She couldn’t tell if he was offended. “Not at all. I’m saying I like luxury.”
“I’ll be happy to drive your car.”
That wasn’t what she was suggesting, but if he wanted to drive, she was fine with that. “You aren’t afraid, are you?”
He rubbed his jaw. “Hmm.”
She swatted his arm, and then handed him her keys. “Here.”
They had to take an alternate route to avoid the parade traffic. As they drew closer to the Callen ranch, Candy’s stomach knotted. Had Daniel been with her, handling his parents might have been easier. Good thing Mandy, Vince, and Cam would be there. “Tell me what I should know about Daniel’s parents.” She didn’t want to mention some taboo subject.
“His mother is focused on family and children. She has a good heart, but she doesn’t always catch on to things right away.”
“I had an aunt like her. Loved her to death, but she could be challenging.”
A corner of his lips turned up. “Daniel’s dad is less strict than his two older brothers. The older Callen, Josh, is my boss’s father. Josh is quite the taskmaster.”
“That’s what Daniel said.”
“It’s true. Spencer Callen is the middle brother. He’s a piece of work, or at least he used to be.”
She’d studied the family tree. “That’s Jade’s father. Daniel told me all about him, too.” She’d heard about Jade’s amazing iron sculptures, and how she’d managed to run a successful business, something her dad didn’t think women were capable of doing. “And Daniel and Vince’s dad?”
“He’s a good ole boy. Nothing is more important to him than his horses and cattle.” He turned down the Callen drive. “He didn’t push his kids like Josh did. That’s one reason why I respect Daniel so much. His ambition comes from within.” He pulled up next to a new red truck. “Ian, Max, and Devonne must be here.”
“Good. I like her.”
While Daniel had listed all of his siblings and their spouses, she wasn’t sure she could put a name to a face. She straightened her scarf and brushed lint off her pants.
“Relax, babe. Everyone is going to love you.”
Do you? He acted like he might, but she yearned to hear him say the words.
* * * *
Nicole Callen greeted them with a hug. She clasped her hands on Candy’s shoulders and ran her gaze down her length. “My, you are a pretty thing.”
Heat raced up her face. She didn’t know why the compliment flustered her so. “Thank you.”
“Candy, I’ve put you and Blade at our table,” Nicole said.
Groan. Because the Callens had invited so many relatives and friends, three huge tables filled the dining room. She considered their placement at the head table another incidence of bad luck. At least Nicole seated her between Mandy and Blade, and opposite her.
After Daniel’s dad served drinks, and the crowd chatted, Nicole rang a bell signaling dinner was served.
Candy surveyed the meal then leaned close to Blade. “This is incredible.”
“Wait until you taste it. Daniel’s mom is a great cook. I’ve had many meals here.”
The food stretched across the center of the table. Each dish was passed to the left in an orderly fashion. Mrs. Callen must be used to serving a lot of people.
“Candy, tell me about this new spa.” Daniel’s mom stabbed a piece of turkey from the large center plate. “I can’t believe my son is going to help run something like that. Why, he wouldn’t know a rinse from a dye.”
She laughed. Her assessment was quite true. “We’ll be opening in less than ten days. Blade and his crew are putting finishing touches on the place now.” She’d ordered her supplies but had received only half. The rest was on back order. Worst case, she’d pick up what she needed from Creighton’s Beauty Supply shop.
“That’s wonderful, dear. Don’t you worry about customers, though. I’ve spoken to most of the Callen women. We all want to support you. You’ll have a steady flow.”
“Awesome, but if you like the Intrigue Spa, don’t stop on my account. I’m sure Donna counts on your business.” She knew she did.
“Nonsense. Family is everything.” She cut her meat and poured more gravy on her mashed potatoes.
When she spoke of family, Nicole must have been referring to Daniel’s involvement. While she wanted nothing more than to be with Daniel and Blade on a permanent basis, neither had brought up marriage or anything close to it. She told herself that with Daniel out of town and Blade working crazy hours, there really hadn’t been time to talk.
Having the Callen backing would boost her business, but as excited as she was to have regulars, she worried it would impact Donna’s business too much. If a company’s bottom line went down, it should be because of bad business decisions, not because you didn’t have the right connections. And while the last three weeks had been relatively disaster-free, she didn’t believe every threat had disappeared. If Donna had been behind the problem, further pissing her off wouldn’t help.
Soon the conversation turned to cattle and horses, and she relaxed. After the meal, she offered to help clean up, but Nicole insisted the children would do that chore. The rest of the group filtered into the living room where Daniel’s dad, Damon, disappeared into his wine cellar and returned with several different kinds of bottles. After giving a small history on each one, he poured everyone a glass.
It was delicious, but one glass made her yawn. Candy had been running on adrenaline for the last few weeks, working all sorts of crazy hours trying to line up employees, getting the word out about her grand opening, and making sure all the supplies arrived in time. This short respite actually made her more tired.
Blade came over to her. “You ready to head on back?”
“Totally. Let me thank Mrs. Callen.”
Daniel’s mother gave her a hug. “Don’t be a stranger. When my son gets back from Pennsylvania, we’ll have the three of you over for dinner.” She wiped her hands on her apron. “I told him one grandchild isn’t enough.” She winked.
Her face heated up. “Thanks again, Mrs. Callen.”
“Nicole, please.”
Blade must have sensed the awkward situation and excused them. Their coats were in the den. Once she put on her jacket, they left. The fresh, cold air perked her up. She rubbed her belly. “I don’t think I’ll eat for a week.”
“Let’s see if we can wear off some of your energy.”
She hoped he was talking about a long night in bed having sex. “I’d like that.”
Because of their long hours, she’d come home and gone straight up to her apartment. Blade appeared distracted, too. They hadn’t made love in over a week. Today had allowed her to relax for the first time since arriving in Intrigue, and while exhausted, a little activity would be wonderful.
When they stepped into the elevator, he pressed number two. He kept squeezing her hand as if he couldn’t wait to ravish her. Okay, maybe she was the one who wanted to ravish his body.
He held open the elevator door, and she stepped into his loft. He slipped off her jacket and tossed it on the sofa. After he removed his winter gear, he moved in front of her.
Blade dragged a knuckle down her cheek. “At one time, you asked to take off my clothes. Does the offer still stand?”
The thought of pulling down his pants and sucking his cock had her so hot she needed to rush outside and stand in the winter air to cool off.
“Any chance if I get you naked, you’ll let me blindfold you and tie your hands?” Having him at her mercy would be wonderful payback.
Chapter Sixteen
Blade dropped his head back and laughed. “Sure. The day the earth stands still.”
She punched his chest and immediately recoiled . “Ouch.”
“Serves you right. I think someone needs a spanking and then a cock in her ass.”
Her pulse soared. Only Daniel had expressed an interest in doing that. “I thought—”
“Wrong.” He rubbed his thumb down her cheek.
“When he returns next week, he’ll want to pick up where we left off. Wouldn’t it be nice if you’re all stretched out for him?”
His logic was sound. “I guess.” She didn’t know why she was hesitant. “Will you be gentle?”
“Babe. I’ll do my best. It’s just that when I’m around you, I lose control.”
Oh really? His admission did wonders for her self-confidence. “Can I still undress you?”
She didn’t wait for his response and unhooked the button on his jeans. Like she’d seen him do a hundred times, she tugged hard and all the buttons popped. His cock sprang out.
“Oh, my.” He was underwear-free. Nice.
He placed his hands behind his head. “You better hurry or I’ll have to strip you naked and fuck you hard.”
“Promises, promises.” He was so much fun to flirt with. “Let me get naked first. It might help you stay hard.”
“You know how to test a guy, don’t you?”
Her smile was her response. “Don’t move.”
“That’s going to be very hard for me, you know.”
“I’m counting on it.”
Keeping her gaze on his face, she stepped back. Balancing on one leg, she tugged off her right boot, then her left. She lost her balance and snapped her leg down to keep from tipping over. So much for a sexy striptease.
Concentrating, she unsnapped her jeans then unzipped them. She’d actually watched a stripper do her thing on YouTube in order to find out how to act like an erotic dancer, but the woman did more rubbing and patting her butt than she did removing clothes. Candy would have to improvise.
She slipped her jeans over her ass. She’d purposefully worn a thong, hoping they’d have the chance to make love tonight. She turned around and bent over like she’d seen the professional do. While it seemed odd, she wiggled her hips then dragged her hand over one ass cheek.
Blade groaned. “You are really close to a spanking.”
She whipped around. “Why?” His hands were down by his side.
“Because if my cock bursts before I get to impale you, I will be pissed.”
His inability to control himself urged her to try more seductive moves. “Oh, yeah?”
She eased her pants down to her ankles and stepped out of her jeans. Her thong was much more conducive to a show than jeans.
She straightened. She lifted her long-sleeved T-shirt over her tits and let the material rest on top. She cupped her breasts and pressed them together. Blade stepped closer, his gaze on her chest.
“Candy.”
He seemed edgy. Too bad.
Not wanting to upset him, she tossed off her shirt and let it fly. It landed on her side of the coffee table. After removing her socks, she stood before him in her push-up bra and thong undies.
“You like.”
He grabbed his balls. “I more than like.”
As slow as she could, she slid a hand down her belly, wishing now she hadn’t had a second helping of mashed potatoes. She never played with herself, but Blade might appreciate it. She slipped a finger into her sopping pussy, pulled it out, and stepped over to him. Like a statue, he didn’t move. She rubbed her wet finger along his lips, and his eyes glazed over as he licked off her juice.
He inhaled deeply. “That’s it.”
The fierceness in his tone wasn’t the response she was counting on. He stepped back, pulled out a dining room table chair, and returned.
“You are bad, babe. I really wanted to take my time and love you right, but you have pushed me past my limit. I must do this.”
She didn’t know what this thing was that he needed to do. He grabbed her hand, walked her over to the chair, and sat down. Gently he pulled her over his lap and spanked her hard. Not once, but three times. The smacks came fast and furious. Her breath caught and tears pooled in her eyes. She placed a hand on her butt and rubbed. “It stings.”
“It’s supposed to. It’s the only way to get your muscles to relax for me to impale you.”
That was only partially true. She’d frustrated him, and he didn’t like that he wasn’t made of steel. Good.
He moved her hand and she clenched her butt. Instead of another strike, he massaged each cheek. His fingers worked magic, and as her breaths slowed, the heat radiated straight to her pussy.
He stood and lifted her. “I need to get some lube. When I return I’ll let you take off my clothes.”
She pumped her fist. He rushed into his room and returned in seconds. She’d debated following him into his bedroom but figured he had something else in his mind. He only returned with lube. He must not be planning to tie her up. Hmm.
He set the lube on the kitchen island and leaned against it. “Have at me.”
She grinned. Instead of pulling down his pants, she reached around and unsnapped her bra. Keeping her gaze on his cock, she lowered the straps and eased the bra cups over her tits.
“You’re pushing it again, babe.”
She looked up and tried to act as innocent as possible. “I don’t understand.” He growled and she swallowed a smile. She straightened and let the bra fall to her feet. “Whoops.”
“I hope you like a red ass.”
Her butt was already sore. “I’ll be good. I promise. Now take off your boots.”
“I thought you want to get me naked.”
She did. “Fine. Turn around then.”
He leaned his palms against the counter. She bent over and lifted his right ankle. Holding one hand on the heel and the other on the back of his leg, she tugged and tugged and tugged. It didn’t budge. “Did you glue your boots on?”
He swiveled around. “Since I want you sooner rather than later, I’ll take them off.” With ease, he removed them and his socks. “Better?”
“Thank you.” She approached to pull down his pants when he cupped her breasts. He dragged his thumbs over her nipples and her body jerked with need. She tapped his chest. “Put your hands behind your head. If you keep distracting me, it’ll be midnight before we have sex.”
He huffed out a laugh. “So you say.”
The man never would give her the upper hand. Not ever. He could be so frustrating.
She slid her hands under his shirt and lifted it ever so carefully over his head and let it drop. The urge to spend a few minutes kissing him tempted her, but her need to run her hands down his magnificent body won. As she lowered her hands, she took her time. Her fingers dipped into the space between his muscles. When she reached his waistband, her thumbs conveniently bumped into the head of his cock.
“What do you have here?” She leaned over as if to inspect him.
She dragged her tongue across his slit. After her first swipe, more zesty pre-cum bubbled to the surface. She glanced up and smiled.
“I’ll give you exactly thirty seconds to get rid of my pants and lick my cock.”
“Or what?” The moment those two words left her lips, she recognized her mistake. “Never mind.”
As fast as she could, she lowered his jeans over his hips. She ran her hands over his sides and then squeezed his ass. She stepped over to the sofa and collected two pillows. She tossed them on the ground in front of him.
“You going to worship at my feet?”
“Yes, my liege.” He chuckled. Blade was a glorious man. As edible as he appeared, she wanted more access. She held down one pant leg. “Step out of these.”
Having one side loose was all she needed. Candy inched closer and with her hands behind her back, she licked his sac then sucked on the balls. Hands that were supposed to stay firmly planted on top of his head pressed on her skull.
“Easy, babe.”
Whoops. She changed tactics. So much for keeping her hands behind her back. His cock was so long that she had to clasp the shaft and pull the base toward her. With an even stroke, she licked him, loving his earthy scent. Using her tongue, she circled the circumference of his cock, making sure to slice through the slit on the top.
“You are asking for trouble, babe.” His fin
gers tightened their grip on her head.
“Be patient.”
“Not my strong suit.”
How well she knew. She hovered over the head of his cock and made tiny flicks with her tongue. His thighs tensed. The end was near. With a quick attack, she sucked him into her mouth and bobbed her head, sucking harder with each pass.
He growled. “Candy.”
She wanted to hurry, to make sure she brought him close to the precipice but didn’t push him over. Her pussy and ass needed him.
Two pumps later, he grunted and pulled out. She looked up. His eyelids were almost closed. He swiped his tongue over his lips.
Kissing him would be divine. She leveraged herself to her feet and wrapped her arms around his neck. “Are you happy?” She wasn’t even sure why she asked that question. Was it a ploy to get him to tell her he loved her?
“Totally, and right now I must have you.” His dove down and kissed her, his lips demanding entrance.
She let him in. His hands ran up and down her back, and then he planted his palms on her chest and lifted his head.
“You are so beautiful.”
Heat flushed her face. “I thought you wanted to make love with me.”
“I do, I do.” He spun her around. “Place your hands on the counter.”
The kitchen seemed to be his favorite place to make love. She spread her legs only to remember she still wore her thong.
Blade rubbed her ass. “I love these panties, but they’re in the way.”
They were new. She hoped he didn’t rip them off. Thankfully, he slipped them over her hips then dipped a finger into her wet slit, but withdrew seconds later. And he called her a tease? Tremors raced up her spine at the intensity. They hadn’t made love in days, and she missed him terribly.
His lips landed on her ass. He kissed her from one side to the other while he reached up with both hands and played with her breasts. His palms swirled across her tender crests, hardening them with his touch.
He pinched one nipple then lowered his other hand and slipped two fingers into her hole. Her breath caught as pleasure shot up her spine. He stepped back and grabbed the lube. “I want this so bad.”
Craving Candy [The Callens 10] (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting) Page 16
