Read Online When the Glitter Fades (Cowboys of Whispering Winds) by Renee Peterson - Free Book Online Page B

held her breath. Cautiously, she opened the door, relieved to find it in immaculate condition. “This will be your room for the length of your stay.”
    “It’s quaint and charming, just as our friend said,” the shorter one, Jan, exclaimed. “It’s absolutely darling.”
    Lanie smiled inwardly. She knew who the dramatic of the two cousins was. “If you need anything, I’ll be downstairs for another half hour. Otherwise, there is a list of phone numbers to call.  Someone is available at all hours, so don’t hesitate to reach out if anything should arise.”
    “Thank you,” Amy replied. “And thank you for staying late to wait for us.”
    “It was not a problem.” Noting they were already settling in, Lanie took her leave. She waited an appropriate amount of time, until she felt confident the cousins had successfully settled into their room.  
    She hurried back to her cabin in order to prepare for Clay’s visit. Tonight would be a huge step in their relationship, and with any luck, would cure her of the unsettling sensations that popped up anytime Jeremy came around. Guilt pricked at her. This would be the second time she’d used Clay’s presence to distract her from Jeremy. But was it really wrong since she enjoyed being with Clay, she reasoned. His kisses turned her on, his embrace offered solace. It’s not like she was taking advantage of her boyfriend.
    Checking her phone, she saw a missed call from Jeremy; it must have been Cody calling to say goodnight. She returned the call, talking to Cody for a few minutes. Before hanging up, she spoke with Jeremy, reinforcing bedtime routines. She knew she was being a nag, but she hated having her son away from her at night, even the nights he stayed with his grandparents, a few hundred feet away from her cabin.
    Satisfied that her son was fine, she undressed and took a shower. Taking her time, she shaved and scrubbed, washing with her lavender infused body wash. The hot water beating out from the showerhead felt wonderful on her tensed muscles. The conversation with Allie had her more worked up than she cared to admit. Enough.  No more thoughts of anything except for her evening with Clay. He deserved her full attention; especially since she knew he wasn’t entirely comfortable with her ex-husband living at Whispering Winds now. She couldn’t blame him; if the situations were reversed she’d have some misgivings also; regardless that she trusted Clay.
    Maybe the problem was that she didn’t trust herself.
    After drying off, she dug through her drawers, looking for lingerie.  It had been so long since she’d had reason to wear any.  Unhappy with everything she found, she settled on a lacy black bra with matching panties. She looked at her reflection in the mirror. There was still a soft pouch below her waist that she’d never been able to rid herself of after giving birth. Other than that, she was content, overall, with her appearance. She wasn’t model thin, but she’d been blessed to have proportion and curves in the right places.   
    At eight forty-five there was a knock on the door. She grabbed her emerald green silk robe from its hook behind her door, slipped her arms through the sleeves and tied the sash around her waist. Giving herself a final appraisal through the mirror, she went to invite her guest inside. She opened the door, and Clay stood there holding out a bottle of wine.
    His eyes followed the outline of her robe, a languid, appreciative smile appearing.  “You are beautiful.”
    “Not too bad yourself,” she quipped. “Come in.”  Taking the bottle of Merlot, she carried it to the kitchen and pulled out two wine glasses.
    Coming up from behind her, Clay wrapped his arms around her waist, resting his hands near her navel. His lips teased the lobe of her ear, awakening her sensual nerves. He brought one hand up to sweep aside her hair, trailing his lips down the feminine curve of her neck.  Delicately, his hands maneuvered her