by Lois Kasznia
"I'm hungry, too. I'll pick you up in five minutes. I have to show you another place with great food."
"But," sputtered Ally and realized Caleb had hung up on her. Sighing, she put on a little makeup and changed clothes again. She then grabbed her house keys and waited for Caleb to come.
Chapter Sixteen
"You ready?" Caleb smiled as Ally opened up the door. He then grabbed Ally and gave her a tender kiss. "You look great." Ally blushed and took his offered hand.
"Is this place far?" asked Ally as she hopped up into the passenger seat of the pickup truck.
"Nope, it's just up the road." Caleb tore out of her driveway and headed towards the restaurant. He then turned to look at her. "What happened after I left?"
"Talk about being crazy." Ally shook her head. "It dawned on me Kat would show up and she did. She suspected something, but I'm not sure what. Needless to say, the bedroom looked like a twister had come through there."
"It did," commented Caleb. "We were two crazy animals with appetites and I'm getting hungry again." He smiled wickedly at Ally.
"Caleb," admonished Ally playfully. "I'm hungry for food."
"I'm hungry for you," said Caleb as he hugged her tightly.
"You'll just have to wait, cowboy." Ally smiled at him.
When they arrived at the bar, Caleb took Ally's hand and led her in. "Not like any of your fancy places in New York, but wait until y'all try this food."
"This reminds me of the place I used to go when I attended college; pool tables and a dart board."
"You play darts?"
"A little, but it's been ages since I played. You'd probably beat the pants off of me."
"That's exactly what I want to do," replied Caleb with a determined look.
"I certainly walked into that one. My tongue isn't connected to my brain." Ally stood still and looked up at him.
"Because I've got you crazy about me."
"Oh please." Ally rolled her eyes. "You are so conceited."
"No, I'm not." Caleb managed to look hurt and Ally smiled while she stroked his face.
"You are kind of cute." Ally shuddered as Caleb took her hand and kissed the palm. "You're doing it again," whispered Ally her eyes lost in his.
"I know." Caleb led them to a booth along the wall. "If you like burgers, they're good, but their barbecue is the best."
"I don't know," said Ally as she scanned the menu, not at all impressed with the food selection until she saw a shrimp entrée. "I'll have the salad with shrimp and a glass of red wine." She smiled up from her menu and saw Caleb gazing at her. "What?"
"You don't eat much."
"I have a shoot in New York in two weeks. I'm trying to be good."
"You didn't tell me before." Caleb's eyes darkened at this news. "How long are you going to be gone?"
"It will be just a couple of days." Ally shrugged and looked at Caleb. "Why?"
"Are you sure you're coming back?"
"Of course I'll be back, why wouldn't I?"
"I bet they try and talk you into coming back," said Caleb flatly.
"Of course they'll try," said Ally firmly. "But I won't. I have got a whole life here that I'm not ready to give up." Ally liked the fact Caleb seamed jealous.
"Am I your life?" asked Caleb.
"Am I your life?" countered Ally. She watched those green eyes as they stared a hole into her heart. Caleb leaned forward and gently kissed her lips.
"Your dinners are ready," quipped the waitress breaking the moment. The waitress served Ally first and then Caleb, flirting outrageously with him. Caleb barely noticed her since his attention had zeroed in on Ally.
"You know, Caleb. I meant to ask you about Jeb. Is everything okay with him?"
"No, I'm glad he called. I mean, I hated to leave you, but it had to do with my cattle again. Another three have disappeared and the rangers don't know how they're getting them. Now, they found two in a Nebraska auction."
"What are you going to do?" Ally could tell Caleb had been trying to hide that he felt angry about the situation by the grim set of his lips and the flat look in his eyes.
"Leave it up to the authorities and keep a watch of my property. How is your salad?"
"It's really very good," commented Ally as she reached for her wine.
"You know how to play pool?" asked Caleb.
"Just a little," said Ally seductively. "Why? Do you play?"
"Why don't you just watch me?" Caleb wiped his mouth with a napkin and left money on the table for the waitress. He took Ally's hand and led her to an empty pool table.
"Where are the cues?" asked Ally as she looked around.
"Here," said Caleb as he handed one to her. He lined up the triangle while Ally chalked up her cue. Caleb winked at Ally and he began the break. He hit the shot expertly which impressed Ally. "Four in the left," said Caleb and he smoothly sank the ball. "Six in the right corner," said Caleb, but he missed. He looked up at Ally for her turn.
"Hmm," said Ally as she looked over the game. Should she play dumb? Okay, maybe this first game. "Three in the left center," she called and leaned over the table, making sure her legs were exposed. The shot went in.
"Good shot," said Caleb, his eyes on Ally's legs. He had a hard time concentrating on the game. Watching Ally made him hard as a rock. Caleb remembered this afternoon when those legs were wrapped tightly around his body. He had to have her again and soon. Caleb decided they would leave after this game.
"Two in the right pocket," called Ally and the ball went in. Ally's intent on distracting Caleb worked. She purposely missed a shot and turned to Caleb. He finally sunk the eight ball, making him the winner.
"I can tell you're not good at this game," said Caleb and reached for Ally's cue stick.
"You don't play just one game of pool," said Ally shaking her head laughing. "Even I know that. One more and then we can leave." She racked up the balls and took her turn. She called one ball after another and poor Caleb didn't even get a chance.
"Where did you learn to play like that?" he asked. He realized Ally had been playing like a pool shark.
"How do you think I made money while I went to school?" Ally smiled at Caleb broadly. "I always like a challenge."
"Well, you're going to get one more." Caleb firmly grabbed the stick from Ally. "We're going home." He put his arm around Ally's shoulders. "I want some dessert," he whispered into her ear.
By the time they reached Ally's living room, the sexual tension between them broke loose. Caleb folded Ally into his arms and hungrily sought out her lips. This time, the kiss shook Ally to the core. Caleb's fingers tangled in her hair as they kissed and Ally's hands had found his waist, once again exploring the taut muscles of his abdomen. His skin burned to the touch.
"Woman, you're driving me insane," whispered Caleb as he let go of her lips. "I have to have you now, Ally," he said hoarsely. He picked Ally up as if she were a feather and carried her to the bed.
"Caleb, don't forget the condom."
"Where is it?"
"It's in the drawer of the nightstand." Ally reached in and pulled out the package and Caleb grabbed it away from her. "It's the only one we have, so make good use of it," commented Ally.
"I have more in my truck. I forgot to bring them in."
"You have more in your truck?" Ally sat up, but Caleb pushed her back down with a kiss.
"I plan on using every single one of them." No more words were spoken. Caleb gently pushed Ally's hair off of her face and kissed her, his tongue outlining her lips before plunging inside, claiming her mouth.
Ally’s tongue hungrily explored Caleb's mouth, savoring the masculine and intoxicating taste. Caleb's hands lightly travelled to Ally's breast as her nipples puckered. His touch sent a searing heat to her core and she melded her body to his and felt his erection. Tentatively, her hand touched him and Caleb groaned with pleasure. Growing bolder, Ally wrapped her hand around it, feeling it spring to life. Never had she felt so sexually aroused. Instincti
vely, she spread her legs.
"Ally," panted Caleb and his hands found the tops of her panties and pulled them down with Ally's help. Finding her moist heat, Caleb teased and stroked Ally until the waves of a climax tugged on his fingers. Caleb could not believe how sexy Ally made him feel and marveled at his good fortune. He would do everything to keep her, even if she did give him a heart attack.
"Caleb," whispered Ally shakily. She started to rise, but once again Caleb pushed her back down. Wanting more, Caleb ripped open the second package and carefully slipped on the condom while Ally watched in silence. Caleb smiled at her and spread her legs. Ally groaned with pleasure as he filled her and all of the sensations came back from her orgasm. Caleb remained hard, relentless and would not stop until Ally came again and he joined her in climax. Caleb moved carefully so as not to hurt Ally when his body collapsed on top of hers.
"Caleb, you are awesome." Ally had problems catching her breath.
"No, Ally. It's all you." He took her face in his hands and kissed her again. "The only thing I'm going to ask is this; don't ever stop loving me the way you do."
"Loving you?" teased Ally as her hands played with the hair on Caleb's chest.
"That's right," murmured Caleb as he kissed Ally again. "Loving me." He grabbed Ally into his arms and they lay entwined.
"Caleb?" Ally sat up.
"What, honey?"
"Um, you know," began Ally hesitantly. "Shouldn't you go out to the truck?"
"What?" Caleb's head popped up off the pillow. "Why?"
"You know, to get the other condoms?"
"Well, shoot. I nearly plumb forgot about that." He got up and turned on the light looking for his clothes.
"Living room," said Ally with a smile.
"Which is why I'm going out in the cold," laughed Caleb.
After he left, Ally fell backwards on the bed, her eyes wide open. "Okay," she spoke out loud. "Is this just sex?" No man had ever made her feel more alive than Caleb. Greg became a vague memory of a pampered New Yorker. Caleb came across so virile, so male, he made Ally's head spin. Maybe the best thing to do is to take it one day at a time. Speaking of Caleb, what happened to him? Ally wondered what had taken him so long. Grabbing a robe, she threw it on and walked to the front door, just as the bell rang.
"Locked myself out of the house," said Caleb sheepishly.
"I'm here to rescue you." Ally smiled. "Come in from the cold to my bedroom."
"You only have to ask me once." Caleb took her hand and led her back into the bedroom. "Now, where were we?"
"Here," said Ally softly and pushed Caleb back onto the bed. She sat on top of him and kissed him sensuously while his hands fondled her breasts. "Caleb? Are you going to spend the night with me?"
"You bet, baby, so wake me up about ten minutes to five."
"Isn't that too early?" Ally's mouth had found his nipple and Caleb groaned with pleasure.
"Okay, five minutes to five. Oh, Ally, You're driving' me insane."
"At least it's not a heart attack." Ally sat up and positioned herself on top of Caleb, their bodies locking together perfectly.
"I think I died and went to heaven," moaned Caleb. Fully sated, they both fell into a sound sleep.
The alarm went off at four-forty-five and Caleb unwillingly got out of the warm bed, leaving Ally undisturbed. He didn't want to wake her, so he got dressed and quietly slipped out of the room. He felt badly leaving Ally alone without saying goodbye, so he found a pen and some paper in her office and left a note. He hesitated, not knowing what to say and then jotted down he would call her.
Ally rolled over and felt the empty space where Caleb had been. She sat up and looked at the clock which displayed seven-fifteen. Caleb had asked to her to get him up at five forty-five. Drat. A wave of disappointed ran through her because he hadn't awakened her to say good bye. My God, what had she done! Ally once again rolled over and hid her face in the pillow. Thoughts of what she and Caleb did last night rolled through her mind and she found herself smiling. Well, it hadn't been all bad. Ally got up and took a leisurely shower until Tank stuck his head in the shower curtain. He flinched and whimpered as the water hit his face.
"I'm almost done, boy. Hold on." Ally quickly finished up, threw a robe on, ran across the kitchen floor to let Tank out the back door. Coming back in, she poured a cup of coffee and sat down at the table to read the paper. That's when she saw Caleb's note and smiled.
Didn't want to wake u, will call u later.
His handwriting fit his personality; bold strokes. Ally thought of his hands when they were all over her last night and blushed. She tried reading the paper, but nothing caught her attention. Not even the comics which she usually loved. Ally glanced at her horoscope and frowned: a four out of ten. Well, that's not good. "Be careful of your feelings since they may not be reciprocated," she read out loud. "I better not bug Caleb." Ally glanced at the clock and figured she had some time before she started to make the appetizers for today's luncheon. Turning on her stereo, she hummed along with the songs thinking of Caleb.
Ally finally got dressed and loaded the food into her car. She started the car and backed out of the garage and pushed the button on the remote to close the door. It wouldn't close. Now what? Ally got out of the car and tried the inside opener and the garage door shut without any problems. She opened it back up and went back into the car and tried it again. It didn't work. Great, another broken appliance.. Now, she would have to see if the garage door opener would be covered under the home warranty. Getting into her car, she called Kat.
"Hey, I'm on my way."
"You're late," exclaimed Kat somewhat agitated.
"I know and I'm sorry. It's the garage door. It's not working. I finally closed it."
"Ally, maybe you should burn your house down."
"That's not funny, Kat. I'll be there as soon as I can." Ally disconnected the call and concentrated on getting to Kat's without getting a ticket.
They made their luncheon just in time and both Kat and Ally were scrambling. Ally kept checking her phone as they served, but there were no calls from Caleb.
"How much do you know about garage doors?" asked Ally as she and Kat took a break.
"I know next to nothing. You might want to call Dad."
"No, I'll figure it out. If I call him, he'll come running up here with Mother once again complaining about the house."
"When is your fridge going to be fixed? We have some pretty big gigs lined up and I'll have to take you up on the space."
"He's coming tomorrow between two and seven," replied Ally. "Then remember, the fridge won't be fully operational for twenty four hours. I also have that small fridge in the back we can use."
"What did you do for dinner last night? Anything exciting?"
Ally paled before she answered. "I just had a salad." And I had Caleb for dessert.
"You want to grab something tonight?"
"I'll take a rain check on that because of my garage door. I have to get that fixed."
"Okay." Kat sighed. "Last night, I felt really lonely. I almost came over, but then I knew you weren't feeling all that well."
"But you were in such a hurry to leave."
"I know. I shouldn't have and I felt badly. How about I come over tonight?"
"Sure." Ally checked her phone. Nothing.
Chapter Seventeen
By the time Ally got home, her feet were exhausted and she became discouraged. What did her mother always tell her? A watched pot never boils. She called the home warranty only to learn that the garage door opener isn't covered under the warranty, only the doors. This did not surprise her. Flipping through the yellow pages, she found a company who could come within the next two hours. Ally put the phone down and went to take a little snooze before the evening.
Feeling refreshed, Ally changed clothes and waited for the garage door repair man and Kat. She absolutely ignored her phone.
"Ma'am." The garage door man tipped his cowboy hat at Ally. "What
seems to be the problem?"
"It's the double door that's not working. The single one is fine. If I press it to go up, it does go up. If you press it to go down, it is getting caught on something at the top there." Ally demonstrated.
"I know what the problem is already, ma'am. The motor in the unit is bad." He delivered the message grimly
"But it's only two years old," complained Ally.
