Only You

He handed me a box of my favorite chocolates and I couldn't help but smile, thinking it was sweet that he remembered.

He pointed at the pretty silver wrapped box with a pink bow. "Those are your favorites; half orange and the other half are strawberry."

I looked at him, a little shocked. "I can't believe you'd remember something like that."

He held my gaze as he flashed me a smile. "I haven't forgotten a thing, Lacey."

The way his eyes were sliding over me, it was pretty clear that he was talking about more than just my taste in candy.

"And I remembered your sister prefers dark chocolate, so these are for her," he said, setting it down at the end of the table.

"Oh, she'll love that."

"Good. Then I guess we should eat."

I pointed at the wine Meg had already opened. "Anyway, it looks like Meg's thought of everything. Probably made us something for dessert, too. I've got a sneaking feeling that she's trying to push us together."

He just flashed another grin as he poured the wine. And we both started laughing when we realized she'd even put on some mood music. Of course, it was Barry White's deep sultry baritone belting out, "I'm never gonna give you up." Meg just loved the sound of his uber sexy voice, and always called it, 'Baby making music,' whenever she'd dance around to it.

"Can you believe this? Sad thing is, I think Meg thinks she's being sneaky, hoping we wouldn't catch on to the fact that she's setting us up."

"I don't mind." He shrugged, smiling at me across the table. "Dinner's good, and the company's even better. I've really missed spending time with you, Lacey. And I was hoping we could find some time to catch up. So, I guess Meg has done us a favor."

Even though I hadn't planned on spending an entire evening with him, I decided I might as well just enjoy having dinner him with one last time. Though I was definitely going to be having a word with my sister, whenever she decided to come home.

Then it occurred to me, with this being their third date, and since she'd always had a thing for Toby, I knew she might not be back till sometime tomorrow. With our shop being closed on Tuesdays, she had no reason to rush home.

Which meant, I was going to be spending a night alone with the one person in the world I knew I had no business hanging out with.

It took me long enough to get over him when he'd left to make his mark in the world. Now here we were, enjoying a romantic candle lit dinner, since Russell had lit the candles that Meg had put on the table. And I couldn't believe it when he even got up and dimmed the lights.

"That was nice of Meg to make us dinner, especially considering she was going out," he remarked as he re-took the seat across from mine.

"Yeah, she's sweet like that," I said with a roll of my eyes as I took a big fortifying gulp of my wine, hoping I wouldn't choke on it.

I knew my sister thought she was being helpful, pushing the two of us together. But I just couldn't let myself get wrapped up in him again. Not when his life was in California and mine was here. And no way did I want to start anything that we weren't going to finish. Especially considering what I'd heard about him lately.

Russell cut into his steak and let out a little moan when he had his first bite. "Wow. This is really good."

Deciding I might as well eat, I took a taste of mine, and agreed. "Yeah, Meg's a good cook." Even if she did like to poke her nose in where it didn't belong.

Lifting his glass, he smiled across the table at me. "To being back home."

I sort of nodded as we clinked glasses, since now his home was across the country, and we both knew he'd be gone soon.

I had a sip of wine and cut into my potato to let it cool off. "So, how are you enjoying being back in Walkerton, Russell? Must seem a little dull, considering the glamorous life you lead now."

"I wouldn't say that. You know I've always loved it here. Every time I come back; I realize just how down to earth everyone is. Unlike where I've been living for the past three years, where I've begun to realize that no one is what they seem."

"Well, I'm guessing before long you'll want to head back, since I doubt there's anything here for you anymore."

His eyes glimmering with amusement, he just gave me a teasing smirk as he dug into his steak.

We ate in silence for a few moments, till Russell decided to tell me what he'd done with himself today.

"Actually, today I had the best time I've had in a long time. I drove out to my cousin Jessie's farm and got to see his new baby boy, Ben. He's a real cutie, and I even got him to give me a belly laugh while I was holding him. And before I left, Jessie let me take his new horse out for a ride. That was sweet, with the wind at my back, riding through the open fields, just letting the horse run.

"After I'd spent a little time with them, I headed in to town to pick up a few things, and I bumped into Miss Lizzie and Miss Annie on Main Street. And they kindly invited me back to their place for a slice of warm pecan pie with homemade vanilla custard ice cream. And man, that really tasted like home. While I was enjoying the pie, they put on their dancing shoes, and an old LP, and showed me their moves. And I had fun taking turns dancing with the two of them. Surprisingly, for their age, they're still pretty light on their feet."

"Aw, that was sweet of you, to spend some time with them like that."

"But that's the kind of thing I miss, just being with real people. To be honest, I still kind of feel like a fish out of water in Hollywood. It's just not where I want to be."

"But I thought everything was going great. I heard you'd landed your first leading role in a romantic comedy. And co-starring with a celebrity like Tahlia, I think really proves that you've made it. Lately, it seems like you're making one movie after the next. And every time I put on the radio; they're playing your music. So, I'd say you've got everything you ever wished for."

For a moment he looked pretty pensive, staring into his wine as he twirled his glass, then he lifted his gaze and looked up at me. "Yeah, career wise, I guess I can't complain. Though it took me a while to figure out, it turns out that fame and fortune aren't everything. I was thinking today how lucky my cousin is, married to his childhood sweetheart, living his dream life out in the country with a new baby."

"Well, I'm sure one day you'll meet someone too, maybe on a movie set. And when it happens, you'll just know."

My heart jumped when he pinned me in place with his stare. "Lacey, I already know what I want. And I'm lookin' right at her."

Oh my god, he had to be kidding. Instinctively, I held my hands up and shook my head. "No, Russell. We had something once, but it's over. Your life is out west and mine is here. And there's no point in trying to dredge up the past, just so we can have a little fun before you head back home."

Though he gave me a flash of his dimples, he didn't say anything else. But I had a feeling he was hiding something. And I was glad that we managed to finish dinner without bringing it up again.

Although, while we were enjoying some of the warm peach cobbler with ice cream that my sister had kindly left for us in the oven, I made a point of telling him what I thought about the difference between him and his cousin.

"You know I've got a feeling that if you had married young like your cousin Jessie, and never had a chance to live out your dream, you never would have felt settled, and might have grown resentful. Probably always wondering what it might have been like to get out there and show the world just how talented you really are."

When he just shook his head smiling at me, as his cheeks pinkened, I remembered what his grandmother used to say about him.

"Your grandma always said that you were too pretty to play football, which is probably why she did all she could to get you interested in music and dance. And I imagine she must have been tickled pink when you told her about that talent scout seeing you perform in that little bar in Nashville, and offering you a chance to make your first movie."

"I think that was just being at the right place at the right time. He was looking for someone to play a singing cowboy, and I guess because someone had put a Stetson on my head as I sang, he picked me."

Always humble, I thought it was cute the way he blushed when he flashed me a smile and let me get a peek of his dimples. His grandmother was right, though. He really was one fine looking man. And thanks to that talent scout, now the whole world knew just how special R.J. McCabe really was.

Soon he'd be heading back to make another movie to thrill his fans. And I imagined he'd forget all about Walkerton, once he got back to doing what he really loved most.

Once we'd broken the ice, we did a lot of laughing over dinner. And it felt great just being with him like the old days, when we'd talk about anything and everything under the sun.

After we'd finished our coffee, I remembered why he'd come by, and thought we'd better look over the notes we had for the concert.

I showed him the list I'd made on my tablet of the possible talent we had lined up to perform. "So, far, there's you, of course." I smiled at Russell when I said that. "And I'm sure just having you as a headliner, should sell a lot of tickets. The mayor also mentioned that his brother has a band, and he's really good with a banjo."

"Yeah, I've heard him play, and he's right. Eddie's crazy good with a banjo," Russell agreed.

Then I remembered, shy little Joanna. "Not sure if you knew, but Joanna, the young soloist in our church choir has uploaded a few of her songs onto YouTube. That girl can sing like an angel. If we could just find her find something a little trendier than hymns to sing, I think she'd be great."

"I'm sure I can help her find something that would suit her voice, and her style." He studied the list, and looked up at me and asked, "Have you found a venue yet and decided on a date?"

"I was thinking, if we could do it before Christmas, we could call it a Holiday show. December 17^th is a Saturday, and it's not too close to Christmas."

"Yeah, I think we could manage to pull it together in a month. But what about the venue?"

"Well, the biggest place in town is the hockey arena. And I'm sure you remember the stage isn't exactly huge. Though not everyone's going to be up there at once, it still won't hold that many people. And unfortunately, it'll have to be standing room only for the audience. Although, if we did two shows, it might not be so crowded, providing everyone would be okay about performing twice."

"We should go and take a look together, and see what we can do. I've got to make a few calls. But I think I've got an idea where we could put this on, that'll probably fit the whole town. I know some people in sound and lighting who could help out, too. And a few others that might be willing to perform."

Then he started grinning as he looked me over. And I wondered what he was up to as I watched him go over and push the couch back against the wall.

"I was thinking, the two of us could do one of our old routines. And I bet the crowd would like that," he said, once he'd opened up a space in the middle of the living area.

"Russell, it's been ten years since we danced together, and I'm not even sure if I remember the steps."

Undeterred, he pulled out his phone, went through his playlist, set it on the table, and flashed me a smile. "Only one way to find out."

As George Strait's, "I Just Want to Dance with You," started playing, he reached for my hand and pulled me to my feet.

Soon, we were both laughing as we danced our way around the room.

As George belted out:

'I got a feeling that you have a heart like mine

So let it show, let it shine

If we have a chance to make one heart of two

I just wanna dance with you.'

It felt like the old days, when we were still in our teens, and so focused on competitive dancing, we never even thought about dating each other. At least until we got back from college, and realized how much we'd both grown up. And that's when the chemistry really got started.

"I think we've still got it." Russell chuckled as he spun me around the room and lifted me off my feet. And with his eyes on mine, he finished by pulling me into his arms for a hug as he dipped me.

As the song came to an end, I felt a little breathless, probably as much from being close to him, as from dancing.

"I think you should add us to the list, Lacey. And if we can get some practice in before the show, I think we'll be fine."

Though I had been anxious about spending an evening alone with him, I felt kind of disappointed when I watched him heading over to the door to leave.

When I walked over to say goodnight, he rested his hands on my hips and I felt a little tingle of anticipation go through me when drew me against him. My heart leapt into my throat when he leaned in and whispered, "I would really like to kiss you goodnight."

I knew where this was going, and was already shaking my head. "Russell, I don't think us kissing is a very good idea."

He gave me a flash of his sexy dimpled smirk. "Well, I think it's an excellent idea." His eyes dancing with amusement, he held up a single finger. "Just one kiss, and I'll go."

"Okay." I couldn't help but smile back. "Just one kiss. But that's all."

"Just one kiss..." he whispered against my lips, teasingly brushing his lips back and forth across mine, making my heart pound.

Of course, no surprise, that one kiss was all it took.

Whenever we got together, it was like spontaneous combustion. There was no denying our chemistry. And before we realized what was happening, he was cupping my ass in his hands, and my fingers were sliding into his hair. Plastered against each other, he was grinding himself against me as our tongues danced.

Crazy didn't even begin to describe what we were doing. God, I'd missed this with him so much, I could hardly believe how good it felt just to be able to kiss him again.

When he lifted me off my feet, and started heading down the hallway, wrapping my arms around his neck, I asked, "Where are you taking me?"

"I think we'd be more comfortable kissing --horizontally." Of course, we both laughed as he carried me into my bedroom.

Once he laid me on my bed, I looked him in the eye as he crawled on his knees, his weight on his hands, hovering over me. "Just so you know, our clothes are staying on."

"I'm fine with that, as long as I get to hold you. I've just missed you so much, Lacey."

He wrapped me in his arms, sank his tongue into my mouth, and I was lost. The longer we kissed, the hotter I was getting. Soon, he had me feeling like I was burning up.

I didn't even realize I was unbuttoning his shirt and nearly ripping it out of his jeans, I was so focused on getting at his body.

Lifting his head, he chuckled. "I thought you said our clothes were staying on."

My heart pounding, chest heaving, I wrapped my hand around his neck, tugged his head back down and told him as I feverishly kissed him, "That was before you set me on fire, you little devil."

"Well, that makes two of us." His eyes dark as coal, he got to his to feet, slowly slid down his fly and peeled off his jeans, keeping his gaze on mine the whole time. "I don't think I've ever wanted anything as much as I want you right now," he nearly growled.

Then he turned me on the bed, reached over and tugged down my zipper. Tingling with anticipation; more than happy to help out, I lifted my toosh, so he could peel off my leather pants and toss them aside.

He smiled looking me over as he pulled my sweater over my head and reverently smoothed his hands over my breasts. "I've really missed the girls, too. You've got to have the most beautiful body I've ever seen."

I smirked, looking him over, because I knew I'd never seen anything hotter. His broad chest heaving, with a little dusting of red curls trailing down over his six pack all the way to his pulsing shaft; that was just so hard and thick, he was an absolute fantasy come true. Thrilled to see him naked again, I winked. "Right back atcha, big guy."

Smiling, he crawled into bed and wrapped me in his arms, gently stroking his hand over my cheek. "You know I've dreamed about being with you like this, almost every night, since the day I left."

"I've dreamt of you, too. I was actually dreaming of you the night of the fire, remembering us on that beach under the blanket, the first night we made love. And I thought the smoke I was smelling was from the fire you'd set to keep us warm."

"You must have been shocked when you realized it was the church that was burning."

I shivered thinking back. "Everyone in town was pretty upset watching the flames shooting up in the sky."

He dropped a kiss on my forehead and just held me. And for the longest time, we just enjoyed being skin to skin, although I couldn't ignore the feel of him insistently pulsing between us.

Pulling back, staring into his big green eyes I could hardly believe that at least for now, we were back together. And crazy as it seemed, already naked in my bed.

Our hands roamed as we began to kiss, exploring and touching and tasting. Until he had me shivering, as I watched him slide his way down between my legs.

Though, he made me laugh when he parted my thighs, pressed a kiss to my puss and whispered, "And I've really missed you, too, sweet thing."

Holy smokes, then he lashed out his tongue and licked me, and I nearly bounced right off the bed. It had just been so long since I'd felt anything so mind numbing, the way he nuzzled and licked and suckled me right into an orgasm.

"Russell, you're making me crazy," I gasped, tugging at his hair, as one wave after another swept over me as he just kept licking. Looking up at me he smirked, but he didn't let up, and kept teasing and tasting and sliding his fingers into me, till I swear I was seeing stars and some kind of crazy light show flashing before my eyes.

I was still fighting to breathe, when he straddled my hips, looked into my eyes and asked, "Do I need to wear a condom?"

Desperate to feel him inside me, I shook my head. "No. I'm still on the pill." Though I hated to ask, I knew I had to. "But what about you? Have you been with anyone else?"

"No. I haven't been with anyone since you, Lacey."

I wondered how that was even possible, considering he probably could have anyone he wanted now. But I didn't think it was exactly the right time to start a conversation about his love life, or lack of one, by the sounds of it, since he'd moved away.

Soon, both of us were moaning, as I dug my hands into his hair and he claimed my lips, at the same moment that he reclaimed my body. And the feeling of him pushing his way inside me, filling me up and making me feel whole again, for the first time in years, had me nearly breaking into tears. I just felt so elated as we began to make love, with our tongues tangling and our hands going everywhere at once as we mated.

His eyes looked so dark and stormy, as he pulled back and groaned, before he thrust in a little deeper. "I can't even describe how good this feels. God, I've really missed this with you, Lacey."

I kept clenching around him inside me, till he laughed. "You keep that up, and I'm not gonna last much longer. And I don't want to rush our first time back together. I want to take it nice and slow."

I ran my hands down over his arms, surprised at how ripped he was, as I tested his muscles. Though he'd always been in good shape, he looked absolutely incredible now.

"Feels like somebody's really been working out."

He smiled as I kept stroking his arms and running my hands over his pecs. "Yeah, they've got me working with a personal trainer and a dietician. The kind of movies I've been making lately, they want me to look good from every angle. And I'm guessing no one wants to see me stepping out of the shower in a love scene with anything jiggling."