by Darcy Burke
“Brooke. Good God. You are…amazing.”
Her lips and tongue moved over him as her hand clasped the base of his shaft. She was fast and expert, utterly mind melting. He could barely think and soon his body was taking over, thrusting into her mouth in quick, relentless strokes. If she didn’t stop he was going to pour himself down her throat, and that was not how he wanted this to go.
He moved back and kicked his shoes off before stepping out of his shorts. Brooke stared at him with slitted eyes and pushed herself up and off the desk. With slow, languorous, catlike grace, she slipped her skirt and underwear off until she was naked before him. Then she knelt, and he was sure she was going to finish what she’d started. He wanted to stop her, but the words wouldn’t come.
But no, she was searching the pockets of his shorts. He watched her, confused. Then he realized. “Condom.” Duh. It was a good thing one of them was thinking clearly. “My wallet’s on the desk.” He gestured toward where he’d tossed it earlier, near his monitor.
She moved stealthily behind the desk. He watched her movements, appreciating the slope of her hip and the curve of her back right above her ass. He was going to explore every inch of her. Maybe not today, but soon.
She pulled a condom from his wallet and came back around the desk. Was she moving more quickly now, or was that just his impatient hope?
Either way, when she reached him, she pushed him backward, making him take several steps until he felt the couch hit the back of his legs. Then she forced him down—not that he needed much coercion—and leaned forward with the condom.
He took it from her and ripped open the package. Surprisingly, he managed to get it on without assistance. At least his brain was partially working. And in the ways that counted.
She put one knee on the couch and swung her other leg up on his other side so that she straddled him. Her eyes found his and held them as she fondled his cock in long, agonizingly wonderful strokes. She held him to her entrance. She was all wet and hot and devastating as she lowered herself onto him.
He clasped her hips and pushed into her, his head falling back against the couch as he closed his eyes in rapture. When she’d taken him completely, she wriggled her hips and just rested for a moment. He felt every ragged breath she drew, every beat of her heart, every muscle stretch and contract around him and against him.
She cupped his neck, massaging his flesh before settling her hands on his shoulders. Then she began to move. Slowly at first, her hips rotating over his, pulling up just enough to tease him and not coming down quite enough to satisfy his need.
He let her play, his pleasure churning and mounting with each thrust. He tipped his head up and opened his eyes to feast on her. Her eyes were closed. She looked focused, her lips parted as soft little moans burst forth. He brought one hand up to her breast and held it captive for his mouth. She gasped as he sucked on her flesh, his fingers digging into her softness.
She clutched at his shoulders and began to move faster. She came down a bit harder, more fully, but it still wasn’t enough.
He moved his hand up and cupped the back of her neck, drawing her head down so he could kiss her greedily. She tasted of heat and summer and bliss, and he couldn’t get enough of her. He nipped at her lower lip. “Harder, Brooke. Ride me.”
She ground down, taking him completely into her until there was nowhere left for him to go. But it wasn’t enough. He kissed her again, his tongue spearing into her as his cock did the same.
He grasped her hair and tugged lightly, not hurting her. She opened her eyes and looked down at him. “Ride me, Brooke. Hard. I’m yours. Now. Own me.”
He pushed up, straightening his hips. Then he clasped her ass and squeezed her as he thrust up into her. He drove hard and fast, pulling sharp groans from her kiss-swollen lips. She did as he asked, riding him with a harsh frenzy that sent blood spiraling to his cock. He brought his hand around and found her clit, pressing and stroking her until she cried out, her eyes closing once more and her head falling back as her orgasm rocked her body. Her muscles clenched around him, and he moved even faster, holding her tight while he pulsed into her again and again.
His balls tightened as his orgasm crested and crashed over him. He yelled her name as he gave himself over completely.
They moved together for another minute, their hips eventually slowing and their labored breathing filling the air around them. She collapsed against him, her breasts caressing his chest. He ran his hands over her back, soothing her, soothing himself.
“That was quite a ride,” he finally said.
“Yes,” she murmured against his neck. He loved the feel of her against him. So soft, so warm. So good.
“I, uh, should get cleaned up,” he said with great reluctance.
“Right.” She pushed up off him, and he regretted not kissing her first.
She retrieved her clothing, and he went to the bathroom to take care of business. When he came back to the office, she’d already donned her skirt and bra and was just pulling her top over her head.
“That was fantastic,” he said. “I’m so glad you came by.”
She laughed, and he detected a bit of nervousness. Or shyness. Or both. It was adorable. And he was surprised to find he felt a little bit of it too. He liked her so much. He didn’t want to fuck this up.
She found her cardigan and tugged it on. “I actually didn’t mean for this to happen. I really did come to pick up wine and just say that I’d be open to seeing you casually.”
If this was casual, he wasn’t sure he wanted to see serious. No, he definitely didn’t want to see serious. This was enough. This was great.
“Clearly, we were both excited by that development.” He pulled on his briefs and shorts and didn’t bother with his belt as he went to grab his shirt from where it barely dangled on the back of one of the chairs. “One of these days, though, I’d like to make love to you in a bed.”
She slipped her feet into her wedges. “I’m sure we can manage that.” She picked up her purse. “Where’s my wine?”
He sat down and quickly put his shoes on. “I’ll carry it to your car for you. Hayden left it out—you probably walked right by it.”
She chuckled. “Probably.”
They walked downstairs and found the wine. He was glad they didn’t encounter his brothers. He wasn’t going to hide their relationship, but he also wasn’t going to put it out in front of them just yet. He cared for Brooke, and he wanted to take things slow. Okay, except for the crazy awesome sex they couldn’t seem to keep themselves from having.
He smiled to himself as he hefted the case of wine onto his shoulder. He didn’t care what speed they went, as long as they were going somewhere.
Brooke snuck a look at Cam’s back as he lifted the case of wine. His muscles rippled beneath his shirt, muscles she’d caressed and madly clutched just a short time earlier. She’d meant what she told him—she hadn’t expected that to happen. But she was glad it did.
She was also glad that they seemed to be on the same page. For the first time in years, she felt hopeful. She felt happy. And damn it, she deserved that.
In the parking lot, she unlocked her car with the remote and opened the back end. He deposited the case inside and shut the hatch. He turned, and the breeze tousled his dark brown hair, mussing it over his forehead. She reached out and brushed it back. He captured her hand and pressed a kiss to her palm. A shiver raced up her spine—a good shiver, the kind that was filled with anticipation and sprinkled with longing.
He pulled her against him and kissed her, his lips lingering over hers as she let her body relax into his. “I had a great time,” he said softly. “I’d ask to see you this weekend, but you’re busy.”
“Yes, sorry.” She almost wished she could tell her sisters that the condo had fallen through, but no, sisters before misters was a rule she didn’t intend to break. “I’ll be back Wednesday night.”
He looked at her, his brow arching in seductive query. “Is that
an invitation?”
She brushed her hand over his chest, relishing his solid warmth against her palm. “It’s out there. What you choose to do with the information is your choice.”
“I see.” He lowered his head and kissed her again. “There’s tonight, right? You’re not leaving until morning?”
That was true. But she hadn’t packed, and she still had some work stuff to do. But it was early, barely four, she could make some time later…
The sound of a car pulling into the lot drew them apart, but he didn’t move away from her. They hadn’t discussed whether they planned to be public, but she supposed it wasn’t a secret.
It wasn’t a car actually, but a king cab work truck stocked with ladders and a toolbox. They parked near Brooke’s SUV, and a petite blonde climbed out of the passenger seat. “Hey, Cam!” She didn’t come toward them but opened the back door and busied herself with something that Brooke couldn’t see. The driver, a tall, dark-haired drink of water, came around the truck. Brooke could see instantly that he and Cam were related.
He came toward them. “Hi. I’m Dylan Westcott.”
Cam’s older half-brother and the construction guy. Brooke held out her hand. “Hi, I’m Brooke Ellis. I, uh, work with Cam.”
Dylan’s eyes narrowed infinitesimally as he scrutinized her briefly. His gaze darted to Cam with an equally assessing look. “Uh-huh. Nice to meet you.” His demeanor said he wasn’t entirely certain they were coworkers, which meant he’d seen them embracing. Oh well, it really wasn’t a secret.
“Brooke is distributing our wine,” Cam said. “And she’s damn good at it.”
The blonde came toward them, and Brooke saw why she’d been busy in the backseat—she carried a baby. The infant’s chubby little legs stuck out from a ruffled romper, and she smacked her hand against her mother’s chest, clutching at her shirt between thumps. Brooke’s maternal instinct kicked into high gear, and she willed herself to keep it together. She could be around babies, for crying out loud—she had two nieces and a nephew.
Cam went straight for the baby, swooping her from her mother’s arms. He lifted her up, much to the baby’s delight. Her eyes shone as she giggled. He turned to Brooke. “This is my niece Emma. Oh, and her mom, Sara.”
Sara snorted. “This is what happens when you have a baby, you become a second-class citizen.” She gazed lovingly at her daughter. “Not that I mind.”
No, Brooke couldn’t imagine she would. She’d gladly become a second-class citizen in exchange for a baby of her own. “She’s beautiful. How old?”
“Five months,” Sara answered, watching Cam while he made ridiculous faces and silly noises.
Brooke watched him too, and in that moment, any hope she might’ve nurtured for a future with him evaporated like water on a hot summer day. Despite the blazing heat of the sun, ice coated her veins and chilled her mood. Yet at the same time, she told herself this was stupid—she didn’t want a future with him; she only wanted right now.
And right now he was snuggling his niece with adoring eyes.
Brooke urged a smile to her lips. “It was nice to meet you, but I should go.”
“I hope we’re not driving you off,” Sara said.
“No, no, I was on my way out. I have work to finish.” Brooke nodded toward Cam, feeling disjointed and irritated with herself. Maybe she’d drink one of those bottles of chardonnay when she got home. “See you later.”
She made a point of looking at Cam and wished she hadn’t. The picture of him with Emma in his arms would haunt her for a long time. He was an absolute natural as he held Emma’s wrist and helped her wave. He even said, “Bye-bye, Brooke. See you later!”
Brooke smiled because she really couldn’t help it—she loved children—and waved back. “Bye!”
She didn’t end up drinking the chardonnay, of course, but she did throw herself into work and then packing. And when Cam’s texts came and he asked if she was up for a visitor, she pretended she was already asleep.
Chapter Fifteen
After spending the weekend with her sisters, Brooke felt absolutely rejuvenated. She realized she’d been vulnerable Friday after being with Cam, and seeing him with Emma had triggered all of her worst anxieties. Rhonda and Tracy had restored her confidence and successfully reminded her that right now in her life it was okay to put herself first and live for the present.
So that was precisely what she was going to do.
Once her sisters had left early Monday afternoon, Brooke finalized her schedule for the next two days and completed some other work. By late afternoon, she was ready to get out for a bit, so she went for a walk on the beach. The day was cloudy and a bit cool due to the wind. By the time she walked back up to the front of the condo building, she was eager to put on some sweats and kick her feet up with a glass of wine.
But when she rounded the corner to the door of the condo, she stopped short. There, propped against the wall with a lazy grin, was Cam.
He pushed off and walked toward her. “Hey, beautiful.”
She shouldn’t have been surprised to see him. In fact, during her walk, she’d thought it might be nice if he were here with her tonight. A light, giddy feeling bloomed in her stomach and spread. A warning fired off in the recesses of her brain—this could move beyond casual so fast if she wasn’t careful. “You’re lucky girls’ weekend is over.”
He winced. “I took a chance. I hope that’s okay.”
While her insides churned with anticipation, she tried to maintain an outward air of composure. She shrugged. “Surprises are nice sometimes.” She moved past him, catching the scent of his cologne, and managed to insert the key into the lock. Once she was over the threshold, she held the door open. “Come on in.”
He exhaled. “Oh, good.” The relief in his tone was evident.
She laughed. “Were you worried I’d send you away? After the other day?”
“Guys always worry about that kind of stuff.”
She closed the door behind him and locked the dead bolt out of habit. “I’m sorry, but I have a hard time thinking an über-confident guy like you worries about that sort of thing at all. Nice try, though.” She walked down the short hallway and turned to the kitchen, where she dumped her keys and purse on the island.
He came up behind her, his hands clasping her waist. “Maybe not usually, but you’re different. Special. You know that, right?”
She didn’t, actually, and the newfound knowledge sent tingles dancing over her flesh. She stepped away from him and turned, suddenly feeling shy. Or nervous. Or both.
“I didn’t know that. But thank you.” Part of her wanted to ask how she was special, but that would send them down a path she didn’t want to take. She wanted now, here, nothing “special.”
She moved around the island, putting space and the large slab of granite between them. “So you came down here to…?”
“Take you to dinner and…whatever else.” He took a step to the corner of the island but didn’t pursue her. “I really just wanted to see you. I was sorry we couldn’t see each other Friday night.”
She’d texted him back the next morning saying she’d already been asleep, but that she’d catch up with him when she was back in town. The whole time she repeated the word “casual” to herself over and over again. “Yeah, I’m sorry too.”
“So, can I take you to dinner?”
That sounded divine. And like a real date. Once again, the word “casual” became a mantra in her brain.
She hadn’t been on a real date in so long. The blind date with Justin didn’t count. They’d met for drinks and, given the blind-dateness of it all, the conversation had been a tad awkward and slow. This would be different. She and Cam knew each other. Well.
And yet there were so many things she wanted to know.
Careful, Brooke, casual.
“Where should we go?”
He glanced at the clock on the microwave. “As it happens, I have reservations at The Bay House in about twenty m
inutes.”
His thoughtfulness was awfully flattering.
“Oh, wow, I guess you really were worried that I wasn’t going to show up!” She laughed. “They’re on my schedule for tomorrow, but if Don’s around, we can pitch your wines together.”
He grinned, and his handsomeness rocked through her like a lightning bolt. “Sounds great. I like that—together.”
She did too, but cautioned herself not to like it too much. “Let me freshen up real quick.” She dashed back down the hallway to the master bedroom and checked herself in the mirror, fluffing her hair and spritzing on perfume.
When she went back to the living room, he was out on the deck, looking at the ocean. The sun was gliding toward the horizon, casting the water in a golden, shimmery glow.
She joined him at the railing, and a cool breeze made her shiver. She wrapped her arms around herself. “Fall’s in the air a bit.”
“It is. Just a few weeks away, really.”
“I know. Crazy. I’ve lived here—well, in Ribbon Ridge—for almost two months.”
He turned, leaning his hip against the railing. “And what do you think?”
She turned too, facing him, her arms still crossed. “I like it a lot. I’ve met some really nice people.”
“I hope that includes me.”
She rolled her eyes and pushed him lightly in the chest. “Don’t go digging for compliments. That’s obnoxious. Or so my mother says.”
He captured her hand in his. “Let’s go have dinner.”
They left the condo, and he drove them south through town to the restaurant, which had a lovely view over Siletz Bay. They’d be able to watch the sun set from their table by the window.
“Is Don here?” Cam asked the hostess who sat them.
“Not tonight. He’ll be here tomorrow, though.”
She smiled at the hostess. “That’s okay, thanks.”
The hostess gave them their menus and said their server would be right with them.
