“Could she have chosen a heavier model?” Steven groaned as they carried Cora’s new stove through the door.
“Probably.” Dade huffed. “I’m glad we were here or those guys would have left it sitting on her doorstep.”
They finally got it through the kitchen door and set it down. Steven slid to the floor. “What is this made of? Titanium?”
Dade smirked as he leaned on it. “My arms are Jell-O, I’m never going to have the energy to put the door frame back together.”
Steven looked at it. “Looks fine without a frame if you ask me.”
Dade walked over and measured the space for the stove again. “And you thought the old one was heavy.”
“The old one was a normal heavy. This thing was built by NASA to anchor a ship on the moon.” He dropped down to the floor. “Why didn’t we call Owen? He’s bigger, could have slung this on his back.”
Dade stood and looked at him. “Someone didn’t eat a good hearty breakfast this morning, Doc.”
Steven grinned. “No time for breakfast, late, late night and it led to an early morning.”
Dade opened the fridge and got two bottles of water. He tossed one to him. “Rach is pretty happy about the pregnancy I take it?”
Steven grinned. “Oh yes, but she wants to make sure.” He sat up and took a drink. “Gotta do what I can to keep her happy.”
Dade took a long drink and motioned. “A sacrifice, I’m sure. Come on we’ve only got eight feet to go.” He squatted down on the other side of the stove unable to see Steven because of its height. “Ready?”
“Yeah.”
They lifted it together and shuffled towards the space in the counter. “Turn.” Dade grunted.
When they set it down again Steven went over and stretched out on the counter. “Don’t tell Cora,” he said closing his eyes.
Dade smirked as he went behind it to do the wiring. “I won’t.”
Steven turned his head toward him. “I understand why you’re trying to bust your back to get back in Cora’s good graces, but remind me again why I am.”
Dade grinned and looked around the corner of the stove at him. “If Cora’s happy then so is Rachel.”
“Right.” He grinned. “So how is it going with Cora?”
Dade finished what he was doing. Straightening up he set his tools on the counter and went over to the water. “I’ll have to get back to you on that.” He took a drink. “I’m not completely sure at this point.”
Steven sat up and swung off the counter. “What do you mean you’re not sure?” He walked over and looked behind the ovens. “She’s talking to you.”
He set the water down and went back over to the stove. “Yes, we had quite the talk last night. Let’s slide this in real easy. I don’t want to mark the tiles.”
Steven grimaced. “Yeah, that will be easy to do.”
They inched it back in slowly trying to keep from marking the floor. When they had it back and level with the counter Steven patted it and looked at Dade. “Hoping to eat some of the great food that comes from this.” He dropped down into a chair. “So, what did you talk about?”
Dade started peeling the protective sleeves off the oven. “Found out about that night.”
“The button night?”
He nodded. “That one, talked about that night at the fire too.”
“How did that go?”
Dade stopped and looked at him for a minute. “I think, okay. It’s hard to tell sometimes though.”
“I hear that.”
Dade stepped back and looked at the stove. “I hope she doesn’t want to get the fridge that matches that.”
Steven shook his head. “She does and it sits outside where the delivery guys drop it.” He stood up and stretched out his tired arms. “Do you have a game plan or are you just planning to kill yourself trying to impress her?”
Dade smirked and shook his head. “No, that is not part of the plan, and be thankful I talked her out of putting the freezer she’s getting downstairs.”
Steven groaned. “Next appliance move, it’s Owen’s turn.”
Dade picked the key up off the counter and looked at it for a second then slipped it back into his pocket. “Already told Cora I’m not going away, so we’ll see what comes out of that.”
Steven patted him on the back. “Lots of luck. I’m out of here.” He headed out the door.
Cora practically ran from her car to the front door. She didn’t stop to close it and ran into the kitchen flicking the light on quickly. “Oh, you’re beautiful!” She whispered as she went over and ran her hands over her new stove. “You and I are going to be spending a lot of time together.” She ran her hands over the buttons and dials.
“I’m jealous of an appliance.”
She jolted to see Dade leaning against the doorway. “Isn’t she beautiful?” She grinned.
He looked at the stove then her. “She doesn’t stand a chance with you standing beside her.” He pushed away from the frame. “Most people close their front doors when it’s cold outside.”
She opened one oven and looked in. “I was so excited, the day just dragged on and on.” She closed it and did the same with the other. She spun around and practically threw herself at him. Grabbing his face, she kissed him hard. “Thank you.”
He grabbed her arms quickly trying to keep her close. “You’re welcome.” Before he could try to kiss her, she spun away again looking at the stove.
“Stay for dinner. I…” She turned and looked around. “Oh, I bought some groceries after work, they’re still in the car.”
He grinned. “I’ll go get the stuff from your car.”
She grinned at him. “Great. Then I’ll feed you.”
He nodded. “Okay, oh and the Doc is not happy with the weight of your purchase, he asked me to tell you no more appliances.”
She smiled. “I almost have enough.”
Dade came back in with the bags and went back out for the long box in her trunk. Setting it on the table he found a knife and opened it. Burner plates. Go figure. It was a row of four burners in a metal stand. He looked at the oven. He hadn’t even thought that there were no burners on the tall appliance. Learn something new every day.
“I just have to decide where I’m putting that.” Cora spoke from the door.
He looked up and swallowed. She had changed into faded black jeans and a tight white t-shirt. He was sure there was nothing between that shirt and her skin. She had her hair pulled up to expose her slender neck and the few curls that escaped just asked for someone to play with them.
“Dade?”
Blinking, he realized she was speaking to him. “Yeah.”
“Is it that complicated? Putting some tile down or some sort of heat barrier to hook up the burners?”
He hadn’t even heard her ask. “Uh, no shouldn’t be.”
Cora smiled. “Great.” She walked over to the long counter and looked at the cupboards and space. “I think here would be perfect. When can you do that?”
He was looking at how the denim molded to her slim hips as she faced away from him. “Tomorrow.” He wasn’t sure what she wanted, but he’d manage. “Tell me what you want and I’ll take care of it.”
Pausing she stood back looking at the counter. “I’m thinking metal to match the stove, can you bring it out to the front of the counter?” She ran her hands along the counter top. “Leaving enough space behind for larger pots?”
Shaking his head, he tried to get his brain back on track. “Shouldn’t be too hard. I’m sure if I take a drive and shop around, see if I can find something that will match your stove.”
She turned and smiled. “Perfect. Thank you.” She picked up the burners and turned to the counter. “We’ll just have to use them this way tonight though.”
His eyes were watching the back of her neck. The urge to lean closer and take a small taste was hard to control. “So…” He turned back to unpack the bags. “What’s for dinner? And is it heavy, I don’t think I could lift anything else today.”
She turned to help him. “I guess I’ve wore out those muscles of yours, poor Dade.” She smirked at him. “I really appreciate you doing this.” She set the ingredients on the counter. “What are you doing for a handfast gift for everyone?”
He handed her the meat. “I have no idea. I’m trying to fake my way through decorations, and the idea of gifts is just beyond my scope right now.”
“Don’t feel bad, I have no ideas either. What do they need?”
He leaned against the counter. “Nothing that I can think of.”
“Exactly.” She sighed. “Well, keep thinking and if either of us comes up with something good we’ll share it.”
“Sounds like a plan.” He watched her move through the kitchen. Still surprised she’d found the time to unpack everything in the kitchen while the rest of the house still had unopened boxes everywhere. “Can I do anything?”
Smiling, she shook her head. “No, I think you’ve done more than enough for one day.” She put the kettle on. “Sit. I’ll make us some tea.” She grinned. “I don’t have any beer yet.”
He sat down shaking his head. “The idea of beer still upsets my stomach, tea is fine.” He watched her move around the kitchen in the graceful way that was hers and hers alone. She moved between the fridge and counter with smooth efficiency.
Those jeans hugged everything he wanted too. He had to not stare at her shirt each time she turned, so he watched her hands as she worked. “I spoke to Chris about an hour ago about going to see Charlie. I told him I’d pass on the message to you.”
She paused. “When do we go?” Turning she watched him.
“Tomorrow after work.” He watched her to see her reaction. She looked down for a moment then back to the counter.
“Good we’ll get it out of the way.”
“You don’t have to do this, honey, if it bothers you.”
“It does bother me, but I’m going to do it.” She set the pan on the stove and poured the mix into it. “So, Chris knows what he’s doing right?” She placed the meat onto an oven tray. “Kasey told us a bit about his book of spells, the one he’s not supposed to use.”
“I don’t know about the book, but I’ve seen him do some very, uh, interesting things in the past.”
She smirked. “I’ll just bet you have.”
Dade lowered his head. “And because I want to stay in your good books, that’s all I’m saying.” He looked back at her. “He knows what he’s doing and won’t do anything that could harm you in any way.”
“That’s all I needed to hear.” She smirked and watched his face. “These interesting things, they’re things I wouldn’t approve of?”
He looked at her for a moment then cleared his throat. “I’ll set the table.” Standing, he moved to a cupboard and peeked in. He turned back to see her trying not to laugh. He dropped his head down and smirked. “You were baiting me …”
“Sorry.” She laughed quietly. “I couldn’t help it.”
Putting his hands on his hips, he glared at her. “Well, try really hard. I can get myself into enough trouble without you helping me along.”
He grinned at her as she set the tea on the table. “Unless you’d like a demonstration of some of the interesting things Chris and I discovered when we were younger.” He looked up from the front of her shirt again quickly.
Cora paused in pouring. “I don’t think that would help you stay in my good books, Dade.” She and placed the tray of into her new oven.
“You’re probably right.” He turned and found the plates to put on the table.
Setting his rinsed plate in the sink Dade grinned. “That was, as always, perfect.”
Cora grinned and handed him her plate when he put his hand out. “Thank you.” Sighing she leaned back. “I can’t wait to test the oven to its full capabilities. Making food for fifty should do just that.”
“I volunteer to be the taster if you need one.”
“I’m sure I will.” She stood up and leaned past him. “Do you have room for some dessert? Nothing special just fruit and cream.”
He patted his stomach. “I think I can fit some in.”
Reaching over, she patted his stomach. “Yes, sounds like there’s just enough space left.”
He ignored his impulse and reached over to touch her stomach. “Is there room for you to have some too?” He left his hand there lightly.
Cora looked down at his hand for a moment, then placed her own on top of his. “I could probably have a little.” She looked up to see those dark eyes leaning much closer and watching her intently. “Do you want dessert in the living room or here?”
He slid his hand out from under hers and lightly touched her hip to bring her closer to him. She was close enough that he could smell the scent she always wore, the scent that always stayed with him and kept her foremost in his thoughts. “Where ever you’d like.” He lowered his head and brushed his lips lightly over the exposed skin on her neck that had been teasing him throughout the meal. He kept his voice a whisper. “I’d like to have you for dessert if you want the truth, Coralee.” He brushed his mouth just under her ear.
Her hands went to the front of his shirt, unsure whether she wanted him to stop or continue. Listening to his voice when it was so soft and low sent chills down her spine and made her whole body ached. “I think the fruit would be better for you.” She leaned back and allowed his mouth to continue across her throat.
“I don’t think so.” Trying not to push her too fast he rested his other hand on her hip and gently massaged it with strong fingers. Lifting his lips from her throat he brushed them over hers lightly.
Cora’s hands slipped up to Dade’s shoulders letting him pull her closer. Searching her eyes for a moment, he lowered his mouth and kissed her slowly.
Cora opened her mouth to his and tasted him. When Dade’s tongue brushed against hers, she felt the heat move through her whole body from the intimate contact. Her hands moved up into his hair and gently pulled his head down further.
Just feeling her respond threw his whole body into overdrive. He had to struggle to keep things easy and relaxed. His hands, moved up to her ribs and back down to her hips.
Slipping one hand under the edge of her shirt he gently ran it up her back while pulling her into to his body. She was returning his kisses as heatedly as he was giving them. He felt like he was drowning. Her eyes never left his when he lifted his head to gently run his tongue over her lips. He nibbled on her bottom lip, she gripped his hair and pulled his mouth back to hers.
When Cora pulled his head back to kiss her his body hardened even more. He liked her this way. He liked her every way. Pulling his mouth away he ran his lips down her throat again and heard her gasp against his ear. Slow down, his brain was trying to tell him. Thinking then slowing wasn’t working out too well.
He moved his lips along the front of her throat, supporting the back of her head with his hand as she leaned back to allow him access. Lifting his head, he looked up to see her eyes closed and lips parted. His hand moved along her ribs under the thin material of her shirt, and stopped just under her breast. Brushing gently against it with his thumb he watched her suck in a quick breath.
Lowering his mouth back to hers, he kissed her hard, showing her how she was affecting him. She moaned into his mouth and pushed her hips against his. As she moved against him, his body rushed one step closer to the edge of his control. Running his lips down her neck roughly, his hand pushed slowly at her shirt, baring her.
When his lips moved roughly over her skin, then gently to soothe, he could feel her tremble. Her hand held his hair to keep him close to her. Gripping his shoulder, she leaned back slowly allowing his mouth to move over her skin. Her hips were pressed tightly against him, there was no hiding how much he wanted her. He’d only meant to kiss her, but the more he touched… tasted… the more he wanted. Pushing up her shirt, he paused to see if she stopped him. She didn’t. When his mouth moved down to brush lightly over her bare breast she sucked in a breath and gripped his hair tight, exciting him even more.
He barely touched his tongue against the little silver ring and he felt her nipple tighten against his lips. He flicked his tongue against it and felt her shudder and push into him. His reasons for moving slowly were fading quickly. With his lips, he gently pulled against the hard nipple and heard her gasp. Without lifting his mouth from her breast, he whispered. “Cora love, tell me to stop now if this isn’t what you want.” His tongue touched the ring gently again waiting. Her hands tightened in his hair and but she didn’t say anything.
Sucking the nipple into his mouth he played with the ring with his tongue. She moaned and gripped his hair tighter. Barely able to catch his breath, he lifted his mouth from her warm flesh and pulled her tight into his chest. “Let me take you upstairs.” He whispered against her throat.
She pulled his hair and his mouth back to hers in a desperate kiss, giving him her answer without words. He kissed her back and reached down and gripped her bottom. Pulling his mouth away he whispered hoarsely against her mouth. “Wrap those gorgeous legs around me, love.”
He boosted her up so she could wrap her legs tight around his waist while gripping his shoulders. Her long legs locked around him, his face level with her chest. With one hand, he held her to him and turned to walk from the kitchen.