enjoy reading Drew and Amy’s story.

Plus, know there is more of their story to come in the Silver Fox Resort series.

~Lyz

More Books By

Lyz Kelley

SILVER FOX RESORT

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SILVER DOLLAR

SILVER BELLS

SWEET

SWEET CHAMPAGNE

SWEET CHARDONNAY

SWEET DECEMBER

SECRETS

BILLIONAIRE’S SECRET

DOCTOR’S SECRET

THE ELKRIDGE SERIES

BLINDED

ABANDONED

ORPHANED

RESCUED

UNMISTAKEN

ATONEMENT

BITTERSWEET

GUARDED

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Thank you for reading: Silver Stud

Award-winning author Lyz Kelley mixes a little bit of heart, healing, humanity, happiness, hope, and honor in all her books that are written especially for you.

She’s a total disaster in the kitchen, a compulsive neat freak, a tea snob, and adores writing about and falling in love with everyday heroes.  

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Dedication

To all those who read—thank you!

Each time you turn the page, you afford the creative an opportunity to pursue their passions.

* * *

To my VIP Kelley’s Heroes ARC team who help me catch all those pesky mistakes…here is a special thanks to you.

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And thank you to all those readers I missed, because I’m sure I forgot someone.

Copyright

SILVER STUD Copyright © 2019 Belvitri, LLC

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Copyright invigorates creativity, encourages diversity, promotes and supports free speech. Thank you for buying an authorized edition of this book and for complying with the copyright laws by not printing, scanning, uploading, or sharing any part of this book without permission of the publisher. If you would like to use material from this book (other than for review purposes), prior written permission must be obtained by contacting the publisher Belvitri Services, LLC by writing to the following address:

PO Box 8594, Tucson, AZ 85738

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places or incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to the actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events or locales is entirely coincidental. For questions and comments about the quality of this book please contact us at Lyz Kelley’s contact page.

Cover Art: Covers by Megan Parker