DAY 31

by Kane Caldwell

  “Princess,” I muttered roughly.

  “Yes, sir?” she whispered softly.

  And that was my undoing.

  I touched my lips tenderly to hers. She drew up on tiptoes and gripped my forearm to steady herself, and I lost it. Growling at the simple touch of my lips meeting hers, she opened her mouth and I drove my tongue into the hot confines of it. My tongue tangled with hers in a heated kiss. Both starving for this very moment, we dueled to reach the depths of each other’s mouths, branding our connection into our brains as the rain poured down on us. My cock began to swell, and the surprise effect this woman was having on me caused me to rumble into her mouth. And she matched it with a needy moan.

  After what felt like hours but was only a few minutes, we ended the kiss with a light brushing of lips against one another’s. Now soaking wet from the constant rain, breaths heavy, we were still lost in each other as I pulled her securely against me, hugging her tight, never wanting to let her go. I knew in the distances of my mind that this changed everything between us.

  “You kids might wanna come in out of the storm.” Our waitress, who had to be around my mother’s age, called from the door that led back into the tavern.

  I nodded, acknowledging her, and she slipped back in with a smile on her face. Pulling back from Noelle, I looked down at her. A soft smile tilted her puffy pink lips. I grinned back, not wanting this moment to end but knowing it had to because we were running out of time.

  “We have to get back,” I told her, my voice husky.

  “I know,” she replied sadly.

  I let her go and cupped her face. “Just in case I forget to tell you, I had a great time today.”

  She beamed as she answered, “Okay, Pretty Woman.”

  In an instant, my mind flew back to sitting in a theater with a girl whose name I didn’t remember, watching Julia Roberts in an elevator with Richard Gere where she expressed similar words, and as that scene quickly played in my head, I busted out laughing, Noelle joining me.

  And… it felt fucking awesome.

  On the way back, I drove, and every mile, every sputter of the car, pissed me off further.

  I squeezed her hand, pulling her attention from staring out the side window. “You gotta consider getting a new car, Noelle.”

  “I know,” she told me quietly. “I’ll start looking tonight.”

  “Good.” I lifted our attached hands, kissed her fingertips, and rested them back on her thigh.

  *~*~*

  “Olivia?” I shook her sleeping body, spread out on the couch.

  “Hmm,” she muttered, but didn’t move or open her eyes.

  I quickly inspected all the areas on her body the counselors at the rehab center had told me to check. I didn’t see any marks.

  She’s not using.

  She was only wearing a cotton nightshirt. Brushing the slightly wet, messy brown hair from her cheek, I muttered, “Baby?”

  “Callen,” she groaned, and rolled over, putting her back to me. “Leave me alone, I’m tired.”

  I glanced at the clock sitting on the mantel. “At one in the afternoon?”

  She gripped the throw blanket from the back of the couch and covered herself. “I went to the gym this morning.” She sighed and burrowed into herself.

  I didn’t reply, just stood over her, looking at the woman who was my wife, the woman I loved, but not knowing exactly who she was anymore. I climbed the stairs as defeat lay on my shoulders.

  I’d came home early hoping to surprise her. That hadn’t gone as planned.

  When I walked into the master bedroom closet, I immediately took note of her gym bag nestled in the corner of the closet, not touched. Sighing deeply, I moved to the bathroom and took in the tight red dress and black lace bra and panties strewn about the tile floor in front of the shower. I hauled my arm back and ground out, “Fuck.” Then punched the mirror.

  I sat straight up in bed, huffing and still hearing the shattering glass in my head. Running my hands through my sweat-damp hair, I pulled hard, wishing the sound would stop. The pain would stop. The dreams would stop.

  Chapter Ten

  Noelle

  *~*DAY 41*~*

  I’d driven home in a lustful, hazy stupor. If you’d asked me about the drive back to my condo, I wouldn’t have been able to tell you. There’d been no way I could step into the office today as my mind was now solely on my and Callen’s kiss.

  Oh.

  My.

  God.

  I hadn’t been kissed much in my life, maybe a handful of times, but my God, he could kiss. All thought had been sucked from my head, the lone focus what had been happening between us. Never had I felt the way he made me feel, the tips of my toes going numb, a tingling rush flowing through my body, a fiery heat taking up residence in my core.

  It was amazing. All of it, from the way he presented me with the picture he bought me, to ordering our food, to holding me tightly around my waist as we ran to the car from the tavern, trying to dodge the torrential downpour even though we were already soaked, all the way to the small kiss laid on my wrist before he exited my car.

  But… as amazed as I was by all that Callen had showed, I wasn’t surprised.

  He had years on me to acquire the kind of experience that I’d never had the chance to appreciate.

  A single tear fell from my eye as I reached for the wine glass in the dish drain. The instant sadness that washed over me was because the chances of Callen and me being together were nil. There would be no dates, no him picking me up at my door, parading him around acquaintances, and no possible way of bringing him home to meet my family. Even knowing all that, I reached for the cell in my purse.

  Me: Are you sleeping?

  I put the phone on the counter and went to the fridge to retrieve the wine bottle. Before I had a chance to pour any of the liquid gold into my glass, the phone buzzed.

  Callen: I dozed for a bit but, princess, it’s only 8:43. Lol!

  I smiled at the small screen, almost hearing the teasing in his voice as I read the message.

  Me: No one likes a smartass, Callen.

  Pouring myself half a glass, I went to my bedroom and snuggled up in bed. I was just about to reach for the remote when the cell buzzed.

  Callen: Everyone needs a smartass in their life.

  I stared at the dimly lit screen and typed back.

  Me: Then I guess I’m glad you came into my life. :)

  And it was true. I had started all this trying to find answers to many questions, but now, I was finding it harder and harder to focus on just that as the connection between Callen and me was taking a direction I never expected.

  Callen: Ditto, baby.

  Baby….

  One simple word that only when he voiced it, caused a rush of tingles to run through my body. I hadn’t figured out which I liked better, princess or baby, but both did things to me when he said them.

  As much as I wanted to stay on the high he had produced, I knew it was time to put my feet back on the ground.

  Me: If anyone found out about today we can get into a lot of trouble. I could get into a lot of trouble, Callen.

  Taking a sip, I watched the screen, interested in his feelings about it.

  Callen: I know, princess. It won’t happen again.

  A stream of misery coursed through my body and settled like a pit in my stomach. Did he not want it to happen again? Was the kiss we shared that would stay with me till the day I died just a mere peck to him? It couldn’t have been. I’d seen it in his eyes. Or was I reading him all wrong?

  I stabbed at the small keyboard.

  Me: Do you not want it to happen again?

  I stared at the cell screen, my heart beginning to race, pounding against my chest waiting for his response. I guzzled the rest of the wine and placed the glass on my night table.

  Callen: I do! And so much fucking more, baby.

  My stomach instantly filled with excited butterflies that took flight, and a smile sprea
d across my worried features as he erased the fear that he might not have the same feelings as me. But then again, he may not, may just see me as someone to take the edge off. Because what he had told me about being with two women clearly showed that he liked to have fun. As all this sank in, the butterflies began to slow.

  Me: Callen, I have something I’d like to say.

  I sat up straight and pulled the blankets over my lap, phone centered between my crossed legs. Taking a deep breath, I prepared myself to tell him exactly how I felt. Something I wasn’t used to doing, but knew I needed to.

  Callen: You can say or tell me anything, Noelle.

  Rolling my shoulders, I muttered, “You can do this.”

  Me: I never intended to have feelings for you, but somewhere along the way, it happened.

  There was so much more I wanted to say, but I hit Send and tried to ease the thumping in my chest. Simple was the best route to take now, because if I told him the real thoughts I’d been having about him, it might make me look like a young girl with a crush. Once his message popped up on the screen, a numbing warmth surged down my body.

  Callen: Me too, baby. Tasting your sweetness caused all my feelings to fucking amp up. I can’t even count how many times I blew a load with you on my mind, your name falling from my lips.

  Oh. My. God.

  “Yes,” I mumbled to the silent room because I felt the same way.

  Me: I think about you more than I should and a lot late at night when I’m in bed.

  A flush of heat sprang up in my chest and crawled up into my cheeks.

  Callen: Tell me, princess, what you think about.

  For some reason, my insecurities and embarrassment took a back seat as I typed.

  Me: Wondering what it would feel like for you to take me.

  Callen: Fuck. Have you ever had these thoughts about anyone else?

  Me: No. Any thoughts I had were normally just to cash in my V card to get it over with.

  Callen: Jesus! I’ve thought of sinking into your hot, wet tight, pussy so many times. Watching the look on your gorgeous face as I break the barrier.

  I felt every word settle in my core as my panties began to soak up the evidence of his effect on me.

  Me: Yes! Gazing into your beautiful green eyes, holding on to your biceps as I feel every inch of you enter me.

  I hit Send, surprised at the words I’d just typed.

  Callen: Damn, baby! You’re making me so fucking hard. I’m going into the bathroom.

  My lips tipped up because I didn’t think I’d ever had this influence on any man. And if I did, I hadn’t known. And knowing I was causing Callen Westbrook to take himself in hand was doing wonders for my self-esteem.

  Me: I’m slipping a hand in my panties now.

  Callen: Tell me how wet you are.

  I propped the cell up on a throw blanket so I’d have a free hand and typed back.

  Me: Very wet. But you seem to have that effect on me, Callen.

  And he did. I had been thankful for the rain, because I’d been so excited from our kiss I was afraid there could’ve been a wet spot between my legs.

  Callen: I want to taste you, EVERYWHERE! Run my tongue along your body, savoring the sweet taste of your skin. Bury my face in your pussy, licking and sucking every drop of essence you have to give.

  Me: Oh God, Callen. I want that. And I want to taste you. Experience things with you I’ve never had with any man.

  As my fingers glided back through the wetness between my legs, I circled my clit. Small, pleasing twinges consumed my female parts.

  Callen: Fucking hell! I’m so close, Noelle.

  Me: Me too.

  And I closed my eyes for a brief second and imagined Callen’s mouth on my most intimate parts, and that’s all it took to send me over the edge. Breathing heavily, I arched my back and soared into a blissful orgasm, riding the wave with nothing but Callen on my mind.

  *~*DAY 42*~*

  “Ellie!”

  I was far too gone in my thoughts to be interrupted.

  From waking up in the morning, brushing my teeth, showering, eating, driving, for God’s sake, everything I did, my mind was occupied with Callen. I hadn’t had the heart to tell him I wasn’t going to make it to see him today as I had to attend dinner at my parents’ house. After we’d both come, we slipped into normal conversation. I was learning more and more about him and not exactly the answers to questions that’d brought me to him in the first place.

  But there was still plenty of time to work on that.

  “Ellie!” my dad shouted, and I lifted my head, pretending I’d been focused on the papers in front of me, and looked to him.

  “Hi, Dad,” I replied nonchalantly.

  “Where’s your mind at, girl? I’ve been calling you,” he asked, putting his hands on his hips and peering at me.

  Well, see, it’s on this man who has taken over my mind. He’s hot, so masculine, and I want to do things with him I’ve never wanted to do with another man.

  “Work,” I answered instead.

  He shook the aggravated, confused look from his face and told me, “Dinner is canceled tonight. Pamela came down with a stomach bug.”

  “Oh, that’s horrible,” I lied, not because I was being evil or wishing ill on her, but she deserved it from time to time. I always liked to think it was karma catching up with her.

  “Yes, it is. I’m off to bring her soup. I’ll let you know when dinner will take place.”

  “Okay, Dad!” I yelled, as he had already made his way out of the office and down the hall.

  A large smile spread across my face as the thought of getting to see Callen today slithered through my mind. But it didn’t last long as I replayed the conversation I’d had with my dad just now. I slumped back into my chair as the smile turned to a frown.

  Never did I get, how are you doing, Noelle?

  And it was somewhat funny because when I was younger, I’d thought it wouldn’t bother me as much as I got older. But now, I had difficulty with the fact that my father never really asked me how I was doing. His comments were always negative, or him correcting me on every damn thing I did or wanted to do. I knew deep down inside that I needed to hang on just a little while longer and everything was going to come tumbling out.

  I pushed all those thoughts aside and sent Dr. Meyers an e-mail. As I quickly got absorbed in my work and trying to get it done ASAP, I didn’t even notice that an hour and a half went by before the notification sounded for a new e-mail.

  Miss Anderson,

  Your request to take Callen Westbrook to the local park this afternoon has been approved. Please sign in at least ten minutes before your departure to authorize Callen leaving the premises with you.

  Have a lovely day,

  Dr. Thomas Meyers

  After reading the e-mail, I grabbed my cell from my purse and quickly typed out a text to Callen.

  Me: We’re going to the park at three today, be ready! :)

  It wasn’t long before the phone vibrated, and I read—

  Callen: A park?

  I smiled and typed back.

  Me: Yes, a park. Stop being a baby and be ready.

  Before I had a chance to place the cell on the desk, an incoming message appeared.

  Callen: You’re the one that’s gonna need to be ready, princess. A lot of good secluded spots can be found in a park. ;)

  A huge grin spread my lips wide.

  Me: I know.

  *~*~*

  “For fucks sake, we should be at a car dealer,” Callen grumbled as he folded out of the passenger seat.

  “Don’t start, Callen,” I said, giving him a look when I peered at him over the roof of the car. “She got us here, didn’t she?”

  “Barely,” he muttered, slammed the door, and made his way to the front of the car, looking out at the beautiful green landscape of the park.

  Since it was a weekday afternoon, not many people crowded the area. As I opened the back door and reached inside, t
hat thought gave me some hope, considering Callen had yet to make any advances on me. I knew nothing could happen between us at Mountains Bay, but I’d expected that once we were away from there, he would have done something. Maybe hold my hand, lean over the console and steal a kiss.

  Anything!

  I was so deep in those reflections as I stretched into the back seat to grab a bag that I let out a squeal when large arms wrapped around my waist.

  “Missed you,” his deep voice whispered in my ear.

  Those two words evaporated all negative thoughts from my mind. My body filled with an aroused hum as a small smile spread across my lips.

  Turning, I looked up into soft green eyes. “Glad I’m not the only one.”

  I caught a slight tip of his lips before they descended on mine.

  He laid a gentle kiss to my lips, then muttered, “Too many kids over there.” He jerked his head to the area behind us. “Let’s go.”

  With that he grabbed the bag from the seat, shut the door, and took my hand in his as we made our way over the lush grass.

  We’d been walking for some time before he asked, “What’s in the bag?”

  “A blanket, few bottles of water, and a bag of chips,” I told him as we looked around for a secluded area.

  He didn’t answer me, intent on finding a location far away from others. Since we’d been walking for almost ten minutes, I thought we may be in the clear. He pulled me between a few trees and deeper into the wooded area, stopping when we entered a small clearing.

  “Should be safe here,” he muttered, letting go of my hand and reaching into the bag for the blanket.

  I watched as he swung it high in the air, opening it in one swift move, and my stomach dropped. We both knew what was going to take place on that cover. Maybe I shouldn’t have expressed my feelings to him last night. Did he have every intention of taking me here in the wooded area in a public park? Was my first time going to be with my back scraping across the twigs and branches that lay underneath my favorite throw blanket?