“Mitch thought surprising you might be best. I can’t imagine you want to attend the gathering tonight without an escort.”
“And Mitch picked you?”
Cad bowed his head. A slight smile hovered around his firm, sensuous lips. His black jacket fit snug across his broad shoulders, and his lean hips and long legs were encased in matching slacks. His cultured voice and worldly poise would make any woman look at him twice. Her reaction to him annoyed her.
“I’m not ready,” Rae grumbled as she started toward her bedroom. “I have to braid my hair.”
“Don’t.”
She swung around to face him. “What did you say?”
His glance slid over her body, sending a wave of heat from her center outward.
“Obviously you want to look sexy. Men love long hair.” He strolled up to her and his fingers moved through the long strands. Leaning forward, he breathed deep.
Rae had to hold herself rigid to hide the tremors his touch generated inside her body. What was it with this man that he could reduce her to a puddle of desire with one look or touch?
“Hair like cool silk and that smells like sunshine ignites a fire in a man.”
Pulling abruptly away from him, she turned and almost ran to her room. She heard his soft chuckle.
Damn the man. I can’t seem to resist him. And I have to. I’m not going to be vulnerable to a man ever again.
Rae put on her shoes and ran a brush through her hair. She hated to admit it, but maybe he was right. Her hair glistened in the light and curled around her neck and down her back.
Eat your heart out, Nate.
She saw the flash of fire in Cad’s eyes when she returned to the living room. He studied her from the top of her head to her shiny silver shoes.
“Perfect.” He put out his arm. “Let’s go to the party.”
The look in his eyes and his words brought some of her usual confidence back. She reached in her coat closet and pulled out a white wrap. Cad took it and swung it around her shoulders. He stood at her back for a second longer than necessary. His spicy cologne mixed with his own particular scent filled her head. A coil of desire stirred in her lower abdomen. She stepped away and walked to the door.
“Shall we go?”
His eyes mocked her. He was aware of his effect on her and enjoyed seeing her reactions.
Although the days were getting warmer, the temperature at night still dropped significantly. Cad’s car heater felt good. She directed him to Nate’s parents’ house. Cars were parked in the driveway and along the road.
“We aren’t the first,” Cad commented.
“But we’re just on time.” Rae pulled the visor down and checked her makeup and hair.
“You look beautiful.” His husky voice was like a warm caress.
Cad went around and opened her door. As she stood, he put his hands on her shoulders.
“There’s one more thing you need before we go inside.” His arms wrapped around her, and his lips captured hers. He tasted of mint and a faint hint of bourbon. She fit against his hard body like a missing piece of a puzzle. He’d surprised her. For a minute she let herself relish his taste and touch until she realized where she was and what she was doing.
Rae pushed him back. “I didn’t say you could kiss me.”
“I didn’t ask. Now you have more color in your face. Let’s go greet Nate and his family.”
Not sure how to respond, she didn’t. Cad took her arm and led her to the door. Almost immediately they were welcomed and brought inside to join the happy crowd.
Nate’s mom hugged her. “It’s good to see you, Rae. You are as beautiful as ever. Who is this handsome gentleman?”
Rae introduced Cad. Nate’s mother wrinkled her brow and stared at him.
“I think I saw you on television. You’re an attorney and one of your high-profile cases was televised.”
Cad shrugged. “I prefer for that not to happen, but the judge agreed.”
“You were wonderful. I’d want you on my side if I needed a criminal attorney. I haven’t heard about any of your cases lately.”
“I’m semiretired. I have other interests.” He pointedly glanced at Rae.
“Ah, lucky girl,” Nate’s mom said. “Come, let me introduce you to the rest of our guests.”
Annoyed that Cad had indicated she was his main interest, Rae reluctantly followed behind. But she did remember to smile. This was going to be a difficult evening.
Finally finished with most of the introductions, Rae and Cad were left standing by the buffet table. Rae had surveyed the room, but Nate and his wife were nowhere to be seen. Guests were still arriving and the room was getting packed. Mitch, Sara, and Daren waved and joined them.
“Looks like tons of good food,” Daren said and reached for a stuffed mushroom.
Sara came to stand on Rae’s left side. Cad was on her right filling a small plate for her with too many tasty hors d’oeuvres.
“Stop. I won’t be able to eat that much.”
“You probably haven’t eaten all day. Try.”
“Has anyone told you how bossy you are?”
“Often.” His half smile speeded her heart rate again.
Voices raised and someone clapped. Rae looked around to see Nate, a petite, blonde woman, and a small boy had joined the welcome-home crowd. People made a ring around them to each get a turn to speak with the family.
Rae gasped as though she’d received a punch in her midsection. Sara and Cad both stepped closer. Her brothers moved in front of her to hide her from anyone looking their way. She had to smile at the sudden protective gestures.
“Thank you, but I’m really all right. It was just the initial shock of seeing his child. I’m over him, really.” She looked at Mitch and Daren. “Don’t look so fierce.”
Daren grinned and nodded at Cad. “Better include him in that admonishment.”
She turned and caught the same expression that her brothers wore on Cad’s face. “Stand back. I don’t want the other guests to think I need protection.” Rae pulled her shoulders back, put a smile on her face, and took hold of Cad’s arm.
“Good for you,” Cad said under his breath.
His approval gave her more strength. The crowd thinned back from Nate and his wife. Nate saw her. He took his son’s and wife’s hands and started to walk toward Rae.
This was it. Everyone’s eyes looked in their direction. She was on stage.
No one must know how hurtful his surprise had been to her. In another time, back on her home planet billions of miles away, she’d have been a princess. Tonight, she’d show that side of herself.
Nate’s wife was pretty and had a pleasant smile. Her blonde hair was short and curly, and she wore a short, silky dark-blue dress. Their son was a small image of his father except he had his mother’s blue eyes.
“I’m so glad you all came,” Nate said, nodding to Mitch, Daren, Rae, and the others. He gave a quizzical glance to Cad. “Have we met?”
Mitch made the introduction. Cad stepped forward and shook Nate’s hand, and then moved back beside Rae. He put Rae’s arm around his, and his hand over hers. Nate’s eyes followed the motion. He glanced at Rae, then turned to his family.
“This is my wife, Linda, and my son, Nathaniel.”
Linda smiled and greeted each of them. When she came to Rae, she looked directly at her and spoke.
“I’m so glad to meet you. Nate told me what good friends you were growing up. I envy you having that time with him. Perhaps we could have lunch in town one day while we’re here.”
Rae wanted to glare at Nate. He’d not told his wife the truth of their relationship. Her smile started to slip, but Cad squeezed her hand, reminding her of all the others watching.
“Thank you for your gracious offer. I’m sorry I won’t be able to accept. I’m leaving tomorrow to visit a dear friend in Oregon. It’s been too long since we got together.” She looked beyond Linda to Nate. “You remember Jewel Camilius, don’t you?”
“Yes. She was your best friend in high school.”
“Right. We keep in touch and visit each other.”
“Perhaps the next time we visit then.”
Rae nodded. She was thankful when Nathaniel pulled on his daddy’s hand and asked for a drink. The three moved on, and Rae took a deep breath.
“You did well,” Cad whispered in her ear.
“This is the first I heard of a trip to Oregon,” Daren said, a teasing look in his eyes.
“You recovered beautifully,” Sara praised her. “I don’t know if I could think of an answer that quickly.”
“Oh yes, you could,” both Mitch and Daren answered. They all laughed.
“Actually I had been considering visiting Jewel. I haven’t called her. Hopefully she won’t mind a visitor.”
Cad handed her another plate of hors d’oeuvres. “I dumped the other one. Eat. We can’t leave yet.”
She reached for the plate, and their hands brushed. A familiar jolt ran up her arm. She stared into his deep-set golden eyes, then shook her head and took the plate.
“I am hungry. Thank you.”
He leaned forward. “I am, too, but for you, not food.”
His words and touch increased her already-tumultuous feelings. “Stop,” she whispered back. “I need space and time.”
“No you don’t. You need a good loving.” Desire shone in his golden eyes.
“Are you challenging me?”
“No, I’m telling you.”
“I don’t take orders from anyone but my brothers and only when we’re on assignment.” She looked around and was glad to see Mitch, Daren, and Sara had moved far enough away to not hear their conversation. “I don’t know you and I’m not sure yet if I want to be involved with you,” she added.
He stepped closer into her space. “Your body knows me and you want to whether you admit it or not. We will become better acquainted and that includes intimately.”
His words taunted her to deny them. She couldn’t and be honest. She feared, in spite of her conscious mind saying no to him, her weaker body, and subconscious mind were yelling yes. If she could only resist him tonight, then hopefully during her trip to Oregon she’d regain her equilibrium and her familiar life. But his scent made her want to move closer to him, and his sensuous lips would tempt the devil.
Chapter Three
What seemed hours later, Cad took her home. They had spoken very little the rest of the evening. Others talked with them. Cad kept his hand on her arm or back, his nearness a constant reminder he was there and waiting.
The drive home was quick and silent. Cad walked her to the door and put his hand out for her key. Rae hesitated and then handed it to him.
She looked at his hand as he slid the key into the lock. A fine sprinkle of black hair brushed across the top. His fingers were long. For a second, she imagined his fingers lightly touching her body. Heat flushed under her skin.
Cad held the door open for her to enter. Rae put her small purse on the kitchen table and walked into the living room. She reached to turn on the lamp. Cad stopped her.
“All we need is the moonlight.” With one arm he drew her closer and turned her back to him. His fingers gradually pulled the zipper down the silver dress. Her heart beat faster. Her thoughts shouted at her to stop him.
He’s practically a stranger.
But my body craves his touch. Just for tonight I’ll let him make love to me. He’ll help me forget. It won’t mean anything.
He stepped back, and pushed the fancy dress off her shoulders and let it slip to the floor. Silvery moonlight beamed into the room and shone on her skin. Cad turned her to face him.
“You don’t need this.” He unfastened her lacy bra and threw it to the side. Then he knelt at her feet and took off one shoe at a time. “Hold on to me.”
Rae grabbed his head and his soft hair. He massaged her toes, the arch of her foot, and then the whole foot. A soothing pleasure built in her lower abdomen. When he was done, he started on the other side.
Her body trembled as tiny waves of desire stroked her. All resistant thought melted in the heat of her hunger.
His hands caressed her lower legs. He kissed the tender spot behind her knees. Taking his time he worked his way to her throbbing pussy. His nose brushed across her bikini panties, and her scent surrounded them. With a quick twist of his hand he tore the fragile lace panties off, separated her folds, and licked her juices. His tongue rubbed across her clit. Rae couldn’t stifle the moan that came up through her body and out. Cad flicked his tongue into the opening to her wet pussy.
“Take me,” she said. His silent chuckle against her sensitive folds heightened her hunger.
He looked at her. His eyes glinted in the moonlight, stark with desire.
“In time, my love, when I’ve finished exploring every spot on your body.” He straightened and cupped her full, lush breasts. His tongue licked her quivering flesh, and his teeth nibbled against her rosy nipples.
Her pussy clenched and throbbed with her need for him to fill her. Her breathing quickened, and she thought her heart would pound right out of her chest.
He continued his exploration to her shoulder and neck. Finally he held her face between his hands.
“You are perfectly beautiful.” His lips brushed across hers, and she tasted the mixture of him and her.
He swung her into his arms. “Which way?”
She pointed to the hall and to her bedroom. He strode down the short hall and stood her by the bed. He reached around her. First the comforter was pulled back and then the upper sheet.
When Cad straightened, he was right in front of her.
Her fingers began to undo the buttons on his white shirt. She spread the shirt apart and pushed it off. Leaning forward she kissed his nipples and across his wide shoulders. His scent heightened her arousal.
“It’s my turn now.” Her mouth touched over his heart, and the beat increased. She unfastened the narrow, black belt and undid the button on his suit pants. Her mouth roamed across his tight abs and flat belly as her hand slipped between the band on his shorts and closed around his hard cock. This time he groaned, and she flashed him a triumphant smile.
She pushed his shorts and pants down, and he stepped out of them and his shoes. Rae looked from his wide, large cock up to him.
A grin quirked up at the corner of his mouth. “Don’t worry. I’ll have you ready for me. We’ll fit fine. I’ll go slow.”
His warm, caring eyes reassured her. She moved her mouth up and down his length, licked the crown, and tasted his salty flavor. She ran her tongue up the ridge along the underside of his cock. Then her mouth covered him as far as she could go down.
“Ah, love, my head almost blew off that felt so good.” Cad’s hands ran through her long hair where she knelt in front of him.
Rae started to suck and he stopped her.
“I want to be inside your tight, wet pussy, right now.”
“Are you sure?”
“Absolutely.” He pulled her up and lifted her onto the bed. Then reached in his pants pocket and pulled out his wallet. Inside was a condom package. He laid it on the bedside table and climbed onto the bed.
For a minute, he lay on his side, staring at her. Rae wanted to cross her arms over what she felt was fat on her waist and hips. She was not a dainty woman.
“You are perfect for me and for my cousin who you’ll meet soon. We want to marry you and have a family. Don’t ever think you aren’t beautiful. Your curves and lush breasts are a temptation to drive any man crazy.”
“Wait. You mentioned a cousin.” Her mind had snapped back to work.
“Don’t worry about that now. We’ll talk later.”
He kissed her mouth. His tongue slipped inside and caressed the interior while his hands stroked her breasts and his fingers gently pinched the peaks.
Rae’s desire swirled inside her, and all thought of questions or stopping were gone. Her body hungered to feel him inside
her pussy. She moved restlessly underneath him.
Cad raised his head and stared into her eyes. He reached for the condom package and tore it open, then he handed the condom to Rae. She rolled it onto his cock and positioned him at her pussy opening, where he slowly entered.
Rae spread her legs wider and pulled on his buttocks when he hesitated. “I’m all right. It’s tight, but don’t stop.” She moved her hips upward. He nodded and slid the rest of the way in.
“Ah.” She closed her eyes to let the feeling ripple across her body.
“Are you all right, Rae?”
“I will be when you start moving.” She clenched her inner muscles to better feel his rock-hard dick.
“My pleasure, my lovely.” Cad began to move slowly and gradually increased his pace. Rae met his every stroke and pushed hard against the top of his dick.
Cad leaned down and licked her tight nipples, then suckled on her breast. Rae tightened her hands on his buttocks, encouraging him to take her harder and faster.
A swell of pure euphoria rushed through her. Her body bowed, and light sparkled behind her closed eyelids.
Cad plunged deep and hard one more time, creating an orgasm like she’d never experienced before. She heard his yell of completion as she tumbled into space.
He kissed her eyelids, her cheeks, and her mouth before rolling to the side.
She snuggled close and felt his heart pound under her palm. Cad struggled to catch his breath. Her heartbeat matched his, and a thin sheen of perspiration covered their skin.
“Are you all right?” Cad asked her again. His caring tone and his smile made her feel warm all over.
“I am. I should be asking you that question.”
“If I was any better I’m not sure I could handle it.” A glint of mischief sparked in his gold eyes.
Rae snuggled into his shoulder and shut her eyes.
* * * *
Cad had heard that making love with your mate was completely different. They were right. He’d never been so attuned to a woman’s body. When her soft hands had touched his dick as she rolled the condom on him, he shook inside. Then when he’d entered her tight pussy, every stroke took him higher, and his desire had shot out of sight. But he’d tried to stay aware enough so he didn’t hurt her with his eager, demanding body.
Cameron, Paige - Commando Cowboys Captivate Their Lady [Wyoming Warriors 5] (Siren Publishing Everlasting Polyromance) Page 2
