“That was an awful virus. It was before I hired Quinn, or else I wouldn’t have had to bother them. They saved me.”
“From what they said, you’ve been there for them just as often. It’s obvious that you’re as important to your friends as they are to you.”
“I had no idea they were such blabbermouths,” she said with an endearing lilt to her voice.
“They love you.” He kissed her softly and said, “I like knowing that you don’t take catering gigs that would disrupt your Wednesday-night get-togethers and that you go to Redemption Ranch Friendsgivings with other people the ranch has helped. They filled in a lot of gaps for me. I didn’t know that you went home to Pleasant Hill for all the big holidays, or that you celebrate with the Whiskeys before leaving town. I’m glad I learned those things about you. I’d love to check out the ranch sometime and meet the other people who helped you.”
“You would? You can’t imagine how much that means to me.”
“Yes, I can. It’s probably about half as much as you mean to me.” The song ended and a faster one began, but Carly and Zev continued slow dancing.
Quinn and Birdie breezed onto the dance floor, and Birdie said, “Hey, snuggle bunnies. We convinced the guys to dance with us.”
Dare gyrated his hips and rocked his shoulders, dirty dancing his way over to the girls, showing off his awesome dance moves. “Come on, Braden. You’ve got to keep up.”
“Told you he had moves,” Quinn said.
Cutter looked quizzically at Carly and Zev slow dancing and said, “Dude, can you even hear the beat?”
“At least do the country two-step,” Cowboy added.
“It’s called romance, you goofs. You should be taking notes.” Quinn grabbed them both by the wrists and dragged them away.
Zev chuckled as the others began dancing in sync with some kind of fancy footwork. The guys would probably always harass him, but they had essentially given him their blessing earlier in the night. Not that Zev needed it, but for Carly’s sake he was glad they approved.
As he gazed into her eyes, other things became crystal clear. “Remember when I said that the universe chose now to bring us back together?” She nodded, and he said, “I think I figured out why I needed you so badly.”
“Why?” Her eyes glittered with anticipation.
“Because I’m the guy who isn’t afraid to die but is terrified of losing the people I love. I thought if I put distance between us, and between me and my family, I could disconnect enough that if something terrible were to happen to any of you, it would be easier to deal with.”
“Zevy,” she said, full of emotion. “That’s the saddest thing I’ve heard in a long time. We were so close, and you and your family were, too. You gave up so much.”
“I see that now. I needed to see you, Carls, to feel the thunder in my chest and the intensity of my love for you in order to realize that love doesn’t work that way. If we hadn’t reconnected and something had happened, it still would have killed me. And I think I needed to spend time with you and your friends to remember that I enjoy connecting with people as much as I enjoy disappearing into adventures. I’ve been so busy running from our past, from the hurt I caused you and my family, I’d forgotten how valuable love and friendships are. I needed you to teach me what you learned years ago—that I should be spending time with the people I care about before it’s too late.”
“Oh, Zev,” she said softly. “I think you might be right.”
“I know I am. I always thought I was brave for the risks I took, but you’re the brave one, Carls. You never let Tory’s death stop you from forming relationships with other people. You’ve forged on, put down roots, and built a life, while I’ve lost out on years with everyone I care about.”
“You’ve built a life, too, Zev. You’ve done things most men could never do.”
“Professionally, yes. But I’ve done everything I could not to put down roots.” He slid his hand to the nape of her neck, brushing his thumb over her warm skin, and said, “I am so lucky you’re willing to give me a second chance.”
“After the way I left you in Mexico, I’m just as lucky.”
He lowered his lips to hers, and from the moment their mouths connected, he sensed a difference. She had kissed him eagerly every time since they’d reconnected, but this was more purposeful, possessive. Like she was opening up to them even more, believing in them. He crushed her to him, taking the kiss deeper, wanting to live in that moment until they reached the next level, the one where she let go of all her doubts.
“Now, that’s a kiss!” Birdie cheered.
“Dude, let her up for air,” Cutter hollered.
“Jealous, Cutter?” Quinn said. “Let them have their fun.”
As their lips parted, lust simmered in Carly’s eyes. Zev pressed a kiss beside her ear and said, “How about I take you back to the inn and show you just how grateful I am?”
Chapter Fifteen
CARLY’S BODY WAS on fire as they stumbled through the front door of the inn, kissing and groping. She was vaguely aware of Bandit darting past them to get outside. Zev had started to show her how grateful he was at every red light as they drove through town on their way back to the inn. And on the ride up the mountain she’d shown him how grateful she was with her hands and mouth. He hadn’t bothered to button or zip his jeans when they’d gotten out of the truck.
“Should we wait for Bandit?” she panted out between kisses. She was desperate to get her mouth on Zev, tempted to get down on her knees right there in the foyer if he said they should wait. It was the best kind of torture watching him ride the bull, shirtless and sexy as sin and holding his own with her friends. Never in her life did she think that would be an aphrodisiac, but it was.
“Baby, you’re lucky I didn’t pull the truck over on the side of the road and take my fill. He can come when he’s ready—and so can we.” He lifted her into his arms, leaving the front door open as he carried her deeper into the inn and crushed his mouth to hers.
“What if a raccoon comes in?” she asked against his lips.
“That’s what Bandit is for.” He stepped over a canteen as they passed the stairs, heading for the kitchen, and said, “That and stealing my shit.”
“Where are you going?”
His lips curved up in a devilish grin and he said, “I believe we have a little treasure hunting to do.”
“In the kitche—” The chocolate! How could she have forgotten? Butterflies took flight in her belly.
The kitchen was dark, save for the moonlight spilling in through the windows and door. Zev set her on the edge of the large kitchen table. As he took the treasure chest out of the refrigerator and set it beside her, he said, “I’ve been thinking about doing this with you all evening.”
She licked her lips, and the muscles in his jaw twitched, turning her on even more.
He held her gaze as he took off her sandals and ran his hands down her calves pressing a kiss above one knee. Her body vibrated with anticipation as he peered intently into the treasure chest, picking up a chocolate beaded necklace. A wolfish grin spread across his face as he placed it next to her. He studied the contents of the chest, carefully selecting two gold bars, one jewel, and one gold-dusted truffle. Without a word, he returned the chest to the fridge and retrieved a plate, moving quickly as he put the bars on the plate and into the microwave for several seconds, softening them.
Holy hotness.
The thought of him planning this out, eagerly waiting to touch her, to take her, made her even more nervous. He set the plate beside her, and their gazes collided. He took off his boots and stripped off his clothes, his eyes drilling into her. She tried to keep her eyes trained on his, but desire sent them lower, to his formidable erection straining behind his black boxer briefs. She bit her lower lip, trying to silence the hungry sounds coming out of her mouth as he wedged his beautiful body between her legs. He threaded both hands into her hair, bringing her mouth to his, swallowing her needy s
ounds with a savagely intense kiss. He tasted of beer, seduction, and everything she’d been missing for so long. His tongue swept demandingly over hers, his whiskers scratching her cheeks. His aggression was enticing, the feel of him, addicting. She wrapped her legs around him, pouring everything she had into their connection. He sank deeper into the kiss. She wanted this moment to last forever, and at the same time she was eager to explore this uncharted territory with him.
His hot mouth worked its way down her neck, nipping and kissing. He lifted the hem of her shirt and said, “This pretty top needs to go.” He stripped it off and set it on a chair, his eyes brimming with desire, moving leisurely over her lace bra. “You know I love you in lace.” He traced the swell of her breasts with his fingers and said, “You’re so beautiful, Carly. I want to memorize every inch of you.”
The love in his voice, and his words, tunneled beneath her skin, taking root beside her heart.
He dragged one finger down the center of her chest and unhooked her bra. Dark, greedy eyes flicked up to hers as he slid it off her shoulders, like he needed to see the inferno he caused. She could barely breathe, slave to the desire pulsing through her. Her fingers curled around the edges of the table. He picked up a gold chocolate bar, bringing it to her mouth, and said, “Lick it, baby,” masterfully coaxing her into submission.
Lust pooled in her core as she licked the length of the sweet candy.
“Fuck,” he rasped. “We’re definitely doing more of this.”
He dragged the wet chocolate down her chest, across one breast, circling her nipple, and slowly painted a trail to the other side, where he went over and around the taut peak. He lifted the bar to her lips again, and when she opened her mouth, he said, “Lick it like it’s my cock.”
His dirty demand made her ache for his touch. He moved the chocolate in and out of her mouth as if he were fucking it, watching so intently as she teased it with her tongue, she dug her nails into the wooden table. When he took the candy out of her mouth, his other hand dove into her hair, and he crushed his mouth to hers, agonizingly and deliciously fierce, alighting every nerve in her body. She arched into him, grabbing his hair, holding his mouth to hers as he ground against her center. Passion pounded through her as they devoured each other. He made a guttural, masculine noise, and she felt the chocolate moving up and down her belly and over her ribs.
He broke their kiss, both of them panting, their noses touching as he said, “I want to stay right here, kissing you forever.”
She never knew words could feel so big, but his words dripped with as much sincerity as desire.
He drew back slowly, his eyes searing a path down her body, and that seductive, hungry grin returned. She loved that grin and the dirty promises it held. He put the remainder of the chocolate in his mouth and brought his chocolate-covered fingers to hers. She had barely begun licking them, when he kissed her again, slower this time, but every bit as potent. “Carly,” he said against her lips. “God…”
He guided her hands to the table and curled his around her hips, holding tight as he lowered his mouth to the center of her chest, licking and kissing his way down the chocolate path. Every slick of his tongue sent scintillating pleasures through her. She pressed her shoulders back, thrusting her chest forward as he dragged his tongue around her nipple, following the chocolate path. His eyes met hers and he lowered his mouth over one taut peak, sucking hard. Heat skated along her flesh. He teased her with his tongue, licking and flicking, and she swore she felt it between her legs. He tasted his way to her other breast, giving it the same exquisite treatment. The room spun as pleasure consumed her, moans and whimpers escaped, and she didn’t care how loud she was. Let him hear what he did to her and bask in the glory of his talents.
As he feasted his way down her belly and ribs, it tickled and delighted her in all the best ways. She was so needy, so greedy for him, demands kept slipping out.
“There…Yes…Don’t stop…Suck harder…Lick me again…”
He granted her every wish. When he lifted his mouth from her belly, cool air washed over the wetness he left, causing her to shiver. He pushed his hands up her legs, taking her miniskirt with them, and squeezed her thighs. His thumbs brushed over her panties between her legs, and he made a growling noise. His eyes narrowed, and those muscles in his jaw bunched repeatedly. He looked like he was going to tear off her panties with his teeth and bury his face between her legs right then. Her sex clenched with anticipation, and the wickedness in his eyes told her how much he enjoyed having that effect on her.
“Soon, baby,” he said gruffly, and reached around her to unzip her skirt.
His fingers lingered there, moving up and down between her ass and the bottom of her spine. She closed her eyes at the tantalizing tease.
He continued in slow strokes, dipping a little lower between her cheeks with each one, and said, “That’s going to be my tongue later.”
Yes, please.
“Lift up, sexy girl. We don’t want to ruin your skirt.”
Using his shoulders for leverage, she lifted her bottom off the table, and he stripped the skirt down her legs, dropping it on the chair with her other clothes. He placed several sweet kisses over her tattoo, his eyes flicking up to hers. And then he picked up the chocolate necklace and dangled it from his finger as he licked up the string of beads.
Good Lord. Everything he did made her want him even more desperately.
He dragged the necklace over her breasts, down her belly, and over her thighs. Every touch of the sticky chocolate made her ache for more. He moved the necklace over her foot and up her leg like a garter, wrapped his hands around her hips, and bent at the waist to kiss the crest of each thigh. She clutched his forearms as he dragged his tongue along her inner thigh and over the chocolates, where he sealed his mouth, licking and sucking, working all sorts of exhilarating magic. He was relentless, drenching her thighs with attention. He stopped just short of her panties, lingering there, his hot breath coasting over her center. She tried to squeeze her legs together to lessen her trembling, but he quickly lowered his chin, his whiskers chafing her inner thighs, and slicked his tongue along her damp panties.
“Zevy—” she pleaded, rocking her hips.
He brushed his chin over her panties. His whiskers poked through the material, sending prickles of pleasure coursing through her. She whimpered, and he grinned as she dug her fingernails into his skin. He made a gruff, appreciative noise and kissed each of her thighs so tenderly, the conflicting emotions were torturous.
He rose to his full height, his eyes blazing as he pushed her hand into his underwear and demanded, “Stroke me.” He crushed his mouth to hers.
No demand necessary. She wanted this more than she wanted her next breath. His demand made it all the more titillating. He sucked her tongue, and she stroked him tighter. He moaned into their kisses, his hips thrusting, fucking her hand as he ate at her mouth. She stroked faster—he kissed deeper. She squeezed tighter—he thrust harder. He leaned into the kiss, opening his mouth wider, his tongue plunging over hers. He was a little rough, and she loved it. A long, rumbling groan flew from his lungs as he tore his mouth away and pulled her hand from his underwear, his face a mask of restraint as he said, “I fucking love your mouth, and your hands.”
“I fucking love your cock,” she countered boldly. “I want to suck it.”
“Oh, you will,” he promised.
He hauled her to the edge of the table, pushed his hands into the sides of her panties, palming her ass. He ground against her center, taking her in another punishingly intense kiss. Angling his hips, he created exquisite friction on her most sensitive nerves. Lust pooled inside her, pounding through her chest. Her nipples burned, the tease of an orgasm tugging at her periphery. She kissed him harder, willing it to take hold. He shifted his hands lower, lifting and angling her forward so she was rubbing against the head of his cock. She wrapped her arms tighter around him, her thighs flexing as his fingers moved through her wetness.
Tingling sensations consumed her, stealing her breath. He intensified his efforts, applying pressure in all the right places, sending her spiraling into ecstasy. She tore her mouth away, gasping for air as her body pulsed and bucked. He sealed his mouth over her neck, setting her off like a volcano.
“Don’t stop!” she pleaded as her climax, and her man, ravaged her.
When she finally collapsed, boneless and dizzy, in his arms, he whispered in her ear, “I’ve got you, babe.”
He showered her with kisses, whispering sweetnesses between each press of his lips. When her breathing finally calmed, he drew back with a predatory look in his eyes, reviving all of her tired parts, as he said, “Now, to enjoy the rest of my treasure.” He eyed the rest of the chocolates he’d set out, and then those hungry eyes hit hers. He took her face between his hands and said, “I’m a greedy bastard for you. I don’t want anything changing your perfect taste.”
His lips covered hers so tenderly, she went soft in his arms. He continued kissing her as he guided her hands to the table behind her hips. When their lips parted, he stripped off her panties and the necklace. The ravenous look in his eyes did her in.
“Hurry,” she pleaded.
“That’s one demand I will not follow,” he said as he spread her legs wider.
He sank down and proceeded to drive her out of her mind with his hands and mouth. He licked and flicked, fucked and sucked, pleasuring her so thoroughly, streams of indiscernible noises spilled from her lungs. She clawed at the table, pleasure building inside her until she was hanging on to reality by a fast-fraying thread. His rough hands moved up her torso, fondling her breasts as he devoured her. He did something wicked with his tongue, and she fell back on the table, surrendering to his masterful touch. She arched into his hands and he squeezed her nipples, sending fire through her core. The graze of his teeth between her legs catapulted her into a dizzying world. She writhed and bucked with the endless pleasure, but he was ruthless, feasting and touching in all the right places to keep her flying higher, screaming louder, until she cried out his name, shattering into a million jagged pieces.
Searching For Love – the Bradens & Montgomerys (Pleasant Hill – Oak Falls) Page 22
