“Start it?” She raised an eyebrow at him. “Here I thought we were already…I mean…oh forget it.”
“Sweetheart, you’re adorable when you’re flustered.” He leaned up and kissed the tip of her nose. “You’ve been the only woman on my mind since I received your letter. Every night you’ve filled my dreams. Now I have you here in my arms, I’m never planning on letting you go.”
“I like the sound of that.”
“We were thrown a curveball with this blizzard, but I had planned on doing something special for you once we got to Blessing. I wanted to show you what you mean to me. This change of plans allows me to do it now. I still want to do it right. I want to at least take you out on our first official date before I strip those clothes off you and have you screaming my name.”
“Cocky, but I like it.”
“After dinner. I promise it will be worth the wait.” His other hand teased along her side, gently brushing along her ribs. “Guess we should get ready.”
With a nod she rose off the bed and headed for the shower. If this was their first actual date she was going to make the most of it. Thankfully she’d considered all possibilities when she packed, allowing her to be prepared. She had the perfect little black dress in her bag. One that was sure to impress. More importantly it was also a dress that would be easy to slide off later that night.
With hours on the road, and sharing every meal together, they had been inseparable for days. Yet this dinner with him would be different. This was more of a date whereas their other shared meals had been friends. In some ways their relationship was beyond the friendship level but in other ways they were still getting to know each other.
She enjoyed the ability to get to know him in person without the pressure, but tonight would be more about moving their relationship to the next level. Here’s to friendship and love.
Chapter Twenty-Three: Date Night
Leaning back against the plush chair Emily took in the room around her. The ballroom was big enough for a large wedding while still leaving a dedicated dance floor open, yet romantic enough they could use it for something like this. Whatever Daniel said to the hotel owners that convinced them to go all out for them was well worth it. Soft music played in the background and the flowers on the table were all added touches to make this night special. The food had been amazing but even if it hadn’t been the experience would have made up for it.
“What are you thinking?” Taking the champagne bottle from the ice bucket Daniel leaned forward and refilled her glass.
“You really outdid yourself on this. This is incredible.” Her gaze shifted to him and her heart fluttered. Across from her he sat looking so incredibly sexy she wasn’t sure how she made it through dinner. While she appreciated the view of him in jeans and the way they rode low on his hips, doing their best to show off his perfect butt while also bringing attention to the tight stomach that she couldn’t wait to run her hands along. Tonight, the deep blue button-down dress shirt and black slacks made him look handsome with a touch of danger. She couldn’t wait for them to go back upstairs and she could strip him out of those clothes. “No, I’m wrong, You’re incredible.”
“I wanted to do something special for you.” He sat the champagne bottle on the edge of the table and reached over to take her hand in his. “You’re an amazing woman. One I’m thankful came into my life and gave me a shot. You restored hope to my life and the possibility of an adventurous future. Without moving too quickly, I hope it’s a future you’ll be part of.”
“Statements like that will make any woman fall at your feet.”
“I don’t want any woman. I want you, and I prefer you in my arms rather than at my feet.” He squeezed her hand gently.
“Wise words.” She leaned forward, placing her other hand over his. “I’m not a submissive woman who will fall in line when you give out orders. I know you were used to that, but”
“Hey now, I might not have been in your chain of command, but I still outrank you.” He teased.
“Well now.” She leaned forward in her chair. “Be sure to use your power for good, otherwise who knows what will happen.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.” His lips curled up into a cocky grin. “How about a dance?”
“I’d love to see your skills…in the bedroom that is.” The champagne warmed her from the inside out, giving her the encouragement she needed. The way his gaze slid over her body, watching the way the black dress accented her curves gave her an additional boost. “Why don’t we take this party upstairs and you can make good on your promise from earlier?”
Without missing a beat, he pushed his chair back from the table, rose and came to stand next to her, his hand outstretched to her. “Let’s go sweetheart. I wouldn’t want you to wait another minute.”
I’ve waited too long already. The thought was on the tip of her tongue. Instead of voicing it she held back. It wasn’t his fault they met while he was deployed, making months pass before they were in the same country let alone in front of each other. That was the past and they were here now, that’s what mattered.
“Tonight’s been perfect. Thank you.” She slipped her hand into his, uncrossed her legs, and rose from the table.
“I’m glad things were able to come together. Maybe the blizzard was a blessing instead of a curse.” He slipped his arm around her waist and she snuggled against his solid body.
“I love snow with all the houses decorated for Christmas. It makes it feel more…I don’t know, Christmassy. There’s something special about this season and unlike my students I don’t mean the presents.” Her gaze shifted toward the Christmas tree as they stepped into the lobby of the hotel. “Christmas trees are beautiful but what’s more fun than decorating them is spending time cuddle with a loved one while the lights are burning bright.”
“I can’t remember how long it’s been since I decorated for Christmas.” He shook his head. “I haven’t had a tree since I left home and joined the Marines.”
“That’s sad.” She paused by the grand staircase leading up to the second floor. “It’s sounds pitiful now, but when I was in the Marines I had a small fake Christmas tree I placed on my dresser. It wasn’t much but it was something at least.”
“On your dresser? Why not in your living room?” His fingers teased on her hipbone.
“It was a studio apartment. I didn’t have much, including a television. I never had time so why throw money away on cable. DVDs and my laptop. Even now I have a television, I don’t have cable. Streaming and DVDs, but even that I don’t watch much.” She tipped her head toward him. “Sounds crazy to you, doesn’t it? Hazel thinks I’m nuts. She says she needs the background noise while she’s working, even if she’s not paying attention to the show.”
“Growing up Mom was very involved with the community and entertained a lot, so the house was always noisy. That’s where she gets that from. Me, on the other hand, I prefer a little peace and quiet.” He leaned down so his mouth was next to her ear. “If it doesn’t change my manliness I’ll admit I cut cable a couple years ago. I shut it off while I was deployed and never turned it back on. I never seemed to have much time for it either. If I wanted to watch a sports game I could always go to a friend’s house or a bar.”
“We’re prefect for each other in ways I never thought of.” She tipped her head to the stairs. “Come on. Let’s see what other ways we’re compatible.”
Without saying another word, they strolled up the grand staircase and down the hall to their room. The sexual energy sizzled between them, until she thought she would burst into flames. It was becoming more intense with the gentle caress of his hand along her hip. It was a sweet, barely-there touch but it was pushing her over the edge. She wanted his hands on her in other places.
He held the door open, allowing her to step into the room first. She barely made it past the doorway when he spun her up against the wall, his body pressed against hers, holding her captive. His lips crushed against hers with such force it
took her breath away. Full of promise and desire, the kiss made her claw at the buttons of his dress shirt. She wanted this. No, she needed this. This moment was something she had built up in her fantasies for so long.
His tongue invaded her mouth and she was met with the lingering sweetness of the champagne they enjoyed at dinner. Before she had time to take in what was happening, his hands ran down her body, exploring her curves. The thin fabric of her dress suddenly felt heavy upon her. She wanted nothing more than to strip out of it, so she could feel his hands caressing along her skin.
“Daniel.” His name came out on a whisper, full of need and desire.
“I got you, Em.” Sliding his hand under the hem of her dress, he slid the material upwards until it was bunched around her waist. A low growl escaped his throat as he realized she was naked beneath the dress. “Em…”
“Surprise.” She loved the way his eyes brightened as his fingers teased along her most intimate parts. “After I got you to take me out of my dress I wanted there to be nothing in the way. No more teasing or taunting.”
“I’d have never made it through dinner if I knew you were naked under that dress.” Without moving his hand, he shifted his body closer to her so she could feel the reaction she had on him. His hard shaft brushed against her leg and she reached for the zipper of his pants before he used his other hand to grab hold of her wrists. “Not yet.”
“I need”
“I know what you need.” Holding her hands above her head he slipped a finger between her folds. The soft caress along her clit sent waves of pleasure rushing through her.
“Oh…”
His mouth claimed hers again, as his fingers worked inside of her. A soft moan escaped around his unrelenting kiss. Working his fingers in and out of her, as his thumb continued to tease along her clit, pleasuring her in ways she only imaged. Breaking the kiss, he pulled his hand away and leaned back to look at her.
“Absolutely beautiful.” He tipped his head to tease a line of soft kisses along her neck. “I want you completely naked, but I can’t seem to pull myself away from you long enough.”
“Simple zipper in the back and it will fall away, then you can take me to bed.” His warm breath caressed along the curve of her neck as he debated. When his fingers loosed from around her wrists she knew she’d won him over. “As handsome as you look in a dress shirt, I want you naked too.”
“I think I can comply with that.” He stepped back allowing her to move away from the wall. As she did, she turned giving him her back, and the opportunity to unzip her dress. Without having to be asked he pushed her blond hair to the side and slid the zipper down. The silky black dress slid down her body to pool around her ankles.
“Turn around again. I want to see you.”
Naked, she spun around. Her cheeks warmed with embarrassment. She couldn’t remember the last time someone saw her naked, let alone watched her with such intensity. His gaze scanned her body, taking in every inch of her, as he worked the button of his shirt. She fought not to shy away from his gaze. Over the last few years she’s gotten used to her scars, but to be under his unrelenting gaze made the unease come back.
“You’re even more beautiful naked.” Stripped out of his clothes, except for his boxers, he came to stand in front of her. “Get on the bed.”
“There’s something sexy about you giving orders.”
“I want to touch you but if I do it now, I’ll press you up against the wall and we’ll never make it to bed.” He took a step closer to her, warning her if she didn’t move, what would happen. “When I make love to you for the first time, I want you stretched out on your back, arching into me, with your legs wrapped around me. I don’t want you pressed up against the wall like a quickie. You deserve more than that. We deserve more than that.”
“Don’t make me wait.” She called over her shoulder as she stepped around him and headed for the bed.
She had barely stretched out in the middle of the bed when the mattress sank down next to her. With a quick movement he was stretched out next to her, his now naked body tightly pressed against her side, he arched over her enough to press his lips to hers. A long, slow deliberate kiss that gave and demanded. He cupped her breasts and teased her nipples, gently swirling his thumb against the hard buds and then pinching them. Pain mingled with pleasure and she arched into his body. He abandoned her mouth and kissed her neck, nibbling down her jawline to her shoulder. Slowly, he teased kisses down her chest until he came to her breast and flicked his tongue over her hardened nipple. The pleasure forced a moan from deep within her as she arched toward him. It felt as if every nerve ending in her body was alight with desire, the simplest touches fanned the burning desire within her. Looking up at her, he sucked her nipple into his mouth, allowing his teeth to run along either side, before he let the hardened bud to slip from his lips.
He trailed his hand down her body and between her thighs. The caresses of his fingers had her spreading her legs, and her breath caught in her chest. He explored up her inner thigh, ever so slowly, until he could slip his finger between her folds, quickly finding her center and working deep within her. She moaned as he worked a second finger into her. In and out, quicker with every pump.
“I need you.” Needing to feel him, she slipped her hand between them and wrapped her fingers around his shaft. She wanted him inside her. His pace increased, drawing her climax closer until she was arching into his touch. “Please, Daniel.”
“Not yet.” He slowed, until he stopped altogether. Even as she wiggled against him, wanting more, he took his time. Stroking his fingertips along her hip, she closed her eyes. She couldn’t bear to look at him as he touched the scars that were a permanent reminder of yesteryear. It took everything in her not to pull away from him. If this was going to work he had to accept her scars, just as she had. They were part of her and even though she did her best to keep them hidden from most people, intimacy didn’t leave much room for that.
“Don’t sweetheart, don’t close your eyes.” He arched over her.
“Please…” She could only hope that he could understand what she couldn’t put it into words. Having his sweet caresses over the wounds made her chest tight. If he couldn’t get past what he saw there would be no future for their relationship. She’d already decided long ago she was tired of surgeries. Cosmetic surgery was out of the question. The scars were her reminder of the lives lost that day. They would be carried with her until she died.
“Look at me Emily.” He waited until she opened her eyes. “There’s nothing to be ashamed of. You’re beautiful. These scars, they’re like wrinkles.”
“Wrinkles?” Surprise had her rising up onto her elbow.
“Okay, that sounded better in my head but hear me out.” He continued to caress along each lick of the flame, along her hip. She didn’t even remember getting those burns, but they have to be from when the Humvee exploded. The burns started just above the two-inch round scar from the metal that went through her thigh. “These are stories of your life. What you’ve overcome and what you’ve witnessed. They’re part of you just as one day in the far future wrinkles will be. And heaven forbid gray hair.”
“Wow! You know how to turn a woman on. Talking about wrinkles and gray hairs while naked in bed together.” She kept her voice light, so he knew she was only teasing him. “Nothing could get me more in the mood for sex.”
“They’re part of you and I love them, just as I love you.” He shifted so that he was no longer beside her but arched above her. “We all have scars, some marring our body and some hidden inside. No one makes it through life without a few. Some of us have more, but in the end, what caused the scars made us stronger.”
“I don’t want to talk about them.”
“Okay.” He leaned down closer, pressing his forehead against hers. “You don’t have to believe me now but I’m going to show you every day. One day you’ll accept those scars completely.”
“Make love to me.” She didn’t want to th
ink about the scars or the memories that came with them, all she wanted was him.
Wrapping her legs around him, she let her hands roam over his back. His shaft teased along her most intimate parts making her grind down against him. Foreplay had been amazing, and she wanted to return the favor but that would have to wait. Right now, she needed him inside of her. Teasing her nails along his back, she arched into him as he sucked her nipple between his lips, gently tugging until a moan tore from her lips. She ran her hand over his head, wishing there was more hair to grab and grab him up her body. “Please…I want you. Now.”
He let her nipple slip from his lips and rose so his face was inches from hers. “Now who’s giving the orders?”
He didn’t give her a chance to answer before sliding his shaft along her folds, he teased along her opening before he slipped his hand between them. Readjusting, he thrust inside her with one continuous motion. Her head tipped back as another moan tore from her.
Buried to the hilt inside of her, he paused and leaned down pressing their bodies together. “I’ve thought about this moment for so long that I’m not going to last long.”
“We’ve got all night. Actually, we’ve got longer than that, thanks to this blizzard.”
“We’ve got longer than that.” His fingertips dug into her hips as he shifted in and out of her. “I’m not letting you go once we’re back in Blessing.”
In that moment any shred of reservation she had disappeared. This wasn’t a fling, she was in love with him. She brought her hand up from his side to cup the side of his face. “To our future.”
“Our future…I like the sound of that.” Slowly his hips pumped against her, working his shaft in and out of her. With each pump, his pace sped until she arched into him, matching his thrusts with her own. With her fingers still tangled in his hair, she kept his face close, watching his eyes as he drove into her.
“Don’t stop.” Arching her body into his she tipped her head back, as her ecstasy grew. His own grunts kept pace with her moans. “Oh, Daniel!”
Touch of Home (Blessing Montana Book 2) Page 11
