by Brenna Lyons
“Not really. I took buses across bridges or went around them somehow. I stayed off of city steps that hovered over cliff sides. I didn’t walk the Boulevard of the Allies or the outside of Grandview. I broke the law rather than use a foot bridge.”
“You cut through the train yards?” he asked in shock.
“When it was necessary.”
Keith pulled up and parked at the incline, and her heart sank. Over the years, she had ridden the Monongahela incline almost to the exclusion of all else. She hadn’t remembered that, with the increasing traffic on Carson Street, they had built a small footbridge connecting the Duquesne incline to its parking area—a low one but a bridge. She cursed herself inwardly for not remembering the change.
Katheryn considered her options. She could ask Keith to drive back to the Mon incline or even up to Mt. Washington and park on Grandview, but he said they were on a schedule. She said she could do this, and Katheryn couldn’t throw him off in good conscience by refusing to do what she proclaimed she could.
She squared her shoulders and took a deep breath as she surveyed the bridge. It was very low, barely allowing the larger trucks to pass beneath. That should work in her favor. Keith talked on as he led her up the narrow risers. Either he forgot how phobic Katheryn was or he thought the height wasn’t significant. To any normal person, it wouldn’t be, she chided herself.
On the top, Katheryn lay her hand on his ribs and locked her eyes on the center of his back. Thinking it was a sign of endearment, Keith covered her cold hand with his own and rubbed it to warm it while he led the way across the narrow space. Her heart pounded in her ears, and she willed herself to keep breathing in a steady cadence.
One step at a time. Don’t look down. Keith is here, and it’s only fifteen or sixteen feet to the ground. You won’t die by falling fifteen feet. It’s solid. It’s new. The bridge is stable.
Right on cue, a truck passed under, and the footbridge rumbled beneath her feet. She ground her teeth against a scream and her hand fisted in Keith’s jacket as she stopped abruptly.
He turned toward her, and his eyes widened at the sight of her. “Jesus. Back. Come on back,” he ordered.
She shook her head miserably. “No, go forward. Just get me off of this thing,” she demanded as another truck caused a fresh wave of panic. Katheryn closed her eyes as he started drawing her toward the building. Finally, she felt the doorway. Katheryn opened her eyes and launched into his arms, shaking and cold.
“Why didn’t you say anything?” he demanded quietly.
“I’m an idiot. It was my mistake for forgetting the Duquesne had a footbridge in the first place.”
Keith cupped her face in his hands and ran his thumbs over her cheeks. “You should have said something when you realized.”
“Yes, I should have,” she admitted.
“Take the incline up. I’ll meet you at the top with the car,” he decided.
“No, I’ll make it back across.”
“How?” he asked in disbelief.
“The same way we just did.”
“Are you sure?”
She nodded and nestled her cheek to his chest.
A female voice interrupted them. “Is there a problem here?” the PAT officer in charge of the lower station asked.
“No, I’m fine,” Katheryn answered.
“You don’t look fine, Hun,” she countered.
Keith cut in for her. “She suffers from acute gephyrophobia and aeroacrophobia,” he explained carefully.
“She’s what?” the officer responded warily.
“It means that she fears crossing bridges and open high places.”
“No offense, lady, but you’re in the wrong city. This here is the City of Bridges, and in case you haven’t noticed these mountains we built it on—”
“I know it,” Katheryn countered comically. “I’ve got thirty years of knowing it.”
“Besides that, if you’re afraid of heights, I can’t let you on the incline,” she continued.
“Open heights,” Keith corrected. “She’s been on inclines before. She’ll be fine.”
“You’re sure?” the woman asked nervously. “It’s my butt if you’re wrong, you know.”
Keith laughed heartily. “It’s my professional opinion that she will be fine. Now, it’s my butt,” he decided.
“Good enough for me. Buy your tokens. The car will be leaving in a few minutes.”
“Thank you,” Katheryn called after her as the officer returned to her stool. Settled into the car, Katheryn snuggled into Keith’s chest. “And, thank you,” she continued.
“For what?”
“I always feel like a complete misfit when I try to explain it,” she admitted.
“Phobias are common, so common that they have names. They wouldn’t name something that only you have, you know. If it makes you feel any better, you’re in good company. Some of the most creative and intelligent people in the world were phobic.”
“So, I’ve heard.” She sighed. “I should have said something. I’m sorry.”
“Already forgiven, and I have an idea for getting you back across smoother.”
“What idea?”
He smiled. “You’ll see.” Keith pulled off his coat and folded her back into his arms as the incline started moving. He tipped her head up to his and kissed her with increasing passion.
“Keith, you can’t finish this here,” she reminded him in a whisper as he nuzzled and bit at her neck gently.
“I’m just getting you aroused again,” he assured her as he ran his hand up her thigh beneath her skirt. “You can’t tell me all my hard work survived that bridge.”
Katheryn gasped as he brushed his fingers past her.
“Remember how I dressed you. Just imagine what undressing you will be like—”
She buried her face in his shoulder and stifled a groan into his shirt as she moved closer to his fingers. Keith lifted her easily, pushing her skirt up her thighs and settling her straddled over his lap. He captured her mouth as he pulled her against his erection, making her wonder if he was in a perpetual state of arousal or just easily brought up to rock hard readiness tonight.
Katheryn froze. “Aren’t there cameras in this thing?” she whispered urgently. “I mean, it’s been a while, but—”
His grin widened. “See where my coat is hung?” he whispered, running his fingers along her neckline. “Just be very quiet.”
His mouth captured hers again and cut off the laugh bubbling up. For several delicious moments, Katheryn lost herself in his kisses and caresses, all done with infinite care to avoid the prying eyes of the other car as it passed, while Keith whispered promises of the night ahead. By the time the car stopped at the top, they were sitting, prim and unwrinkled, watching the night skyline below.
The door opened, and the topside officer was waiting in the window. Keith feigned surprise well, Katheryn noted.
“Problem?” he asked.
“Your coat. You can’t hang it there,” she barked at him.
“Oh, sorry. It was warm in the car, and I didn’t want to wrinkle it before dinner. Won’t happen again,” he promised.
She nodded stiffly and moved away while Katheryn swallowed a blast of laughter.
Keith grabbed his coat and escorted her out of the car. “Behave,” he breathed in her ear.
“Kettle? Come in Kettle. This is pot, speaking. Do you copy?” she teased in a low voice.
“Just for that, you have another surprise in store tonight.”
“Dessert?” she asked.
“A spanking.”
“Sounds like fun.” They stepped out onto the sidewalk, and she locked her eyes on the houses across Grandview. “How far do we have to go?”
“Not far. The restaurant is just ahead.”
Katheryn laughed at the name hung over the door. “Cliffside Restaurant? What a spot for me,” she decided.
“The name needs some work, but the food is great.”
The f
ood was more than great. It was fantastic. To the waiter’s dismay and scandal, she ordered red wine with her fish. By the time dessert rolled around, Katheryn tried to beg off, but Keith ordered a dessert to share and fed her spoonfuls of a fruit and cream filled pastry that melted in her mouth.
“You’re spoiling me,” she told him. “I could get used to this.”
“Get used to it. I intend to.”
“You know, that saleswoman at Kaufmann’s threw me for a loop. You could have warned me that you had introduced me as your fiancée.”
“Does it bother you?” he asked solemnly.
“No, it’s fine.” If only I really was. Saying we want forever isn’t the same thing as asking.
“Did you enjoy your shopping?” he asked.
“Your words of inspiration really made it for me.”
“What words?” he teased.
“You sweating just thinking about me wearing them,” she crooned next to his ear.
“Oh, I am. You picked a good set.” Keith leaned closer to brush his lips down from her temple to her cheek. “There’s something else I’d like you to wear,” he invited, “but I won’t be taking it off.”
“Unless it’s those fur-lined wrist restraints that we like so much and a blindfold— I thought you wanted to undress me completely?” she teased.
“Hmm. That outfit could be interesting, but with one addition. I was thinking of this.” The ring appeared between his fingertips as if by magic. “Let me put it on, and I swear I’ll never take it off.”
Katheryn stared at it. It was a large square-cut emerald sided by two small diamonds. Her hand shook as she touched it, and tears pooled in her eyes.
“I know it’s not the typical engagement ring, but you’re not the typical bride. If you don’t like it—”
“No. It’s lovely,” she protested.
“You’re lovely. Can I put this on you and never take it off? Can I call you my fiancée? Can I give you a wedding and children and happily ever after? I can get on my knees and beg if you want.” He got it all out in a nervous rush that left Katheryn reeling.
“No.”
He looked at her in a stunned dismay.
“No, don’t get on your knees,” she qualified. “I want to kiss you. As for the rest, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, and God, I hope so.”
“I’ll take that as all yes.” Keith smiled widely and cupped her head to kiss her while he slipped the ring on her hand.
The waiter appeared beside their table. “Sir,” he whispered urgently.
“Relax, George. My fiancée just said yes. Now, if you’ll get me the check, we’ll be on our way to plague someone else. You have my word.”
“Yes, sir,” he replied evenly.
Katheryn smiled. “That wasn’t nice,” she teased, brushing his hair away from his forehead fondly.
“The kiss? I can do better,” he countered.
“I know you can, and we’ll prove it at home, but I meant George.”
“He’ll forgive me. I tip well when I get engaged.”
The trip back down was uneventful, though Keith gave her his jacket because Katheryn’s outfit proved insufficient to the dropping temperatures. On the incline, they left the camera uncovered and contented themselves with a few lingering kisses and cuddling for the ride down.
Keith’s idea for the footbridge worked well. He cradled Katheryn into his chest and hurried across while she white knuckled his shirt. In the car, she gifted him with a thank-you kiss that threatened to get out of hand.
“At least, I know you’re still aroused,” he panted. “We’re going home now. If we don’t, I’m taking you right here and now.”
“Would that be so bad?” Katheryn teased.
“I’m doing everything I promised and more. This whole day has been leading up to it. You’re wearing my ring. Now, I’m going to make you mine.”
“I am yours.”
Keith smiled. “Not like you will be after tonight,” he promised.
* * *
Keith watched Katie out of the corner of his eye. Ever since he announced that he intended to make her his, her arousal had been steadily rising—as was his own. His house couldn’t have been close enough to satisfy the aching need that was driving him.
When they arrived home, Katie reached for him immediately. Keith allowed her a brief, searing kiss before pulling back.
“Let’s go inside,” he managed hoarsely.
He stood Katie by the bed, facing the mirror. “Stay here,” he whispered as he planted a kiss on her neck and turned away. He lit the candles again and turned to see her fumbling with the jacket buttons. Keith removed her hands to her sides. “You do nothing. You put it on. Now, it’s mine to remove,” he chided her.
“What fun is that?” Katie complained.
“It will be fun for both of us. I guarantee it. Now—” Keith undid the buttons on the jacket and ran his hands up from her hips to her breasts.
Katie closed her eyes and rocked her head back to his touch.
“Rule number two. You watch what I do. Look down at my hands or watch in the mirror, but you watch.”
She met his eyes and nodded silently. Keith moved behind her and ran his hands under the shoulders of the jacket, pulling it down her arms until only her elbows and below were trapped in the sleeves. He cupped her between her legs and pulled her to him gently, trapping her arms between them while he rubbed the silk of her panties lightly, causing delicious friction. He pressed kisses to the back of her shoulder and neck while he worked.
Keith eased her away, and the jacket slid from her arms. He kicked it away and stepped to the right so that Katie could see him remove his shirt and drop it on top of the jacket. She followed his every move in the mirror, and he felt her shiver in anticipation when he returned to his seduction.
His right hand returned to the warmth between Katie’s legs while his left traveled the length of her torso from breasts to hips, cupping her, running a flattened palm down the planes and curves of her until she almost collapsed into his arms.
Keith watched her eyes in the mirror. She was staring at his hands with heavy eyes, and her tongue darted forth to wet dry, swollen lips. He removed his hands to the clasp and zipper at the back.
“Do you want it off?” he asked.
“Yes. Please take it off.”
He followed the progress of the zipper in back with his mouth and the fall of fabric down the front with eager hands. When Keith stood to look over her shoulder again, the silk was pooled around her hips. He ran his hands under the fabric to caress her then pushed it over her hips until it landed around her feet.
Keith moved to the front again and sank to his knees before her. “You’re shaking,” he crooned. “Can’t have that in heels.” He prodded her to raise one foot and then the other, stripping off her shoes and pushing her dress away.
He ran his lips up Katie’s stomach and ribs as he rose until he was suckling a nipple through the fabric of her bra. Her breathing was ragged, and her hand settled in his hair. Keith took it away and started placing her fingers in his mouth one by one to be sucked and licked while her eyes locked on the motion with a deep longing. He moved his mouth to administer delicious attention to her palm, her wrist, and up to the inside of her elbow.
Finally, Keith returned her hand to her side. “You don’t move,” he reminded her.
Katie cried out as his mouth found her other nipple. He teased her mercilessly while she fought the urge to touch him. Keith pushed to his feet and his hands circled her back. She moaned as he undid the clasp on her bra, and her breasts brushed against his naked chest as he threw it aside.
His hands cupped her breasts, and his thumbs kneaded at her nipples. Keith captured her mouth, and his tongue kept time with his thumbs, quickening only to slow again when her shaking intensified. He pulled back and broke off the kiss as Katie shifted against him, her hips seeking contact with the rigid length of him. She growled her frustration at his refusal to let her touch him in
any way. Smiling, Keith guided her to her left and eased her down to sit on the edge of the bed.
Kneeling between Katie’s legs, he gave full attention to her breasts. Back and forth, Keith moved his thumb to give full attention from his mouth while the opposite thumb took up the constant slow circles on the recently vacated nipple. He sucked and nipped at the perfumed spot he had rubbed in earlier until he had left a lightly abraded mark on her before moving back to her nipples.
“Please,” she begged.
Keith met her eyes while his thumbs continued their exquisite torture. “Please what?” he asked innocently.
“Please, you have to stop. I need you.”
“You have me,” he teased.
“I need you to make love to me,” Katie cried out in frustration.
“I am,” he breathed. “I’m going to make love to every inch of your body until you scream, and then I’m going to do it again.”
Keith trailed kisses down her stomach to the waistband of her panties. His hands left her breasts and played at the legs of the panties, brushing over the smooth skin and damp curls beneath while his tongue slid along and just inside the waistband.
His hands left to draw down the top of the stockings, kneading at her inner thigh while he watched the play of emotions on Katie’s face. Soft sounds of pleasure and longing escaped from between her clenched teeth. He drew the stocking off inch by inch, while he kissed her thigh, nuzzling up to the edge of her panties and down to the knee. His hands massaged her lower leg as the silky material disappeared.
Keith moved the anklet from one leg to the other and repeated the exercise with the other leg. Katie sobbed as his cheek brushed by the sopping line of her panties. Her second thigh-high tossed aside, Keith met her eyes and brushed his fingers over the thin fabric between her legs. Katie sucked in her breath harshly and locked her muscles to keep from jumping at the sensation.
“Watch, Katie,” he invited as he slipped two fingers between the fabric and her body to stroke her.
“No.” The sound came out half-groan and half-plea, but she watched in fascination as he parted her gently and eased into her. Katie was beyond ready for him.
Keith moved slowly, mimicking how he would take possession of her soon. She tried to move against him, but his free hand locked her hips to the bed firmly, eliciting a scream of frustrated excitement from her.
