“Don’t bother. I think I have an old towel in the back of the car. Can you drive?”
“Of course. No problem.” She got the towel out of the trunk and he took the passenger seat, holding the towel to his nose.
She slipped into the driver’s seat, and turned to him with a hint of a smile. “Wow. You were awesome tonight. You really know how to handle yourself.”
His green eyes glinted with humor over the towel. “Mother would be proud.”
“And so am I.” Yes, Chase was one very sexy southern gentleman.
It took ten minutes to get back to Paradise Cove and she helped him inside his cabin. Max was happy to see him, yapping and jumping, but Chase scooted him away, and the Corgi obediently returned to his crate near the window.
“Can you give him a treat,” he asked her, “while I go clean up?”
“Sure.” She found the treats in the pantry and tossed the dog a few.
Meanwhile Chase had removed his shirt and gone into the bathroom to clean up. She followed and stood there, watching from the doorway. The bleeding had stopped, but he was a mess. Blood had dribbled down his chin, and caked on his neck. He had bruises on his chest, his arms, and his precious face.
“Let me help you.” She got a washcloth and rinsed it in warm water before adding soap. “Sit down on the toilet seat and let me clean you up.”
His voice deepened. “Yes, ma’am.”
“Don’t ma’am me, or you’ll be sporting another bruise on your other cheek.”
“Is babe better?” He kissed her palm.
“No. I hate ‘babe’.” She tossed her hair away from her face. “Reminds me of the guys who’d frequent the cabarets where we danced. They thought pawing me was part of the show.”
“Wish I’d been there to teach them different.”
She dabbed gently at his chin, and his cheek. “Me too. You’d have shown those losers a thing or two.”
Very carefully she put the warm towel to his nose, and he winced.
“Sorry. Did that hurt?”
“No. I’m just a wuss.”
She bent down on her knees and looked up at him. “You are not a wuss. You are brave and courageous, and…and…”
“Sexy?” he asked with a hopeful grin.
“I was going to say a really fun date, but yeah. You’re sexy too. I like you shirtless.”
“I’ll burn all my shirts.”
She laughed. “Can I help?”
“You can help by kissing me better.”
“Like this?” She kissed his bruised cheek. “And like this?” Next his jaw.
“That does help. Just please don’t kiss my nose.”
“Can I kiss under the nose? Like your lips?”
“That’s more like it.” He held her head and took her mouth, firmly, like a man who knew what he wanted and intended to have it.
“Oh, my!”
“Oh my what?”
“You are very different tonight. Not the tortured artist who can’t find his muse, but dominant, powerful, and yeah, sexy!” She giggled. “But you’re still a good guy underneath, right?”
“Always. It’s inherent in my bones.” His dimples flashed. “Just can’t get away from it.”
She kissed one dimple and then the other. “Good. I don’t like bad boys anymore.”
“Glad to hear it.”
She lingered near the warmth of his mouth, sneaking in another kiss. “And I’m glad to feel it.”
“You can feel a lot more.”
“Is that an invitation?” Her pulse leapt.
“If you want it to be. I figured you might want to be held again tonight. It must have been very frightening for you.”
She knew he was teasing, but she nodded. “I was worried sick when they jumped you. I don’t want anyone jumping you or hurting you.”
“I wouldn’t mind someone jumping me.” His eyes held hers, and her stomach did a pirouette.
“Oh really?” Her tongue traced his mouth. Her heart speeded up. “Would that someone be me?” Did he want to make love to her? Oh, she hoped he’d changed his mind.
He wrapped his arms around her, and lifted her as he stood. “Only you.”
“But I thought…”
“You do too much thinking.”
“But you said we shouldn’t. That you had to know me better. Do you know me well enough now?” She touched his bare chest.
“I know that I want to know you a whole lot better. Starting now.”
She melted a little. And asked softly, “Tonight?”
“Unless you have a problem with that.”
“No.” She shook her head, and felt a quiver building inside of her. “No problem.”
“Good.” He took her hand and led her to his bedroom. He put his hands into her hair, pulling her mouth down to his. He kissed her thoroughly, making her knees go weak. “You make me hungry. I want to nibble on every part of you.”
She wet her lips. “We did have a light dinner.”
“I’m looking forward to my dessert.” His eyes roamed over her. “Last night I wanted to touch you so badly, I ached.”
“I know you did.” She’d wanted him too. “I was impressed with your fortitude.”
“I hope to impress you with more than that tonight.”
“Oh, you will. I peeked.”
He laughed and pulled her close. She clung to him, and they were kissing again.
She couldn’t remember anyone ever kissing her like that. As if he could kiss her all night long, and never tire of it. As if her kisses had meaning, and weren’t just a prelude to sex.
Other men would be tearing her clothes off by now, instead Chase was touching her with reverence, kissing her with such tenderness and simmering passion that it was the most erotic experience she’d ever known.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
“Turn down the sheets,” she told him. “I just need a minute to freshen up.” She returned to the bathroom, used the commode, then washed away the evening’s grime. As she prepared herself for their first night of love, her mind flew all over the place.
The first time she saw him, the way he’d picked her up and carried her back to the cottage when she so afraid she’d lose her baby; bringing flowers the following day, his sweet invitation to dinner…his heartfelt kisses. The way he’d moved her around the dance floor, and handled the jerks looking for a fight. Kind, caring, a man of many talents, and she was about to discover a new one. She had no doubt he’d excel in the bedroom since he had a knack of doing everything exceedingly well.
When she came out of the bathroom, the lights were dim and a candle flickered on the nightstand. Chase sat on the edge of the bed, his magnificent chest bare, holding an ice pack to his nose.
“Oh, no.” She walked over and touched his face, searching for fresh signs of blood. She sat down beside him, a hand on his back. What nasty men they were, two of them pummeling him with their fists, for no good reason at all. “I’m sorry, does it hurt? Her voice hitched, and her eyes felt scratchy. She wanted to cry because he was in pain. “Did it start bleeding again?”
“Nope. The ice is just a precaution.” He tugged her down beside him. “Figured I’d use it for a few minutes while waiting for you.” He tossed the ice pack onto the night table, and nudged her back to the pillow. “It was a long wait. But worth it. You smell good. You look better.” He gave her a hungry kiss.
She put her hand on his shoulder holding him back. She didn’t want to hurt him, or get his nose bleeding again. “Maybe we should pass on tonight? I could just sleep next to you again.”
“You could, but I think that might only last a minute or two. That ache last night? It’s doubled.”
She grinned and lifted her arms welcoming him in. They kissed for a few minutes, and then she broke away. “I’ll have to be very gentle with you. No wild stuff. Okay?”
He stood up, unzipped his pants and dropped them on the floor. Then he got back into bed with her. She was still wearing her hot little dress whi
ch had shimmied up her thighs. He bent over and kissed the inside of her thighs, taking her breath away, and her thoughts scattered.
“I’ll take you any way I can get you,” he said, using his tongue and his lips to push her dress higher. “There may be a few things we’ll need to leave for another night, but I’m sure we’ll find plenty of ways to amuse ourselves.”
“You think?” She gave him a slow smile. “Could we maybe start with you unzipping my dress, since you’ve got it half off already?”
“Excellent plan. Sit up.”
She lifted off the bed and turned her back to him. He inched the zipper down, taking his sweet time, kissing her back and every tantalizing peek of bare skin.
She shivered with nerves and anticipation. She hadn’t been with anyone other than Jose for a long, long time. It wasn’t easy to surrender completely to someone you didn’t really know. What if she disappointed him? Or he her? On the other hand, anyone who could touch her and kiss her the way he did couldn’t possibly disappoint.
“I like your kisses,” she murmured, turning her head.
The dress was open to her waist, and he unhooked the back of her bra. As it fell, he cupped her breasts from behind. “I’ve been dying to get my hands on these.”
She laughed softly. “Really? So how do they feel?”
“Firm. Soft. Like a ripe Georgian peach that I want to taste.”
She closed her eyes, loving the warmth of his hands on her breasts. She sighed and leaned back slightly, wanting to draw out the pleasure.
“Do you like my nipples?”
“I love your nipples.” He bit her on the back of her neck—a gentle nip that sent a thrill right through her.
She bent her head back, and moaned with pleasure. He tweaked her nipples and kissed her shoulders. “I need to get this dress off you.”
She lifted her hips and he pulled it down, past her legs, and tossed it on the floor next to his pants. Only her undies were left. She flipped over to face him, and put her hands around his neck. She kissed him softly, sweetly.
“Oh Ashley, I love the way you make me feel. As though I’m special.”
“Miss Brittany,” he spoke with a heavy southern drawl. “Let me assure you that you are very special.”
His mouth claimed hers in a hungry, demanding kiss, letting her know how deeply he wanted her. His tongue thrust inside her mouth, seeking, exploring, tasting and taking.
Gasping, she pushed away, needing air. “Oh, Ashley. You make me breathless.”
“You call me that again, and I might have to take you over my knee.” His eyes were like emeralds, shiny and aglow.
“I’d like to see you try.” She ran her hands over his chest, and then pushed him down on the bed. She got rid of the sheet and straddled him. His plaid boxer shorts were tented in the middle.
She smiled. “Oh, my! Mister Ashley I do swear you have something in your pants.”
He chuckled, and put her hand on his erection. “Why don’t you see for yourself?”
She slipped her hand under the waistband, and he sucked in his tummy as she stroked his length. “Chase. I want you.”
She pulled his boxers down and put her mouth on him. He moaned her name as her tongue slid up and down. She loved the taste of him, the way he quivered, and the feeling of power it gave her. “Brittany?”
“Hmm.”
“If you don’t stop this it’s going to be a very short night.”
“Oh!” She pulled away and slid off him. “What did you have in mind?”
“I’ll show you if you let me.” He slid a finger under the lacy thong, and touched her. She was wet and hot, and oh so ready. She opened her legs a little wider, giving herself up to him. He bent and kissed her through the lacy material, then he pushed the moist panty aside and his tongue flickered in. She arched her back aching for more.
“Please, Ashley?” She withered against his mouth. “Take off my undies. Do me.”
“Gladly. All night long.”
“Trust me, if you don’t hurry up I’m going to combust.”
He took another little nibble, and continued to pleasure her even though she beat him with her fists. Then sighing she gave into her body’s desires, letting him have his way with her. She clung to him as the tremors began and her body convulsed. When the explosion came, he moved quickly and slipped inside of her, and then it started again.
* * *
He held her for a long time after, kissing her head, her cheeks. He was surprised to feel the wetness of her tears. “What’s wrong?” he asked. “You’re not having regrets, are you?”
“No.” She sniffed. “Of course not. I just didn’t know it could be like that. I mean all of it. You took such good care of me,” she sucked in a breath, and her eyes got teary again. “I came twice,” she moaned and buried her face in his neck.
“I’m sorry, but it’s not over yet. I’m out of practice,” he said in apology.
“What are you talking about?” She peeked up at him.
“You only came twice.”
“You moron, I’m not complaining,” she giggled, and laced her fingers through his chest hairs. “I’ve never climaxed more than once, and then not very often.”
“Seriously? What kind of men did you date?”
“The selfish kind. They got off, rolled off, and then it was over.”
“Brittany.” He held her face, and kissed her eyes, her nose, her wet cheeks, and then her mouth. Soft, gentle kisses. Not the passionate ones he’d used on her before. She needed to recover and rest, then he’d start up again.
He was sated, but not done. His pleasure in her had just begun. Getting to know her, discovering her secrets in and out of bed. He wanted to know what made her tick—all the little stuff that made her frown or laugh or cry—and the pleasure zones that had her squeal with delight.
It would be a long night, but he’d missed being with a woman. He’d slept with plenty, but it hadn’t been on an emotional level, or even close. He cared about Brittany. When he left Paradise Cove and returned to his real life, whatever that may end up being, he wanted to know that he’d done right by her. She’d been fragile, damaged when they first met, only two weeks ago. In their brief time together he hoped he’d helped her see that she was a person of worth, and should be treated accordingly.
He still had a few more weeks to convince her of that.
“Should we get up and shower?” she asked, making a face. “I’m all sweaty and everything.”
He pulled her on top of him and looked into her eyes. “I’ve never found you more attractive than I do right now.” Her long thick hair fell over her breasts, and one perfect nipple slipped through. Her eyes were dark chocolate, her skin rosy and damp. Her body was lean and taut, and there was not one thing he’d change about her if he could. He even loved the light frosting of freckles on her shoulders and hoped to get to know each one.
Her lips curved in a smile. “All naked, and bathed in your sweat?”
“Uh-huh. Makes me hard just thinking of it.”
“You are too.” Her eyes grew round and soft. “Again?”
His hand caressed her breast, and he fondled the nipple gently in case it was tender. “When you say the word.”
“Oh, I’m sure twice is enough for one night.” She stroked his cheek. “You know, double the fun and all that. We don’t want to wear it out.”
He lifted her hand and placed it on his erect penis. “Try me.”
Her cheeks blushed, and she looked so pretty he just had to kiss her. He put a hand on the back of her head and kissed the sides of her lips, then her mouth, his tongue mingling with hers. His breathing quickened, as did hers. She rubbed up against him, teasing his erection, and after a few minutes of this she slid on top, and took him deep. Her head was thrown back, her eyes half closed, and he watched the expressions on her face as he held her hips and drove himself into her again and again.
Their bodies were slippery with sweat, making slapping noises that only h
eightened their sexual tension. “Oh, my God,” she cried out. “Ashley, now, come with me.”
Being the gentleman, he did what the lady asked.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Brittany had fallen asleep in Chase’s arms, and awoke before dawn. She watched him sleep for awhile, enjoying the sound of his soft snores. His hand was still on her breast and she didn’t have the heart or will to move it. She knew he’d want her to stay, but as much as she’d like to she couldn’t.
She kissed him softly, and when he opened his eyes, she whispered, “I had a great night. One of the best ever. Thanks so much, but I need to go.”
He blinked, and then his eyes caressed her face. “Thanks so much?” His hand ran over her back, sending pleasurable shivers down her spine. “Glad to be of service, darlin’. Now, why don’t you forget about what the rest of the world thinks, and stay in bed with me?” He tugged her hand when she had one leg out. “I had an amazing night myself, and I would love to start the new day off with a bang.”
She laughed. “You’re insatiable! And you’ve had enough. I’m not sure if my legs will carry me back to my cabin.” Brittany slid her second leg out and stood before he could convince her to stay. She grabbed her sexy dress and held it in front of her. “And I thought I was so fit with all my dancing and running.”
“You are very fit. And good sex is a sport of its own.”
“With you it certainly is.” She took a step. “My legs feel like rubber.”
He grinned. “I could carry you,” he offered, “but I’m not sure that I have the strength to lift you.”
“Told you so.” She dressed quickly, her back to him. Properly covered she turned to face him. “If you have any stamina left, you can take Max out for a walk. He’s been whining at the bedroom door for hours.”
He sat up, his bed-head hair making him look even more adorable, and stacked two pillows behind him. “Guess you don’t want to take him out before you leave?”
“Fat chance.” She glanced at his enticing chest, his ripped abs, then moved to his side and bent to kiss him. “I’m working this morning, and I don’t know how I’ll find the strength.”
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