Gabe's Second Chance [Appledale 3] (Siren Publishing Classic)

by Lee Rose

  Harrison agreed, he had seen the ill effects and violence drugs caused people and he was willing to do his part in putting a stop to it. “Well, we can’t spook them off yet if we want to catch them red-handed or they’ll just move on to the next small town. It’s better to put a stop to these things permanently.”

  “Okay, next time they take off, Harrison, call me. One of us can follow them and see how far they go and where. It can’t be far if they were back at the campsite fairly quickly,” Ryan said with a heavy sigh, standing up and ending the meeting.

  “Let’s go have lunch at the diner. My treat, boys.” Ryan had a bad feeling about these guys and he didn’t like it. He worried about his mom and Lacy at the diner having to deal with these assholes if they came into town to eat. Besides the bar, his mom’s diner was the only restaurant in town. Lacy was just gaining her confidence back after being beaten and nearly raped a few months back. The last thing she needed was to feel unsafe and scared again. He’d do whatever he had to to prevent that.

  * * * *

  Karissa had been dating Gabe again for over a week now. They had been out on dates three times in one week and so far it had gone well each time. She hesitated to call it a relationship. She was still feeling cautious about putting her heart on the line again but they had spent some time talking about the mistakes of the past and decided it was wiser to concentrate on the present.

  Her sister hadn’t been very surprised at all when Karissa told her she was dating Gabe again.

  “He followed me around asking questions about how he could find you, but I didn’t tell him. I hope it works out this time, sis. Gabe is a good guy, way better than Jordan. He was a jerk,” Casey said, making a face. “He was too self-centered and conceited.”

  “I know, I should have listened to you when you told me that,” Karissa put on some light makeup and looked in the mirror. Gabe was taking her to St. Clair to see a movie that she wanted to see.

  “Remember, big sister is always right,” Casey told Karissa with superiority, flipping her blonde hair back playfully. “Make sure you tell my son that his mama is smart.”

  Karissa rolled her eyes but laughed and hugged her sister. “Oh boy, don’t get big headed, sis. Gabe should be here any second, so I’ll see you all later.”

  “Have fun and be safe.” Casey hugged her sister tightly. “I’m so glad to have you around like this again. I understood your need to get away from the painful memories but I missed you.”

  “Me too, sis,” Karissa said emotionally. “Give the baby a kiss goodnight for me.”

  Roy was giving his son a bath before bedtime.

  Gabe took her to see a new action movie she had been anxious to see. They had jumped back into their old camaraderie pretty quickly, feeling at ease around each other. Gabe put his arm around her shoulder and she leaned against him feeling comfortable yet sexually aware of him.

  “Hungry?” Gabe asked when they got out of the movie theater. He was holding her hand as they walked back to his car. She could feel the air between them sizzling with their sexual attraction so she might as well go for it because she knew Gabe would be a gentleman and not make a pass at her yet. That’s the way it had been before too, only then she had been a virgin and had not known how to get his attention. Now she knew how and she would put that knowledge to good use.

  Karissa leaned into his body until he was hugging her to his muscled body. He had kissed her passionately several times over the last few days but had not gone too far and she wondered if he was waiting for a sign she wanted to go further. Well, she did. “Yes, but not for food.” She winked up at him.

  He almost missed a step and tripped and she giggled and looked at him waiting for him to say something.

  Gabe gave her a big grin. “Finally, woman. There’s only so many cold showers a man can take.”

  “Aww, poor baby, I’ll make it up to you,” she said softly rubbing her hands across his trim waist and hugging him. He stopped and leaned against the car with her in his arms, framing her beautiful face in his hands. “Stay with me tonight?”

  She nodded and he kissed her with pent-up hunger, opening her mouth and exploring it with his tongue. She moaned as she began to feel the familiar heat burning in her stomach and the butterflies dancing around. She got lost in his kiss and she was sure she was melting into a puddle the kiss was so hot. She knew her panties were soaked, and just from a kiss.

  When they were both breathing hard and excited Gabe let her go suddenly, breathing hard. “Let’s hurry home, honey, because I am about to explode.”

  She couldn’t speak yet so she just nodded and smiled getting in the car. She could not wait to make love to Gabe Wilson again.

  * * * *

  Gabe lived in a small cottage outside the edge of town. He liked his privacy, he explained, unlike his brother Logan who lived in an apartment in the middle of town. It was a small one bedroom cottage but he felt comfortable in it. After his dad’s death many years ago his mom had moved to Florida with her sister and sold the family home. She still visited once a year and had never let him forget that leaving Karissa had been a dumb move.

  He turned a lamp on in the living room and Karissa saw a fireplace and comfortable looking couch in front of it and a big picture window. She turned to Gabe and gave him a sassy smile. “Going to show me the bedroom, handsome?”

  “That’s all you’ll see tonight, vixen.” Gabe lifted her easily in his arms as if she weighed nothing at all and she reveled in his strength. He carried her toward the back of the house where his bedroom was located. He set her on her feet and turned on a small light by the headboard that he used for reading at night. He turned back to her and removed her purple blouse. He looked down at the tiger print bra that encased her generous breasts. “Pretty,” he mumbled before removing it quickly. He was eager to see her naked breasts. It had been much too long but he had an excellent memory of how beautiful they had been. He rubbed her hardened nipples back and forth softly with his thumb and smiled when Karissa closed her eyes and whimpered softly at the sensation she felt at having his fingers on her again after so many years of aching for him.

  “You are so beautiful, my love,” he whispered, kissing her shoulder until he reached down to cup her breasts with his hands. He eagerly took a tip into his mouth sucking on it hard and increasing the pressure until he had Karissa whimpering with pleasure. She moaned out his name and grabbed his long hair, releasing it from his hairband, clenching his long dark hair in her fist. He went over to the other nipple and gave it his attention too, working his magic on her. He let her go and removed his clothes quickly and impatiently while she removed her panties and short skirt.

  When Gabe saw Karissa staring down at his long cock that was standing at attention it hardened even more. She gave him a flirty, sassy grin and licked her lips. She got on her knees and took his hard cock into her mouth, moving her tongue around and up and down his tip before taking his length in and humming around his cock, making him cry out in passion at the vibrations he felt. She used her hand to squeeze his balls, driving him wild. Gabe groaned and put his hands in her long hair, helping her set a rhythm. “Oh, baby, that is so good. You’re burning me alive with that wicked mouth of yours. You might unleash a dangerous animal tonight if you’re not careful.”

  She stopped to look up at him and gave him a sexy wink. “I hope so, babe. I remember that beast and he made my blood flow like lava running through my body, burning up my every inhibition. I haven’t felt anything like it since.”

  Gabe moaned at her words and wondered if he would survive the night making love to this woman. He lifted her by her arms until she was standing up in front of him looking so sensual and earthy with her wet lips and tangled blonde hair. He was filled with so much emotion his heart felt like it might explode inside his chest. He had dreamed of having Karissa back in his arms for so long but he had resigned himself that all it would ever be was a dream. He laid her on the bed and covered her beautiful, flawless b
ody with his. He played with her nipples, tugging on them until she was moaning passionately. Karissa had always had such an open face and he loved watching the pleasure showing in her expression.

  He opened her thighs wide with his hand and reached for her mound. She was soaking wet and didn’t care if he knew it. Making love had always been exciting and wonderful for them. Even though they spent years apart she trusted Gabe with her body and knew he was a wonderful and amazing lover and she couldn’t wait to experience that again.

  “I missed your touch, Gabe,” she whispered as he rubbed her swollen clit with his fingers, making her body tighten with need and a fire start in her belly spreading like an out of control inferno. “Now stop teasing me, you bad man.”

  “I thought you just said I was good, honey?” He laughed and replaced his fingers with his tongue, loving her sweet, juicy taste. He moved his tongue around her soft, pink folds, in and out, he licked her back and forth making her moan aloud with passion. He could stay here all night and die a happy man but she was already pulling his hair impatiently so he leaned back up and entered her slowly, looking directly into her eyes as her muscles clamped around his cock. He always enjoyed seeing what she was feeling. Right now her green eyes looked like newly polished emeralds. Here she couldn’t hide behind a mask of indifference or politeness. The wild, sexy Karissa always broke through, letting him know she needed and desired his touch. He knew he was being a jealous bastard but he wanted to wipe all memories of her cheating ex and replace them with only the memory of his touch. He knew she needed a moment to adjust to his large size but when she arched her back and grabbed his shoulders tightly he knew she was ready for a faster pace.

  “You feel like heaven, Karissa,” he whispered, nuzzling her neck and nipping her earlobe, making her shiver. She smelled so good and the excitement he felt was increasing. Karissa was so snug, grabbing his cock like a tight glove. He set up a slow pace a first until she clamped down around him tightly with her vaginal muscles and wrapped her legs tightly around his waist, her hips rotating in a rhythm for him to go harder and faster.

  “This slow pace is killing me, Gabe. I want more.” She pouted, looking straight into his eyes that were gleaming with excitement and desire. It turned him on to see the desire, the need blazing out of her eyes, knowing it was because of him. It made him feel proud inside to know she wanted him as much as he wanted her. It was so erotic and elemental to look into a lover’s eyes while inside her body, taking control and making you feel as if you were burning up alive.

  “I want it to last all night long, Karissa, but you feel so good. It’s been much too long. You’re so hot and clenching down on me so tightly.” He groaned as the need and desire crawled through his body. He moved a little faster, thrusting hard and burying himself in her tight pussy, wishing he never had to leave it. “It’s been too long and I want to savor every second of being inside you again. I fantasized about this so many times over the years. But the reality is so much better.”

  “Savor later or I’ll die for sure. This feels too amazing.” She bit his shoulder and threw her head back in passion and groaning. She bit her lip and moaned loudly, rotating her hips.

  “Can’t have that, can we?” He sped up the pace, thrusting into her back and forth, harder and faster. She tightened her hold on him and soon he felt the wave flowing through his body like a shock of electricity and they both reached their climax together in a loud shout.

  Gabe reluctantly pulled out of her body, feeling weak from the strength of his climax. He wrapped his arms around Karissa’s trembling body, holding on to her as if she might disappear. When his breath evened out and he could breathe normally again he asked her, “Will you stay all night?”

  Karissa leaned over him, kissing him softly on the lips and smiled. “Can I be on top this time?”

  “Anything for you.” He laughed as she wasted no time in straddling him around his hips, feeling his cock harden again and her eyes widen in delight that he was ready to go again.

  “This was always my favorite view and still is,” he said softly and she gifted him with a joyful smile that hit him in the heart.

  Chapter 9

  Karissa pulled up in front of Liz White’s clothes store called Liz’s Boutique. It was located right in the middle of town. It was a charming brick building with potted flowers placed on either side of the doorway. It had a charming feel to the place and the large window showcased mannequins elegantly dressed. Casey had insisted they have a few hours of girl time, leaving the baby with Roy.

  “I’m excited. I’m all cleared from the doctor, you know.” Casey elbowed her sister playfully as they parked and got out of the car. “You know what that means?”

  “Ugh. I don’t want to hear of my sister and brother-in-law’s sex life,” Karissa’s answer was playful and dramatic. “I guess I’ll be spending more time with Gabe at his house.”

  They entered the store together. “Like that will be a hardship,” Casey teased her sister affectionately. “You’re there all the time these days.”

  Things had been going great for her and Gabe these last two weeks after she’d spent the night with him. She tried really hard not to get her hopes up too much but each passing day she found it harder and harder to keep her heart distant from Gabe. She had learned to be cautious over the years and getting her heart broken again was not something she wanted to do.

  Liz came over to them with a welcoming smile. She looked elegant in a simple purple sundress and gold jewelry and sandals. Her baby bump was still small but it showed slightly beneath the dress.

  “Stella says you have the best lingerie that will excite our men. I ran into her at the grocery store and we stopped to coo over each other’s babies,” Casey explained to Liz with a smile. “I just had a baby a few weeks ago and I think I lost my baby weight. Anyway I want Roy to go, ‘Wow, you’re hot’ and not, ‘Aww, honey, the baby threw up on you again.’”

  Karissa made a face at her sister but laughed anyway at her sister’s problem. “Eww.”

  “You look great, Casey,” Liz giggled at Casey’s honest statement, and led them toward the back of the store where the lingerie was displayed beautifully. It was obvious Liz knew about fashion. Everything was tastefully displayed and the variety available was awesome. “I just got some new things in. Stella had the same problem when she had Lily two months ago. She was a woman on a mission to wow her husband again and bought half my store.” Liz joked with them. “Haven’t seen her much since so it must have worked.”

  They browsed through all the beautiful colors and silky material hanging on racks or placed neatly on shelves. “Wow, a girl can go crazy in here,” Karissa said in awe, looking around. She picked up an emerald-green teddy in silk with black lace trim. “You think dark green is a good color for me, Liz? I’m so pale, I need to tan or something.”

  Liz looked at the teddy and held it in front of Karissa then shook her head. “No, it’s a good color for you, Karissa. I have one in red and I’m pale too, only I avoid the sun because I burn so easily. Gabe will love it I’m sure or how about hot pink? That is a sexy color.”

  Karissa smiled happily imagining his face when he saw her in it tonight. “Great, I’ll take it in pink and I need a few new bras, too. This place is so fantastic, Liz. I think I will be in here a lot.”

  Casey looked around at the racks filled with sexy nightgowns. “I can’t decide, Liz, help! I want them all but Roy will kill me if I spend too much.”

  “Not until after he ravishes you first.” Karissa laughed, enjoying teasing her sister.

  They spent some time browsing and just talking with Liz and they all made a date to meet for lunch along with Stella, Lacy, and Kari. Karissa was so glad she had moved back home. She had missed times like this in St. Louis. She had a few casual friends but no one she was really close to. Moving home had been a great idea and for once thoughts of the future brought her hope.

  * * * *

  Gabe and Logan sat in Logan�
��s car on the side of the road with their headlights off. Harrison was going to radio them as soon as the perps left the campground so they could follow them.

  “Okay, boys, get ready. Two are leaving and one is staying behind,” Harrison radioed in.

  Logan turned on the car but left the headlights off until they saw the beat up pickup truck coming out of the park road. They waited until it had gone a few feet before turning their lights on and following them at a safe distance.

  “I’m glad Harrison agreed to help us out. Drugs are nothing but bad news,” Logan said with disgust.

  Gabe agreed. “I know. Ethan said Harrison might even stick around after this case is over. He’s tired of retirement but doesn’t want the stress of being in the DEA again.”

  “Maybe Ryan will talk him into it. It’d be nice to have him around. I know with Liz being pregnant and sick a lot Ethan doesn’t like being away from her so much, especially at night. He wants to cut some hours back,” Logan said letting out a dramatic sigh. “Man, you all are falling like a ton of bricks. It’s a sad situation.”

  Gabe chuckled, happy to be grouped with Ryan and Ethan as taken men. “It’s not a contagious disease, it feels good Logan. Someday it’ll happen to you too and you won’t be able to ignore it.”

  Logan shook his head in shock and denial. “No way, bro. Don’t get me wrong, I love Lacy and Liz like sisters and I’m glad Karissa gave your sorry butt another chance, but me—I like my woman fast and gone.”

  Gabe thought about Karissa and couldn’t help but smile. The last few weeks of dating her again had been great and she’d spent so much time at his house he felt like it was theirs already. He still couldn’t wipe the grin off his face when she had surprised him by cooking dinner and wearing nothing but a hot pink teddy that hadn’t stayed on very long. He wanted to make it permanent but didn’t know how to ask her or bring it up. The last thing he wanted to do was pressure her and mess things up between them when it was going so good. His heart knew Karissa was his one and only love and he wasn’t sure how long he’d be able to hold it in.