Chapter Sixteen

A shifting movement pulled Lily from her doze. A man’s strong arms cradled her body as they gently placed her on bare couch cushions. She woke up with voices nearby, ones it took an extra second to recognize.

In a flash, she sat up, noticing the guys heading toward the front door. “Wait. Are you leaving already?” Her voice croaked, hoarse from her nap. They couldn’t go, not now. Not when her relationship with Cale had begun to blossom.

Cale turned to her. “The guys need to get going. Dillon is packing right now.”

Her heart sank at his words. She chastised herself for falling for a man that would walk out of her life in mere minutes. I was just a fill-in for a few short days.

Cale tugged her against his chest. “I’m not leaving, Lily.”

Blinking back tears, she managed to look up into his face, finding the truth she needed. “But you said they were leaving and Dillon was packing.”

He nodded, brushing a kiss to her temple. “They’re going to drop Dillon by Della’s house. He moped and whimpered and looked downright pitiful enough that the guys decided to put him out of his misery.”

“Huh?”

A soft grin appeared on Cale’s face. “Della only lives about an hour from here. Just past Timberline. Since he was up and about and the danger has passed, Dillon insisted he would get to her tonight, one way or another.”

Letting out a relieved breath, Lily returned his smile. “Good for him.” She wiggled loose, heading toward the small group of men gathered near the south side of the house, all carrying duffle bags and weapons. “Are you sure you can’t stay?”

Spoon shook his head. “Bugle here is determined to get to his woman. Besides, we would only cramp Cale’s style hanging around.” A twinkle sparked in his eye as he glanced at the man in question.

Cale flipped him off, but quickly ruined the effect with a chuckle.

Dillon limped out of the bedroom carrying his gear. Plopping it down, he headed over to Lily, giving her a warm hug. “Thank you. For everything.”

“You’re welcome. You remembered the rest of your medication, right?” The nurse in her rose to the occasion.

“Yep. Cale personally checked my bag three times just to make sure.” A huge grin spread across his face. “We’re headed to Della’s.”

“I heard.” She leaned in to kiss his cheek. “Take care of that girl of yours.”

“Will do.”

She took a moment to hug each man, thanking them one more time for what they did in protecting Cale, Dillon, and her.

Cale slapped his teammates on the back and wrapped Dillon in a brotherly hug, then stood behind her as together they watched the SUV drive up, the guys pile in, and finally drive off.

A forlorn sigh escaped from Lily.

“What was that sigh about?” Cale spun her around in his arms, shut the door with a free hand, and tilted her chin.

“I miss them already,” she confessed.

His lips twitched. “I’m still here.”

“I see that.” She peered up at him through her lashes, coyly teasing. “So, what are we going to do now?”

“Oh, I can think of a few things,” he tossed out, rubbing his chin over her crown. “Walking fences and checking cattle.”

“Done that already.”

“So we have. Feeding and playing with bottomless pit kittens.”

Both turned their attention to the couch, where the small family had taken up residence on the still warm cushions. “I think they’re good.”

“Laundry and cleaning up the kitchen.” His lips teased her earlobe, nibbling with the slightest nip of teeth.

A shiver sped down her spine. “Already done, too.” Her voice dropped to a whispery level, sultry with a hint of uncertainty. “Perhaps we can work more on those kisses while I check to make sure you do have a belly button.”

His soft laughter sent her hopes flying. Cale reached down, captured her hand, and placed it at the bottom of his T-shirt. “Check anything you want. Anywhere you want.”

She sucked on her bottom lip for a long second, new at this game. “What about the kisses?”

He placed a small peck on the end of her nose. “Oh, there will be lots of those. Every kind of kiss imaginable.”

Her belly did a slow summersault as his lips sealed over hers. Cale licked the seams of her lips then pressed for entry.

Cale caught her low moan as she melted into his kiss. He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her flush to his frame, allowing her to feel what exactly she did to him. Her hands tugged at his shirt, pulling upward in a near frantic motion.

Breaking their contact, he eased back to remove the article himself, reveling in the expression on her face as she took in his bare chest. No one had ever made him feel handsome and special, not the way Lily did with her rapt attention, appreciation, and obvious enjoyment in staring at him. His blood ran hotter with the realization that such a basic thing appealed so much to her. His cock began to throb, sensing the time had finally arrived. He’d struggled with his heightened libido since he admitted to checking Lily’s underwear drawer and heard her accuse him of a fucking foot fetish. Just like she’d slipped under his guard, his body responded in kind, hot and hard, impatient for him to make Lily his.

Almost cautiously, Lily reached out, tenderly placing both hands on his shoulders, allowing them to slowly meander across his pecs, down his sternum, and over his abdomen, excitement and open curiosity sparkled in her eyes the whole time. She sucked on her bottom lip as one finger traced the waistband of his sweats.

The sheer innocence she exuded was the only thing that kept his control in check. As it was, he hauled back on the reins of his control more than once, each little action on her part pushing him further into the flames, while testing his patience. Yet, he’d no more rush this joining than he would walk away leaving them both frustrated and in blazing need. No, she trusted him, he saw the truth in her expression, and he could do nothing less than make their first time a glorious experience to remember for years to come.

Swooping in, he took her mouth once more, his kiss deep and thorough, entreating her to follow him into the fire so they could burn together. He latched onto her sweatshirt, sneaking underneath to lightly stroke and explore until he found her bra-clad breasts. Upon cupping each in a hand, he lightly stroked his thumbs across the nipples, feeling the shiver course through her body as if it was his own. After snaking one hand to her back, he unclasped her bra, eagerly pushing it down and away, far enough to feel her bare skin against his callous roughened palms.

She arched into his touch, a small whimper escaping her mouth only to be caught by his.

Mirroring her with a growl of his own, he stepped back, putting enough space between them so that he could easily read her face. “Are you sure?” He had to make sure because if his suspicions were correct, Lily was about to surrender her virginity. To him.

She nodded, leaning back toward him.

Relief washed through him. The words would have been better, but he read the truth in her face. She wanted him. Wanted this. His arousal jumped tenfold.

He reached out, took one of her small hands, and led her into the bedroom, quietly shutting the door all but a crack behind them. Turning, he took in the sight of Lily as she pulled her bra through one of the sleeves of her sweatshirt. She still wore too many clothes, but he chided himself to go slowly, introduce her with patience and attention to details.

Her gaze roamed over his body once more, pausing an extra beat at the level of his groin. A telling blush appeared.

“Like what you see?” He couldn’t resist the urge to tease her.

Lily sucked her bottom lip in a nervous gesture he’d recently discovered. The motion endeared her all the more. “Can I…?” The crimson stain on her face deepened.

“Yes,” he answered, not certain what she was asking. It didn’t matter. She could do anything she wanted. Everything she wanted. He was a willing subject for all her experiments. He stood still, watching her approach slowly, as she reached out for the tie on his sweatpants. No sooner than her fingers touched the string did she peek up, uncertainty written all over her face.

Unable to speak, Cale wrapped his hand over hers, then leisurely tugged, releasing the bow. Still holding her hand, he led it back to his body, tucking her fingers beneath the now loosened waistband.

She wiggled her fingers, lightly stroking his already hard flesh.

The light caress over his sensitive tip nearly sent Cale right over the edge. Cale clamped his back teeth together, holding tightly to his control, giving her the time she needed to learn his body. Besides, if his instincts about her experience or lack thereof were right, she needed all the time and encouragement he could give her. He steeled himself for more of her touch.

She became bolder, first, with slipping more of her hand inside the material, then finally dragging the sweats down, letting them settle around his ankles. Quickly stepping out of the puddled material, he stood nude for her viewing pleasure.

Her eyes widened then she licked her lips. Appreciation flashed across her face along with a healthy dose of curiosity, awe, and sensual longing.

A balm to his soul and an aphrodisiac more potent than any pill could ever be.

As much as he enjoyed her open exploration of his flesh, he needed to turn the tables and focus on her. Right now, it was his turn to learn more about his lover. He grabbed her hand as she reached out to touch his erection. “Later.”

Bewilderment crossed her face.

“I need to touch you.” With that said, he made short work of her sweatshirt, leaving her upper body bare. Raspberry nipples ripe for the taking stood out from modest but perky breasts. Nowhere near average—beautiful and perfect and his.

“Kiss you.” Leaning in, he brushed his tongue across one side, before taking the nub fully into his mouth, sucking gently.

Lily gasped and stumbled slightly under his tender assault.

Upon bending down, he swept her legs up, cradling her against his chest, until he reached the bed. He laid her down near the center, pausing a moment to take in her beautiful body. Faint bristle marks gave one breast a rosy tint compared to the other. Her flat belly quivered with her erratic breaths.

Cale slid one knee on the bed, reaching down to snag her sweatpants, giving them a tug.

Lily lifted her hips, allowing for easy removal, leaving her clad only in a pair of small pink cotton panties that accented more than they distracted.

Sucking his breath in at the vision before him, Cale settled alongside her, his hands automatically seeking those glorious breasts he’d recently discovered. He kissed her long and hard before pulling away to lick down her neck, slowly edging downwards. Laving his tongue over the closest breast, he nuzzled and suckled, before moving to its twin, greeting it with the same eager abandon. The peaks grew taut under his affections as she wrapped her arms around him and pulled him closer, communicating her need for more of the same.

Lily arched up beneath his ministrations, her body clamoring for more, even as her breathing escalated. He could almost hear her heart speed beneath that exquisite chest. Pride and satisfaction surged through him at her delightful responses.

He edged south, swirling around her navel before tracing down to rest squarely between her legs.

Her legs clamped together, trapping his hand between them, as she sucked in air. Tension radiated over her small frame.

Lifting from his feast on her breasts, he stared down into her face, reading her expression with ease.

Her half-lidded bedroom eyes spoke of the sensual spell she was under with her blatant enjoyment of his touch—if the wetness on her panties was any indication. She met his gaze as her teeth worried her lip—a sure sign of nerves and perhaps a hint of indecision. Considering her untried status, he expected some cautionary reflexes on her part.

“Easy.” Knee-jerk reaction. He would bet on it. “I’m not going to hurt you.”

“I know. I’m sorry. I just…” She glanced away, a flush covering her face.

“Just?” he pressed her, leaving a trail of kisses from her shoulder back to one delectable breast.

“I haven’t…”

Cale rested his weight on one elbow. “Lily, look at me.”

She complied, her eyes wide and expressive.

“Virgin?” he whispered the words, then twisted his trapped hand slightly, encouraging her to make room by relaxing her legs.

Scarlet color flamed across her face as she turned away. “Yes.”

He barely heard the whispered admission. Not that it surprised him, considering her shy responses thus far. Hell, he’d pretty much labeled her untouched back on day one. Her actions and those pink cheeks had told the story.

Cale nipped her collarbone, bringing her attention back to him. The need to comfort her, coax her, and allow her to see through his eyes prodded him to offer up his inner thoughts. “Do you know how special you are?” He followed it with a lick across a tasty nipple. “Beautiful and sexy, a siren.” He had never been a man for flattery and lots of flowery words in bed. But, then again, he had never bedded a virgin before. All his playmates had been well experienced and needed little encouragement and direction. Until Lily. Something deep down clenched at the thought of being her first. And only. The thought startled him. But, the more he considered it, the more it felt right. He would make sure her first time proved memorable because of the wonderful sensations and erotic happenings, a standard for all other encounters to compare to.

Armed with knowledge and resolution, Cale continued his explorations, kissing trails over her body, all the while working over her core, getting her used to his gentle touches in such a sensitive area. Within minutes, she opened her legs, allowing him greater access, not voicing a single complaint when he hooked his thumbs under the cotton and slowly removed her last remaining garment. He soaked up the sight of her naked on the bed before him, blonde hair spilled on the coverlet, as she shifted her legs apart once more, exposing her glistening pink folds covered by a sparse collection of light brown curls. His cock jerked as he puffed out a breath of air at the sheer beauty before him. As much as he wanted to cover her and sink into her depths, he paused to commit this picture to memory.

“Cale?” Her raspy voice jerked him into action.

“I’m right here.” He slid from the bed and marched to his discarded pants. After taking a condom out of his wallet, he returned to her side, planting kisses across her tummy in apology for making her wait.

Lily reached down, bracketed his head with her hands, and pulled him upwards, pressing her lips against his. Her tongue initiated the connection, slipping into his mouth, raking over his teeth, and flicking against his own, in an age-old game of tag.

He kissed her deeply and passionately, distracting her while he sought the damp depths of her femininity once more. Ever so slowly, he parted the flesh, sliding easily in the moisture until he found the nubbin he sought. With practiced ease, he raked one finger lightly over the top, then circled the area.

A low groan sounded from Lily’s throat. Lily arched into his hand, reacting to his caress. Her arms wrapped around his neck, as if she were afraid of falling if she didn’t wrap him up tight. He felt as much as heard her gasp.

Satisfaction spread over him at her untried and shy responses. His gut clenched as his cock throbbed with need. Patience. He wasn’t a small man. And no way in hell would he hurt her.

Cale worked the area a little longer, drawing more wetness. He lowered his mouth to her neck, licking across her pulse, as below he gently but steadily pushed one finger into her depths.

Coated walls clasped him tightly, more so as Lily writhed under his invasion. Rather than shifting away, she lifted closer. Giving her a moment to adjust, Cale retreated only to return again, more insistent and heading deeper as his thumb swirled in a lazy circle around her clit.

“Oh, yes. Please. More.” She spoke between pants as she reached out to pull at his shoulders.

Cale doubled his presence inside her, focusing on her face for any signs of discomfort. He saw none, only growing arousal and need.

The throbbing discomfort in his leaking dick grew unbearable, snapping his tightly held control. Quickly, he removed his hand to tear open the packet on the bed. In a flash, he rolled the condom into place, and once again looked down at Lily.

She opened her eyes to meet his.

Holding her gaze, he lowered his larger frame over hers, careful to keep most of his weight on his forearms. He kissed her softly as she rubbed and massaged his back, holding him close while she returned his kisses enthusiastically.

Upon lining up his hips, he pressed the head of his erection against her, pushing slowly and gently. Her body parted for him, welcoming him back with greater tightness and more liquid than before. Languidly, he made his first entry, pushing past the initial resistance of her core. Her breath hitched at his slight invasion. He waited a beat, licked her throat, then continued, his senses open to her every response, observing her body language for any hint of discomfort.

Moving unhurriedly, he bore down until he felt her flinch under him. Feeling and understanding why, he paused once more. “Lily? Look at me, sugar.”

She turned, opened her eyelids, allowing those pretty hazel eyes to meet his. Her chest heaved with rapid breaths as she held onto his sides, as if bracing for a hard impact.

“You sure?” He gave her one final opportunity to escape, her virginity intact.

“Yes. I want this. You.” She held his gaze steadily. The earlier hesitation gone.

The words opened something deep inside. No way could he leave her now. Instead, he focused on getting past the obstruction with the least amount of pain possible. Sealing his lips over hers, he thrust powerfully, punching through the frail barrier with finesse and precision.

She sucked in a breath, her body jerking in an instinctive retreat. Muscles tensed and locked tight, holding him in place deep inside her body as she gripped his shoulders, nails digging into flesh for a purchase.

Cale remained still, soothing her with soft kisses and whispered endearments, apologizing for causing her even the slightest pang while praising her efforts and beauty. He licked, he nibbled, he showered her with every ounce of affection possible, needing for her to open her eyes, reassure him the worst had passed, and allow him to lead her to sweet heaven.

Muscle by muscle, Lily relaxed under him. She sighed softly, her hold on him lightening by the second even as her hips began to lift, tentatively at first, then with more zest.

Taking the hint, Cale began to ease back a little before pressing in once more. The tightness remained, which tested his willpower greatly. He shoved his immense need aside, determined for Lily to find her pleasure first. Nothing mattered more than Lily’s pleasure, her climax, her happiness in their union.

He reached down where their bodies met, searching until he found the tight nubbin, stroking it in rhythm with his movements. Circling the sensitive flesh, he brushed her clit before plucking tenderly.

She cried out and set her sharp teeth against his shoulder. The nip threw accelerant on his already raging desire.

Stubbornly, he stuck to the course, slow movements that pulled him nearly free of her channel, then returning to seek her very depths once more. In. Out. He sucked in air and refused to sprint, holding steady instead. A snail’s pace, true, but still highly stimulating. Her snug body fit him, massaging his thick and full member, heating his blood to a fever pitch. Dampness increased as he rocked with exquisite care, testing her ability to take his fullness while plundering her body for hotspots to drive her insane with need. Over and over, he moved, driving them both toward the pinnacle with gentle strokes designed to feed her hunger and whet her desire for more.

Lily released him as she gripped the sheets so hard her knuckles turned white. She opened her mouth and turned her head this way and that. A whimper of sheer need escaped from her throat.

Tingling began at the base of his spine, signaling his upcoming release.

Pulling on all his reserves, Cale ground his teeth as his fingers flew over her burgeoning flesh, pressing a bit harder, while he sought the deepest penetration possible.

Lily arched her hips off the bed and threw her head back on a muted whimper. A grimace of sexual completion covered her face as a crimson flush spread quickly over her face, neck, and chest. Strong contractions squeezed his cock, sending him over the edge with a gruff shout.

Spasms raced through his body, fiery pulses of ecstasy. He crested hard, the sensations so powerful he could have sworn he’d found the all elusive perfect moment in life. Wave after wave followed as he gyrated against her body, reluctant to do more than soak up the rapture as her strong walls milked him for every drop of cum he possessed. Finally, totally spent, he rested on top of her, sated for the time being.

Lily’s body still pulsed now and again with each small shift in their position. Her breathing slowed before she finally opened her eyes.

He pushed upwards, removing some of his weight from her slighter frame while he watched her closely, trying to read the thoughts obviously filling her mind. “Are you okay?” His entry had hurt her, he knew that. She’d also climaxed under him. That feather he stuffed in his hat proudly.

“Yes. That was…surprising.”

Surprising? What the hell does that mean? He kicked himself, realizing he sounded like a teenager, questioning and rating his sexual performance. “That’s good, right?”

A soft expression covered her face. She reached up, wrapped her arms around his neck, and pulled him down for a soft kiss. “It was better than good. Wonderful, in fact.”

His ego expanded with the praise. Returning the quick kiss, he untangled her arms. “Hold on.”

Retreating gently, he eased himself from her body, holding onto the condom as he did so. She twitched from the motion, but quickly relaxed once he had exited fully.

He pulled off the condom, tied it up, and headed to the bathroom to dispose of it. While in there, he found a washcloth under the sink and wet it with warm water. After cleansing himself, he washed the linen back out, then strode back to the bed, his gaze raking over Lily the entire way. Beautiful. The pink tint on her skin only added to the classical curves. Her chest expanded, drawing attention to her cherry tipped breasts, still pebbled from his attentions and their play. She radiated beauty and more. He found her exceptional, unique, and damn alluring.

Sitting on the bed, he lifted the warm cloth above the junction of her thighs. Her face flamed as she wiggled. He read her embarrassment easily. In time, he knew she would become accustomed to his touch and attentions. Today, he gave her the first taste of passion. The first of many to come, he vowed.

Trailing his fingers up her inner thigh, he coaxed her legs apart once more.

“I can do it. I’ll get up and…”

Cale shook his head. “Shhh. Let me.” The intimacy of his intentions struck a chord as he considered her shyness and newness to a man’s touch. Never before had she let a man caress her sweet body. Cale changed that. The significance moved him and intensified his possessive desire to keep her at his side.

He set about his task as matter-of-factly as possible, caring for her like an everyday occurrence. Tenderly, he cleansed the area, noting the few splotches of blood on the soft material. The condom had borne the same speckled appearance.

He remained quiet, the implications of his actions settling on his shoulders. She’d given herself to him. He’d be damned if he turned his back and dashed off, abandoning her like a common streetwalker. No. While his future remained up in the air, he knew Lily would hold her own spot, a priority ranking.

She turned her head, but didn’t offer further protests.

He finished the chore, tossed the cloth into the hamper, and returned to her side. After, sliding his arms around her, he pulled her close.

Thoughts raced through his head as he kissed her shoulder and neck, not wanting to excite, but more to soothe and share. Cuddle. Never before had he wanted to snuggle with a woman after sex. If pressured, he did so reluctantly, counting the seconds until he could leave without having to deal with an avalanche of tears and anger. Lily made it different. He wanted to stay with her, hold her close. Protect her from any harm.

Something about her called to him on a basic level. Her innocence? He considered that for a few beats before giving the equivalent of a mental shrug. That certainly was part of it, but there was more. He felt deeper about her than anyone else. Love?

Lily turned to rest on her back, looking up at him with those expressive eyes. She wore the smug look of a woman well-loved and fast coming into her own.

She took one of his hands, then pulled it to her mouth, planting kisses to the palm. Her gaze never wavered while she used her other hand to trace down his side, tickling his loin, before wrapping around his flesh. It jerked with her inquisitive caresses. “Is it finally my turn to touch again?” An impish smile shaped her lips in an upward arch.

He enjoyed her teasing more than he cared to admit. “You do know where that will lead?”

“Oh, yes,” she whispered as she nipped his thumb with her teeth. “Magical places.”

Magical places indeed.