Chapter Seventeen

Lily woke slowly, warm inside a cocoon of blankets with strong arms wrapped around her, a muscular chest providing a cushion to her back. Her mind quickly recapped last night’s events, causing her stomach to clench and summersault. She certainly couldn’t complain. What had Cale said before? It was all in the preparation? That might be true, but she had a hunch it was the man himself that deserved most of the credit.

He trailed his hand from her belly, heading north until it cupped a naked, full breast. She sucked in a breath with the gentle tightening of his fingers as he revisited territory he’d explored thoroughly before.

After turning over, she rested on her side, looking down at Cale as he lay on his back. Uncertainty flared, her courage fleeing as she gazed down into his face. What if he regrets what we did? It’s not like I’m anywhere near the class of women he’s used to.

He lightly stroked her back with long fingers, watching her face carefully. “Good morning.”

“Morning.” Unsure what else to say, she remained mute, waiting for the other boot to drop.

Charity took that moment to climb up the side of the bed, heading straight for Cale’s chest. She plopped down smack dab in the middle of his sternum, staring at him as if willing him to understand and obey. A second later, she leaned over, sinking her teeth into his nipple.

“Ow. Damn.” Cale grabbed her in both hands, lifted her up, and met her eye for eye. “First of all, that’s not gonna get you any milk and secondly, it’s no wonder your mother is trying to wean you. Those teeth are like daggers.”

Lily burst out laughing, clutching the blanket while holding her belly. All the tension of the morning began to ease away. Leave it to Charity, the troublemaker, to decide Cale made a good substitute mother.

Cale shook his head, setting the kitten against Lily’s arm. Charity immediately looked up at her, then down to her chest. “Oh, no. Don’t look at me. I’m of no more help than he is.”

Shooting them both a look of disdain and total disgust, Charity leaped off the bed and walked out of the bedroom, tail high in the air.

Cale snorted, but broke his tough guy persona with soft laughter at such dramatic antics as he absently rubbed the injured area.

Lily’s heart soared as she joined him with giggles. “Want me to kiss it and make it better?” The whispered words teased as she coyly peeked through her lashes.

His eyes became heavy-lidded, something sultry sparking in those depths as the corners of his mouth kicked up. “Nurses are supposed to ease suffering, after all.” Giving his nipple one more brush, he sighed dramatically. “And, oh, am I suffering.”

She snorted. Shakespeare he would never be. But his light jovial manner mixed with innuendoes kept happiness flowing through her, giving her energy, and joy in life, and in the man she loved.

Upon leaning over, she flicked her tongue slowly across his nipple, earning a low groan for her efforts. “There. All better now.”

He pouted like a small boy being told homework came before playing baseball with his buddies.

She sat up, pulling the blanket with her, after tapping his lips with her finger.

“Where are you going?” His face quickly turned to an expression of concern while he grabbed her hips, holding her still.

“To feed the bottomless pits, of course. I would hate for Charity to return and bite something else if she doesn’t get her breakfast.” Sending him a smile full of promises, she climbed off him and out of the bed.

“Good point.” Cale reclined back, folding his hands under his head, watching her every move. “Why are you taking the blanket?”

She didn’t stop to answer. “It’s cold and… Well, it’s cold.” Her face heated even as she left the room on her way to the kitchen to feed the girls followed by a quick stop in the spare bathroom to make herself presentable. It wasn’t every day she slept with a man and ran around the house naked. Last night had been a first for the former and she didn’t think she could quite muster the latter.

As it was, each step drew her attention to the soreness between her legs, reminding her of the passion they’d shared. She had no regrets and couldn’t have found a better man to be with. That doesn’t mean he feels the same way. Pushing that thought aside, she focused on the moment, buying time before she had that discussion with him.

She caught a glimpse of Cale’s discarded T-shirt lying on the floor from the night before. Without a second thought, she snatched it up and pulled it over her head, dropping the blanket as she did so. The borrowed garment fell to mid-thigh. More comfortable now that she was covered, Lily tossed the blanket on the couch, and headed into the kitchen.

A few minutes later, she returned to the bedroom. He probably wouldn’t complain about bed head or bad morning breath, but she couldn’t help being self-conscious.

Her breath caught at the sight of Cale lying on his side, chin resting on his palm, as his gaze tracked her movements. Sparks flared in those light blue eyes. The corners of his mouth tilted upwards as he patted the mattress beside him.

Obediently, she climbed back into the bed, ignoring the twinge of discomfort the action caused. She needed his reassurance at the moment and cuddling was a nice start. She could easily become addicted to Cale wrapped around her, keeping her warm and secure, pampering her like a cherished treasure.

“Feeling shy this morning?” When she drew close enough, he reached out, sliding one hand under his borrowed T-shirt to cup her bare rear.

“Some.” She scurried into place, making sure all her essential parts were covered. Not that she expected such a thin barrier to deter Cale.

He tucked her against him, positioning her on her back, while he remained on his side. Not bothering with the covers, he sprinkled tender kisses over her forehead and nose. “Now, where were we?” The low sultry tone promised another lesson in making love.

“Sleeping?”

The corners of his mouth kicked up. “Hmmm.” He trailed kisses down her neck only to latch onto her breast after he fisted the shirt and tugged it out of the way. “Maybe just about here.”

Lily bit back a moan, shifting closer to his talented mouth. Never would she have dreamed it could be like this. Sensations of burning fire splashed through her blood, settling in the pit of her stomach. The heat made her ache for more.

His hand roamed lower to cup her femininity. “Sore?”

She couldn’t quite meet his gaze, but managed to nod. Having sex was a heck of a lot easier to do than talk about. At this rate it would take a mere half century for her to stop blushing at every little thing.

Cale released a sigh before locking her tightly in his arms. “I’m sorry.”

She gave him a small smile. “I’m not. I never imagined it would be like that.”

“Like how?” He rubbed her tummy gently.

“Like, with you, I could actually fly.” She cupped his cheek, placing a tender kiss to his lips. “I do want you.”

“And you’ll have me. Later.” He tapped her nose with a finger then kissed the same area. “Maybe after a long hot soak in the tub.”

“Promise?” Reaching around, she rubbed and massaged his lower back with one hand, unable to resist touching his glorious body, thrilled in the ability to finally experience skin to skin contact with this man.

“Promise,” he whispered against her ear as he nibbled on the lobe.

“I love you, Cale,” she muttered softly against his ear, flicking her tongue across it to seal the deal.

Cale jerked his head up, intensely searching her face.

Throwing caution to the wind, Lily said it again. Louder. “I love you.”

He sat up and finger-combed his hair with one hand. All the while not saying a word.

Lily’s heart plummeted. It’s okay. I love him enough for both of us. The thought didn’t re-form the bubble of optimism that burst with his wordless reaction. “It’s… I…” What was she supposed to say now? She could hardly take it back. But, at the same time, she felt idiotic spilling her innermost feelings to someone who obviously didn’t return those same sentiments.

“This is harder than I thought,” Cale sighed.

The pained expression made her feel even worse. Her comment had turned a magical morning into one full of awkwardness. She edged away after flipping over, intent upon escape now that the spell had broken.

Cale refused to let her go. His hand snagged around her middle, pulling her flush against his front. “Wait. Please.” He brushed stray hairs off her face. “I need to explain.”

Lily tilted to get comfortable. Her gaze never left his face as she waited for him to speak.

He pulled in a deep breath. “I need to tell you about my ex-wife. Beautiful as the day is long, but shallow and cold-hearted underneath.” He nuzzled her cheek. “Everyone tried to tell me, but I refused to listen. Instead, she led me around by my dumb handle, spending every penny I could make on expensive baubles, complaining how she didn’t like being left alone while I was away on missions, and demanding more of everything.” He paused a second before continuing. “She ended up driving a wedge between my parents and me with her selfish nature and my blindness to her true self.”

Lily’s heart broke for Cale, knowing he suffered far worse than he let on. She rubbed her hand over his, offering quiet support as he finished his explanation.

“One day Dillon and I came home early from a mission. Excited to see her again, we drove straight to my apartment. I found her in our bed with another man.” His tone sharpened as if he relived the betrayal.

“I’m so sorry. I don’t understand how anyone could do that to you.”

His eyes darkened with emotion. “I was beyond pissed. Probably could have killed them both with my bare hands in that moment. I vented. She fired right back, blaming me for her cheating.”

“That witch. How could she?” Lily’s temper began to rise, only able to imagine what Cale must have felt at that moment.

“She cited my absence, my inability to please her, my lack of riches. She threw everything in my face.”

“What did you do?” The words came out softly.

“I walked away before I did something really stupid. Filed for divorce the next day.”

“I’m sure that wasn’t easy.”

“No, but neither was the divorce. She fought tooth and nail for everything.”

Lily reached up and cupped his cheek. “At least you’re free of her barnacle tendrils and nastiness. But, I’m still sorry. I can’t imagine.”

Suddenly, so many things made perfect sense to her—Cale’s attitude, his lack of trust, his reluctance to her initial offer of friendship. The man had had his heart shredded by one evil woman. No wonder he pulled back into himself and forgot how to enjoy the small gifts and blessings in life.

“It killed something inside me.” Regret and resolution laced his tone as if the statement had been forcibly dragged from the recesses of his heart.

The admission cost him, she easily read between the lines. He opened himself up to her, showed his vulnerability, and trusted her with not only his story, but so much more.

She developed an instant hate for his ex. How could anyone do such a thing? Especially to Cale. He did nothing but care for others, putting his life on the line day in and day out to keep the world safe. He didn’t deserve such betrayal. No one did.

His explanation made her realize something else. She didn’t need to hear the words. His actions told her all she needed to know. No man could have been more understanding or gentle with her. Protective and kind. The words may never come, but she had her answer in each kiss, each caress, and every moment of pleasure he rained upon her. It may not be love, but it was in the same ballpark in her book.

Lily brushed her thumb over his five o’clock shadow, enjoying the slightly prickly sensation. “I’m sorry. I wish I had something better to say to take away all the pain.”

He nuzzled her palm. “I know.”

“I still love you.” She smiled up at him.

Relief and amusement flashed across his face, replacing strain and sorrow. “I—”

She covered his lips with a finger, sealing in whatever he was going to say. “It’s okay. You don’t have to say the words. In fact, I would prefer you don’t unless you really mean it and are comfortable saying it.” She replaced the finger with her lips, softly meshing hers with his.

He responded in kind, gentle and lazy.

I could wake up every morning to this.

Cale broke off the kiss. He gripped her shoulders and lightly rubbed. “We should stop before I get carried away.”

Lily nodded. Later. She could wait a bit longer.

For his love, she could wait a lifetime.