Corey's Catch

by Jill Sanders

He laughed. “Yeah, those were the days.” He sighed and glanced out the window as he remembered the fun.

  “I heard it was just a few years ago.” She nudged him with her hip.

  He laughed. “Yeah, but it was a special occasion.”

  “Oh?” She turned to him and he set the last pan down to dry. Drying his hands, he dropped the towel on the counter and placed his hands on her hips.

  “Yeah, I was trying to win the attentions of a particular girl.” He smiled and moved closer to her.

  “Did it work?” She wrapped her arms around his shoulders.

  “Not particularly. Especially after Billy slammed on the brakes and I fell back into the bed of the truck. I had bruises up and down my backside for weeks.”

  “Serves you right. Didn’t anyone ever tell you that you can’t capture a woman’s heart by making an ass out of yourself?”

  He laughed. “How do you catch a woman then?”

  She moved closer and he felt his heart speed up. “If a woman has to tell you, then you’re not the man for her.”

  She leaned up and placed her lips on his and he lost all ability to reason. Her body moved against his, soft, supple, perfect. His hands roamed over her back, pulling her tighter against him. Even though her body was plastered to his, he felt the need to get closer. He tugged on her hips until she sat on the edge of the countertop. When her legs wrapped around his hips, he moaned as he pushed his desire against her core. His jeans tightened and he desperately wished to rid them both of their clothes as quickly as possible.

  His fingers pushed her shirt up until her skin was exposed. Then he dipped his head and used his mouth over the soft silk of her ribs until his lips brushed against the lace that covered her breasts.

  She was moaning, soft little sounds that caused his desire to flare and build. He pushed her silky bra aside and latched onto her tight nipples with his mouth and moaned as he felt her peak for him. Her fingers dug into his hair, holding him tight as he lapped at her skin.

  He trailed his mouth down to the buckle of her jeans as she leaned back farther onto the countertop. When he tugged on the clasp, she wiggled and helped him slide each leg down and off until she sat before him in nothing but a matching pair of silk panties and bra.

  His eyes roamed over her entire body, appreciating the beauty. Then he leaned down and placed a soft kiss over her belly button. He felt her legs wrap around him once more. This time, he moved until they wrapped around his shoulders as his mouth covered the silk that covered her below.

  His fingers lightly played over her until he felt her hips move with each push. His tongue soaked the material hiding her.

  When he dipped a finger below, she gasped and he felt her hold still as his tongue touched her soft sex. She tasted like honey and he leaned in for more. Using his fingers and tongue, he brought her to the edge of a peak. When he dipped one finger into her, she cried out his name and arched back.

  He hadn’t thought it could get any better than before, but just hearing his name ripped from her lips during an orgasm proved him wrong. She was perfection. Glancing up, he watched her eyes flutter open and knew that he had to go slower. With her, it wasn’t just about his needs. Somehow, that realization shocked him enough that he took a step back.

  Bella realized Corey had left her. When her eyes opened, she saw him standing a few feet away, just looking at her.

  She’d never experienced a peak like he’d given her. Nothing had ever ripped through her so quickly or so completely before.

  Hoping off the counter, she walked over to him and wrapped her arms around his shoulders.

  “Come upstairs with me.” She reached for him, only to have him step away again.

  “I didn’t mean…” He shook his head and she felt her heart sink.

  “No.” He rushed over to her. “It’s not…” He stopped and sighed. “This matters.” He looked down at her and she could see in his eyes that he was as affected as she was.

  “Then come upstairs,” she said again, wrapping her arms around his shoulders.

  “I don’t want to rush into things. I’ve always rushed… and it never ended…”

  “Corey.” She stopped him by placing a finger over his lips. “I’ve never really been cautious, as far as relationships go, and they’ve always ended badly. I think we both know that this is different.” She pulled him tighter. “If we want this to be different, then it’s up to us to make it that way.”

  She felt him relax next to her. When his hands moved to her hips, she looked up into his eyes and knew that he’d made up his mind.

  “Come upstairs with me,” she said before placing her lips on his. Then she was being lifted into his arms as he carried her up the stairs. The dogs, thinking it was a game, raced him up the stairs, almost causing him to trip. Laughing together, they entered the bedroom. When he set her down on her feet again, her body slowly moved over his. He was still fully clothed, and her exposed skin tingled where he touched her.

  She reached up, keeping her eyes locked with his, and started to undo his buttons slowly. He stood still, his arms and hands locked to his sides as she pulled off his shirt.

  “Mmm, I just love these.” She ran her fingertips over his muscles. He was lean and tall but covered with long cords that had tan skin stretched tight over every inch of him. She took her time running her hands over him, even circling him and enjoying the view of his back. His jeans hung low on his hips and when she ran her fingers over his lower ribs, he held his breath. Then he hissed it out as she leaned up and nipped at his shoulder with her teeth. Her mouth smoothed over the skin and she ran her mouth lower as her hands reached around to unbuckle his belt and jeans.

  His head rolled back, giving her better access to run her hands over his chest and tight stomach. She could tell he was letting her set the pace. Tugging a little, she pulled his jeans down his hips until he stood before her in tight black boxer briefs. The muscles in his legs were strong and when she walked around to his front, she smiled when she noticed how hard he was.

  Running her fingers lightly over him, she watched his eyes heat. Still, she was amazed at his restraint.

  “You know you’re driving me crazy.” His voice was low as his hands moved to her shoulders, holding her in front of him.

  “I want you to know how you made me feel.” She moved closer, then leaned up and placed her lips on his shoulder. Then he hoisted her up once more. Her legs wrapped around his hips as he held her up against his body.

  “Have no doubt that I know exactly how you feel. I’ve felt that since the moment I saw you leaning into the trunk of your car.” His lips fussed with hers as he took a couple steps backwards. They landed on the bed softly, his hands rushing over her body, pulling the remainder of her clothes away. “I want to taste every luscious spot on your body,” he said against her skin. “Lap it up then do it all over again.” His mouth ran down her neck, sending shivers throughout her body.

  When she started to tug at his shorts, he pulled back and kicked them off, then bent down and pulled a condom from his back pocket.

  When he came back to her, she wrapped her legs around his hips and kissed him deeper than she had ever kissed before.

  She enjoyed feeling him slide into her and moaned at how full he made her feel. Not just physically; as she looked up into his blue eyes, she felt complete. For the first time in her life, she didn’t care about anything other than that moment.

  He continued to talk to her against her heated skin as they moved together. He talked about how her body felt, how he desired her, and how he felt like he couldn’t control himself around her. She agreed with every word he said.

  She’d desired him from the moment she’d seen him sitting in the dirt, holding his chin. She’d wanted him from the moment she’d seen him answering the door in nothing but a towel. The first kiss the other night had marked her.

  His hand moved up, pulling her leg up to her chest as he moved above her.

  “Look at me, Bella,” h
e whispered. “I want to see your eyes cloud when I make you come.”

  She couldn’t have denied him. Not when his voice touched her soul so deeply. She watched his eyes as his fingers touched her soft skin, sending her over the edge. Moments later, she felt him tense and he threw his head back with his release.

  Then his body relaxed over hers, covering her from the chilly night air.

  “When I can move again, I’ll grab the blankets,” he said as he buried his face in her hair and neck. She felt him sniff her and sigh.

  She rubbed her hands over his back. They were slick from their body heat and as the room cooled, she realized she really wanted a shower. “I know what you mean. I’d kill for a shower.”

  He rubbed his face in her hair and said something she couldn’t quite hear. Then, all of a sudden, he was rolling and taking her with him. She was once more in his arms as he carried her to the bathroom.

  “What are you doing?” she asked as he flipped on the bright overhead light.

  “I like your idea of a shower. So I figured I’d kill two birds…” He opened the glass shower door and stepped in. “Taking a shower”—he let her body slide down his as his arms wrapped around her— “and making love to you again.” His mouth descended to hers.

  Chapter Ten

  The next day, Corey rushed home to change and get his tools after eating a large breakfast she’d made them. Then he’d stayed busy working around her house. There was a lot on Bella’s list that he could do by himself. First thing on his own list had been to switch out the locks on the house with new ones. He’d even replaced the lock on the shed, just in case.

  Some of the light switches had been wired wrong and when she turned on the light for the front porch, it only worked half the time. He spent the entire morning fixing what he could as she worked outside with the animals.

  When lunch rolled around, she came inside and heated up some soup and put together sandwiches. When they were done eating, they both glanced outside when thunder clashed just above them.

  “Looks like I’ll have to get to the garden tomorrow.” She frowned over at him.

  “What do you say to playing hooky the rest of the day?” He moved around the table and pulled her up and into his arms. Her lips were intoxicating and he doubted he’d ever get enough of them.

  “Soft as rose petals and sweet as honey,” he said against her skin.

  She pulled back and smiled at him as she wrapped her arms around his shoulders. The rain had started and she could hear it pounding away on the metal roof. “I suppose since we’re not going to get cleaning the gutters done today…” She reached up and placed a kiss on his lips, then pushed away and tugged on his hand until he followed her. He stopped short on the stairs, when she stood a step above him. She turned and they were eye to eye.

  “The first time I saw you, we were eye to eye. Those sexy heels of yours.” He shook his head. “What’ll it take to get you back into those?”

  She laughed. “If you come back tomorrow and clean my gutters, you might just get lucky.” She leaned closer. The kiss seared him. She may not have known it, but he would have followed her anywhere at that moment.

  She tugged again on his hand, pulling him up the stairs. Their clothes fell to the floor as they quickly stripped them away.

  Finally, when it was skin to skin, he felt steadier. Her breaths sent waves of desire over his skin as she ran that sexy mouth over him. His fingers dug into her hips, holding her close. Then she was pushing him back onto the bed and he willingly went.

  She straddled him, and her eyes focused on his. “I’m in charge this time, cowboy.” She smiled down at him.

  “Yes, ma’am.” He felt his mouth go dry when she climbed aboard him. His hands went to her hips, holding her down on his length.

  He’d never imagined anything could feel so good. She rolled her head back, her long hair flowing around her shoulders. Then she started to move and his eyes closed with pleasure.

  “Hmmm, I love the way you feel inside of me,” she hummed.

  “Oh, god.” He didn’t know how much longer he could hold out. Her hips were moving back and forth, up and down, all at the same time. He’d never experienced anything like it before.

  “Do you like that?” she asked as she leaned down and ran her mouth over his chin. “I’m rather enjoying it,” she purred.

  He bucked his hips as he held her down and heard her moan. “Yes,” he said, wanting her to feel what he was feeling, the utter lack of control. “Take all of me.” He did it again and this time, when she gasped, he rolled over and pinned her under him. “My turn,” he growled as he took the reins. Her hips kept moving, so he held her down harder, pulling her hands above her head. His mouth covered her complaints as he used his hips. When he felt her relax, he trailed his mouth down her body slowly. He savored every taste, every touch until he felt he could no longer hold back. When he plunged into her again, this time it was different. This time it was all speed and desire.

  There was no room for slowness. He had to take her. Had to reach the end with her. He felt her legs wrap around his hips as she held onto him. Heard and felt the moment she let herself go, then fell with her.

  He’d always felt prepared for everything that had come his way in life. But nothing could have ever prepared him for the way he felt about Bella.

  Over the next few days, they worked together fixing up the house, getting everything ready for her new appliances and furniture. She’d called a company to haul all the old stuff away and donate it to needy families. He would have never thought about doing something like that.

  It had been hard, returning to the cabin each night after that first one, but he figured she needed her space. Plus, Dutch had been lonely.

  Still, each night he lay in his bed, desperately wishing she was next to him instead of a hairy dog with stinky breath. By later that next week, he was trying to figure out how to skip working with the Wests. But since he couldn’t find a good excuse and knew that he needed to help out with Hellion, he continued to haul himself over to their place bright and early every day.

  “Looks like someone had a good weekend,” Ryan said as he stepped out of his truck.

  “Shut it.” Corey smiled over at him as he reached out and shook his hand. They had been joking with him for days. Apparently, it had been going around town since their dinner at Mama’s. Everyone knew they were an item now and, so far, all the talk had been positive.

  “You know, Ryan, I do believe he has the same goofy look you had when you came into town with Nikki,” Reece joked.

  “You mean the same look you get when Missy is around?” Ryan pushed his brother into the fence, which lead to an almost minute-long battle as the brothers tried to outdo one another. It only ended because Reece knocked his cast against the fence post and Ryan had quickly looked up to the house to make sure Missy hadn’t seen the move.

  “Shit, man. You trying to get me in trouble with your wife again?” Ryan straightened his shirt.

  “Again?” Corey joked.

  “Shut it.” Ryan glared at him, causing him to laugh.

  “What are we going to do with this guy?” Corey asked, watching Hellion rush around the corral.

  “Beats me,” Reece said, stepping up on the bottom rung. “I was sure he would have calmed down by now.”

  “Maybe he’s better for bronc?” Ryan suggested.

  “No.” Reece shook his head. “He’s mean as cuss. I’d hate for him to go after someone like he did Corey.”

  “Yeah.” Corey remembered the scare of running away from the large beast as he chased him over the fence. It had only happened once, but once was enough. “He bites too.” He held up his wrist to show them the large bruise.

  Ryan chuckled. “Ornery through and through.”

  “If you gentlemen are through.” They heard a voice behind them. When they all turned, Missy was standing behind him, her arms crossed over her chest. “I saw that move, by the way, Ryan.” She glared at her br
other-in-law. “You’re just lucky I don’t feel much like yelling this morning.” She rubbed her large belly.

  “You okay?” Reece asked, hopping down from the fence.

  She shook her head as she held her back. “No, I tried to hide it from you, but I’ve been having contractions…”

  “What?” Both of the brothers rushed to her side.

  Corey stood back as they yelled at one another as they quickly got Missy into Ryan’s truck. Ryan climbed in beside his wife after he’d rushed into the house and grabbed a bag. Neither of them said anything more to him as he stood back and watched the show.

  “Looks like we have the day off.” He turned to Hellion after the truck disappeared down the lane. Then he had an idea. Opening the gate, he slipped on Hellions reins and started walking with the beast beside him.

  Bella was out in the garden mid-afternoon, pulling up weeds, when she heard the phone ringing. She raced to answer it, only to have the machine pick it up first. When she heard it was a sales call, she decided they could leave a message, but still, she listened as she got herself a glass of tea.

  The man was talking about stocks or investments, something Bella had never dallied in before. The most she knew about investing was her small 401k she had from her last job, which had a couple thousand dollars in it.

  She had just gone back out to finish her work in the garden when she heard the dogs start barking. Standing up and stretching her back, she walked around to the side of the house and watched Corey walk up with Hellion following him.

  “What are you doing here with that beast?” she asked as she removed her gloves.

  He smiled. “Taking a walk.”

  “Reece’s place is more than seven miles down the road.” She shook her head. The horse looked tired and thirsty. Walking over, she filled a pail and set it in front of the horse, who quickly dunked his nose in and started drinking.

  “That was the idea. Wear him out.” He pulled the reins over the horse’s head as she stood back.

  “You’re not going to…” But it was too late. He’d jumped up onto the back of the horse, who looked around like he was in shock that someone would dare try such a move when he was tired.