9 Ways to Fall in Love

by Caroline Clemmons

  Cassie pulled their rental car up in front of Destiny's Desire and climbed out, handing the keys to the valet. Jake unfurled himself from the passenger side, straightened to his full height as he stood and worked the slight kinks out of his back. He hated riding in a car, he'd rather be behind the wheel driving. Might be part of his control-freak personality flaw, but he liked being in charge of everything, even something as mundane as a road trip.

  He'd given in to Cassie's demand she drive to Destiny's Desire from Denver after spending the weekend at his condo. She'd met his best friend, Ryan, and Ryan's wife, Rose. Ryan knew the whole story about his losing Cassie all those years ago. One night after a particularly hellacious shift at the fire station they'd gone out and gotten rip-roaring drunk. Jake spilled his guts to his friend, wallowing in misery and a broken heart. Rose knew bits and pieces from conversations past and like the dear friend she was, hadn't pressed for details. She'd just supported him and loved him like a big brother. This past weekend he'd filled them in on everything that happened at the lodge. Well, almost everything. There'd be no telling anybody about using his family's blessing to save Cassie and almost losing his own life in the process.

  Sunlight glinted and sparkled off the diamond engagement ring on Cassie's left hand. Jake didn't even try holding back his huge grin. But then, he hadn't stopped smiling for the last few days, ever since she'd said yes.

  "Brad!" Cassie raced past him toward her friend silhouetted against the glass doorway to the lodge's entrance. Flinging herself in his arms, she hugged him tight.

  Instead of the anticipated jealousy, Jake's first emotion was relief. When Cassie needed a friend the most, alone and vulnerable, Anderson had been there. He'd protected and watched over her and her mom, and Jake would always be grateful. It should have been him, but now he understood why she'd left Texas all those years ago. He made a solemn vow she'd never need anybody but him ever again.

  "You okay, darlin'?" Brad nodded a brief greeting toward Jake before staring down at Cassie, his quick gaze thorough, checking her from head to toe in one practiced glance. He dropped a kiss against her forehead before shooting a smirk at Jake over the top of Cassie's head.

  "How you feeling, Stone?"

  "Better. Now get your hands off my fiancee." Jake walked forward and pulled Cassie against him, and he wrapped his arms around her.

  "Fiancee? About damn time."

  Brad grinned but Jake read the hint of sadness in Brad's eyes. Not so much at losing the girl, since he'd never really had her, but almost a yearning for what Jake and Cassie finally had together. He understood and empathized with the big man. Missing half his own soul for seven long years, he had her back and he was never, ever letting her go again.

  Smiling, Cassie flaunted her engagement ring at Brad and he clasped her fingers, twirling her hand back and forth, watching the lights reflect from the diamond and sapphire engagement ring.

  "Gorgeous, darlin', just like you." Cassie's blinding smile said it all. She glowed with an inner happiness Jake missed when they'd first reunited here at the lodge. Now her joy and zest for life proved infectious. She was the same Cassie he'd first come to love in Cougar Falls, Texas, only stronger and infinitely more precious.

  Cassie's fingers lightly skimmed across the white bandage on Brad's forehead. When Jake talked to Quin a couple days ago, he'd gotten an update on Brad. The falling branch had caused a pretty severe concussion and Brad had spent two nights in the hospital. Quin convinced Brad's boss, Clayton, Brad should stay at Destiny's Desire a few more days. Rest, relaxation, and recuperation with all the benefits of the exclusive lodge were in his future. Though I doubt that's all Quin's got up his sleeve, Jake thought. Knowing Quin, Brad's own personal journey had just begun. He almost felt sorry for the big Texan. Almost.

  Still standing outside the front doors of the lodge, Cassie's voice broke the silence. "You'll come to the wedding, right?"

  "I wouldn't miss it, Cassie." At the deep masculine voice Jake whirled around, staring at the man he'd just been thinking about. Quin stood steps from him. He hadn’t even noticed the guy walk up—he appeared like a puff of smoke—or maybe magic. After everything that happened, magic wasn't a stretch for Quinton Chase.

  Eyes narrowed, Jake studied Quin, noted the twinkle in his eye and the sardonic twist of his smile.

  "I'm hoping you'll both be my guests at Destiny's Desire for your honeymoon. My gift to you."

  "That's very generous of you, Chase." Jake smiled down at the woman he loved.

  "Not at all. I'd like to think we played a small part in bringing two lovers back together after so long apart."

  Jake bit back a snort at Quin's words. A small part? Not a chance. It was fair to say Quin and Destiny's Desire Lodge played an enormous part in reuniting him with Cassie. He'd never believed in miracles before, but after seeing first hand the changes Quinton Chase wrought in Ryan and Rose's lives and now with saving his Cassie from a murderous father bent on revenge and giving him back the woman he'd always loved, if Quin said the sky was purple, Jake would agree without a moment's hesitation. Whatever mystical ability Quin possessed, Jake knew he'd never use it for evil.

  Reaching his hand out, he waited until Quin clasped it, before leaning toward him to whisper. "You ever need me again, for any reason, I'm there. Just ask and it's yours." The words caught in Jake's throat. He fought back the wave of overwhelming emotion threatening to bring tears to his eyes. Cassie nodded at his quietly spoken vow. "Me, too." Jake placed a smacking kiss on her cheek, and Cassie blushed, lightening the mood.

  "So, darlin', when is the wedding?" Brad's question had Cassie smiling and Jake felt that grin on his lips again.

  "Mom and Clayton are coming out next month. So we're thinking a spring wedding, in three weeks." Stepping forward out of Jake's embrace, he released her reluctantly. "Brad, would you walk me down the aisle? Give me away?"

  Brad straightened at her words. He glanced over the top of her head, meeting Jake's eyes, his question evident without words.

  "We'd be honored if you'd accept, Brad." Jake reached his hand forward a second time, an offer of friendship to the man he knew had kept his Cassie safe when he couldn't. With a sigh, Brad reached Jake's hand. Dropping a soft kiss on the top of Cassie's head, he nodded.

  "Excellent." The glass doors parting and Quin strode through. "I'll have the lounge chill a couple of bottles of champagne and we can celebrate. The desk will send your bags to your room." With a flick of his wrist, people rushed forward to grab their luggage, and within minutes they were seated in the resort's exclusive VIP lounge, sipping champagne and talking wedding plans.

  Chapter 24

  Jake slid the key card into the slot, watched the light flicker green and depressed the handle. The door swung inward and they walked into their suite. One thing you had to say about Destiny's desire, they really knew how to make a couple feel welcome. The soft floral scent of fresh flowers filled the room.

  Jake's eyes followed Cassie, watched her walk around the sofa, her fingertips running across the plush cushions scattered along the back. She glanced over her shoulder, her eyes meeting his.

  "You do realize this is the same room?"

  Jake grinned. "I know. I specifically asked for this room when I called." Walking forward he moved to stand in front of her, reached up to rub the knuckle of his index finger along her jaw before tugging on a curl cascading atop her shoulder. He loved her longer hair style, the warmth of the browns and golds shining in the sunlight flooding the suite.

  "The last time we were in this room, we'd just found each other again. It wasn't pleasant. It wasn't pretty. I thought maybe we could erase those memories, replace them with some happier ones." He leaned forward the few inches separating them. "Loving memories." The kiss was gentle, the briefest brush of lips, but the reined desire banked for so long threatened to spill forth like an erupting volcano.

  Raw.

  Earthy.

  Explosive.

  Cass
ie's hands speared into his hair, gripping and holding him still as her mouth opened under his on a deep sigh. He breathed in her nearness, deepening the kiss with a brush of his tongue across her bottom lip before sliding inward, tangling with hers. Cassie's unique taste flooded through him and he plunged deeper into the kiss pulling her body to his, rocking his growing erection against the softness of her belly.

  The meshing of teeth and tongue, lips moving together in a synchronized dance echoed the desire coursing through him, waiting to consume him. Each time he kissed her was unique and different. The desperation and fear diminished a bit more every day but never totally faded. Jake was determined to not take for granted his second chance with the woman his heart chose so long ago. Losing Cassie once nearly destroyed him. He planned on never letting her go. Ever. Mine, forever.

  A low moan escaped Cassie as she broke free, tilting her head back. Jake continued kissing a line of soft, nibbling pecks and licks across her cheek and down the nape of her neck. Open mouth kisses sprinkled with a quick nip at her earlobe. His mouth moved along her sensitive skin and he drew her softness inward, knowing the suction would leave a mark.

  Mine. She's finally mine. No more running, no hiding. I'm free to love her for eternity and beyond.

  Fingers fumbled against each other fighting buttons and snaps and closures, tugged and pulled fabric until everything lay in a rumpled heap of garments on the floor. Jake took a step back and looked at Cassie. Standing before him, her long hair cascaded in waves over her shoulders. Her breasts encased in filmy red lace, the full globes of her breasts nearly overflowed the confines of the cups. Matching panties revealed more than they covered and Jake looked his fill. He never got tired of the sight of her, free and full of life, and loving him.

  "I want so much to sweep you up in my arms and carry you to the bed."

  "You can't Jake, it's too soon. You'll end up back in the hospital and we can't have that happen." Cassie grinned. "I have plans for you and they don't involve bedpans and nurses call buttons. Although the adjustable bed brings to mind some interesting possibilities."

  Jake's laughter joined Cassie's. He pulled her through the door of the suite's bedroom. Muted golden light cast a warm glow throughout the space. The bedding had been turned down and a few red rose petals scattered across the glistening white sheets, the intoxicating scent filling the room. An ice bucket with a bottle of champagne chilling along with two flutes on a filigreed silver tray sat on the night stand beside the king size bed.

  "Looks like Quin went all out."

  "Um, hmm. I think he has a hidden romantic streak buried deep inside." Cassie's hand rested against Jake's chest, fingers twining in the dusting of hair across his chest. He sucked in a breath, eliciting a smile when her thumb brushed across his nipple in a teasing caress. Leaning forward, she brushed kisses across his pecs, her tongue sneaking out to taste his skin.

  Jake's hand slid into her hair, needing to touch her. He wanted to take things slow. Before their lovemaking had been rushed with the newness of illicit first love blossoming in a forbidden relationship. Then the frantic coupling of danger and reaffirming their love, not knowing what the next day would bring.

  All that was past. Now he wanted to love her, worship her with his words and his body. Tilting her head up, he covered her lips with his, seducing and devouring hers in an all consuming kiss. Her response was instantaneous, meeting him kiss for kiss. Desire roiled through him, clenching in his gut. He walked Cassie back two steps until the back of her knees touched the tall mattress. The perfect height for what he planned.

  He hooked his thumbs under the straps of the bra, sliding them over her shoulders and downward. Their eyes locked as he reached behind her, unclasping the hooks and freeing Cassie from the confines of the red lace. With a little shimmy, it fell to the floor.

  Kneeling before her, Jake placed a trail of kisses across her stomach, from one hip bone to the other, his tongue delving into her navel as he spread hungry kisses across her skin. He hooked his fingers into the sides of the barely-there panties and slid them down to join the bra on the floor, leaving Cassie completely nude and gloriously, breathtakingly aroused. The scent of her need perfumed the air.

  Jake stood and took Cassie's face between his hands. He could spend the rest of the day and night kissing Cassie. Hell, if he had the whole of eternity, it still wouldn't be enough.

  Gently, never breaking their kiss, he lowered her onto her back, her breasts brushing against his chest and he joined her, moved between her spread thighs to kneel atop her. Finally leaning back, he looked down at the sight beneath him in wonder and the flames of desire burned faster and higher within him. Her eyes were glazed with passion as she stared up at him, her lips red and swollen from his kisses. Hair spread across the white sheets, the rose petals drifting about her.

  "You're so beautiful, my Cassie." He slid his hands along her arms, down her shoulders and across her forearms, each touch soft and full of wonder. Each time he touched her was like the first time, yet enthralling and different, all wrapped in one beautiful Cassie-filled package. Entwining his hands with hers, he linked their fingers and moved her arms up above her head, watched her breasts lift upward, the mounds a perfect feast both for his eyes and his lips.

  "Keep your hands here." Jake's voice came out a low growl. He released his hold at Cassie's nod. With a brief barely-there touch, his fingertips brushed across her nipple and it puckered. Her indrawn breath told Jake without words that she'd liked it. Lifting the weight of her breast in his hand, he leaned forward and licked across the distended tip, laving it with his tongue before sucking the mound into his mouth.

  Cassie's back arched off the bed at his touch, and Jake shifted to encompass her other breast in his hand. Her taste spread across his tongue as he suckled, salty-sweet and distinctly hers alone. The fingers of his other hand twisted and pinched the other nipple in a dance as old as time, yet seemingly brand new.

  "Jake, I need . . ."

  "I know what you need, sweetheart, and I'll give it to you. I just need to love you slow and easy this time. No rushed fumbling in the back yard, afraid of getting caught by my grandmother. No worrying about guns and madmen. Only you and me, baby."

  "I want to touch you." Cassie's whispered plea nearly shattered his control, yet he held on. He needed to make this special for her. Erase all the bad memories and replace them with good ones. But most importantly, he needed to make her feel loved.

  One of her slender legs twined with his. She pressed her lips against his ear, open-mouthed. Her tongue rimmed it, sending sensations straight to his groin. They kissed hungrily, with a give and take of shared desire. He filled his hands with her lush curves. With each touch relearning her body. Bold fingertips did some exploring of their own and he gave a growl of encouragement.

  When her hand skimmed down his torso, reaching for him, he stayed her hand.

  "I've missed you so much." He whispered the words, brushing back the hair from her forehead. "I need to feel alive again. Need to know you're really here with me."

  Cassie leaned forward and pressed her lips against his. "I'm here, Jake, and I promise I'm never leaving again."

  Jake drew his hand down her across her breasts, once again tweaking the tips before continuing his tormenting journey ever lower, all the way to her silken bared thighs. His fingers encountered her warmth, her wetness welcoming him. "I love you so much, my Cassie."

  "I love you, too." Rolling her hips, she arched into his touch. "I need you, Jake. Love me."

  Urgency took the place of slowness, the frenetic pace punctuated with touches and kisses. Finally he slid into that tight, sweet place where he'd longed to be and knew one thing above all else. He was home.

  Cassie sighed and pulled him closer. Looking down at her, he'd never seen a more beautiful sight. As he moved within her, she looked luminous, glowing from within. An incandescent light in the darkness of his last seven long years. But no longer. He stroked within her, marveli
ng at the sounds she couldn't hold back.

  Fingers threaded through the moist curls at the juncture of her thighs, stroking the little bundle of nerves and eliciting a husky cry from Cassie's lips. Her hands clutched at his shoulders as they moved in unison, a perfectly orchestrated dance, their bodies attuned to each other as he rocked into her. Her muscles drew him in, squeezing and he closed his eyes, fighting back the desire to come.

  Slow. Make it perfect for her.

  Cassie arched her hips, digging her heels into his back, wrapping her legs around him, holding him closer.

  "Yes, that's it, Cassie. Claim me. Make me yours forever."

  "Oh, Jake, I need . . ."

  "This?" His fingers plucked at her hidden pearl and she gasped, throwing her head back, bucking against him. Fingers tightened on his shoulders, her nails digging in. Jake relished the small bite of pain, the knowledge he could bring her such passion.

  "Love me, Cass?"

  "Yes!" Cassie's scream echoed in his ears as her body convulsed, writhing against him, wild and hot.

  "Love you, baby. I will always love you." His voice hoarse, the words caught in his throat as he slid inside her, pushing his full length into her tight sheath, their bodies bowed. Cassie cried out as her orgasm hit, sending pulsating waves along his length as he pounded into her. He didn't hold back. Couldn't hold back from the woman he loved. The crest of climax pulled at him and he fell straight into the whirlwind, knowing the blinding passionate joy of having found his Cassie.

  Chapter 25

  Quin scrubbed his fingertips through his overly long hair, realizing he probably should make the time, take an hour and get it trimmed. Ah, priorities. He closed his eyes, momentarily letting the exhaustion he'd held at bay for days roll through his system. The events of the past week both exhilarated and depleted him. But the job was done, mission accomplished.

  For a second, the briefest moment, he paused, inhaled the scent of the logs burning in the fireplace, listening to the crackles and pops of the wood engulfed by the dancing flames, imbuing his office with much needed warmth.