Night. She sure fell under a lucky star when it came to him. What woman wouldn't want a sexy ex-Green Beret with a large heart of gold and tender hands? Never in her wildest dreams had she considered one would look twice at her, let alone decide they wanted to share a future with her. The fact he did still amazed and thrilled her. She'd even pinched herself that morning just to make sure it wasn't some marvelous dream.
Checking her watch, she decided she could jump in the shower and get cleaned up before he showed up. The night before he hadn't given any indication of when he would drop by, but since he'd mentioned spending the day with her, she expected him fairly early. If his sleep resembled hers, it might be sooner rather than later. Still, sunrise seemed a smidgen early for a date to begin. With that thought, she hurried to the bathroom.
* * * *
Night arrived just after seven, more than ready to start the full day with Summer. Anticipation and a restless night driving him to get up and around earlier than he initially intended. No matter. They could put the extra time to good use. He grinned at the image of what he and Summer could do to fill the vacant hours.
With a quick knock on the door, he peered through the glass storm door, greeting Murphy as she trotted over to see who'd interrupted her morning nap. "Good morning, Murphy. Where's your owner this morning?"
"Right here." Summer stepped around the corner, already dressed in jeans and a white lightweight shirt, her hair still damp from a shower, but pulled back in the usual ponytail. Flipping the lock, she opened the door for him.
"Hi." He greeted her with a smile, already taking note of her soft flowery scent along with the sculpted jeans and shirt that outlined her female assets. All he needed was a couple of kisses and he would be completely primed for loving.
"Hi, yourself." She licked her lips, plucking at her shirt.
He watched her body language closely. "You look like you've been up for a while."
"Yeah. I didn't sleep too well. Decided to get up and be useful."
She sparked with nervous energy, enough to run a small appliance if he could find a way to attach her to an outlet. Damn. This wasn't going to work for the intimacy he planned. He questioned his decision to walk away last night, give her more time to consider this big step in their lives. Never did he think she would be wound to the hilt the next morning, a tight bundle of nerves. No. The decision proved sound, however this morning she needed a distraction. A big one. Something relaxing and enjoyable, just enough to take away her jumpiness.
"Have you eaten?"
"No. I wasn't sure… I waited for you."
A sudden inspiration hit. "Do you have a basket big enough to put a few items in?" he asked while marching toward the kitchen.
She trailed behind, confusion laced her voice. "Basket? No. But I have a cooler. Will that work?"
He nodded. "Get it." Yanking the fridge door open, he surveyed the contents before pulling out the eggs, milk, juice, butter, and bacon. With deft movements, he placed those items on the countertop before pulling open cupboard doors until he found glasses, a skillet, and kitchen towels to add to the pile.
Summer returned with a white insulated cooler, softly placing it beside the items. She slipped around him, opened the freezer door, and popped out three ice trays into the small box. Refilling them with water, she carefully set them back in the bottom shelf to refreeze. "What are we doing, exactly?"
"Going on a picnic, of course." He shot her a quick grin as he stuffed the food into the ice, closing the top with a snap. Finding a handful of eating utensils and plates, he slipped them into a plastic sack Summer held open.
"Okay." Her face crinkled as if she stared at a calculus equation with no clue where to begin.
He dropped a quick kiss onto her scrunched up nose. "I know the perfect place. It'll be fun."
In no time, they tromped out the front door, supplies in hand.
A short drive later, they arrived at a small city park surrounding a local river arm. Picnic tables speckled the landscape and playground equipment sat to one side of the large grassy area. Shade trees covered much of the landscape, protecting visitors from the extreme heat and glare of the hot summer sun. Only one other couple used the park, a bit surprising on a Saturday morning, but Night chalked it up to the early hour. By noon, more families would probably filter in, filling the tables and banks, kids running and playing.
He spied the small waterwheel landscaping exhibit and the brightly-painted green table nearby. "That one will do."
Summer followed his gaze. "I like that."
Together they collected their goodies, holding hands as they strolled toward the miniature version of an old mill waterwheel. This one worked the same, softly dropping water as it turned in the pool. The calm river before them added to the scene, slowly meandering along its way. A handful of ducks paddled near the bank while a pair of black swans with arched necks flowed with the current, as if out for a morning swim. Birds chirped in the background, completing a wondrous nature scene straight out of an oil painting.
Night looked over at the small fire pit next to the table. "This should work."
Summer gently sat the plates and utensils on the table. "I've never cooked over an open fire before."
He felt her eyes on him, taking in each movement, sending a charge of confidence rushing through his veins. "Don't worry. I'm fixing breakfast for you."
She blinked.
Unable to resist, he ran his fingers across her cheek. "You're in good hands. One of the first skills you learn in survival training is how to build a fire and cook your own food." He grinned mischievously at her. "If you prefer, I'll taste test it first, just to prove it's edible."
"Oh, I believe you." She lowered her chin, looking up at him beneath long eyelashes. "Besides, if it's not, we drove right past a donut shop on the way here."
"You're going to need more than a donut." He bit off the rest, reminding himself this impromptu outing was to draw their focus away from their impending sexual interlude. Already, she seemed less skittish, a minor success and one he hoped to continue.
Summer unpacked their stuff. "True. One never seems like enough."
"If I fed you a half dozen, you would bounce like that pink bunny." He grinned at the thought.
She matched his smile. "Probably."
He shook his head and checked the small pit area. Sure enough, a few small sticks of wood remained. Adding in a couple more along with some kindling from a small sack he brought along, he struck a match. In seconds, he had a nice small fire burning, enough to set the skillet on the rack over the fire. Reaching over, he grabbed the non-stick spray and covered the dark metal generously before laying out the bacon strip by strip into the pan. Next came the eggs, cracking them to occupy the opposite side of the pan.
Within minutes, he returned to the table, sliding a couple of eggs and strips of bacon on her plate. Repeating the action, he filled his own before setting the skillet on the grass to cool off. By the time he sat down, she'd placed a glass of milk and another of juice in front of him.
Digging in, he watched Summer as she nibbled, checking out the scenery in between bites. Her pretty brown eyes took in everything, an expression of peace and happiness settling on her face. A sigh of relief escaped his throat.
"Look! A deer." Summer pointed over his shoulder.
Swiveling, he glimpsed the doe with a small fawn at her side as they cautiously negotiated the bank to the water's edge for a drink. The adult's gaze constantly scanned the area, but she didn't appear threatened by the presence of a handful of humans nearby.
"So beautiful."
He turned back to Summer. "Yes, you are."
Her face stained crimson. "Not really, but thank you for saying that."
"I'll say it often so you'll believe it." He promised, finding he enjoyed her blushes, a signal of her purity and goodness.
She drained her juice glass but remained mute.
A loud rumble of thunder interrupted their morning picni
c. Glancing up, he noted dark clouds promising heavy rain, and soon. "Better finish up quick."
Summer leaped into motion, collecting their items as she crunched the last piece of bacon.
Night followed, shoveling the last bite of egg into his mouth, chewing while he helped to pack as another closer rumble warned of limited time. Together, they raced back to his truck, making it in plenty of time to avoid getting wet.
"Wow. That looks close," Summer said as she tried to catch her breath.
"The question is: can we beat it home?"
Chapter 21
The heavens opened up as Night pulled into her driveway, windshield wipers on full speed.
"I don't think it's going to slow down anytime soon." He leaned forward, checking out the sky.
"We'll have to make a run for it and get soaked in the process," Summer added matter-of-factly. "Good thing I've got plenty of towels."
He grabbed the cooler in one hand, noting she clutched the breakables against her chest. With a muttered oath, he jumped from the truck, slammed the door shut, and raced for her front porch, Summer right on his heels. Despite their efforts and speed, both stood dripping from head to toe, their clothing soaked to the skin from the colossal downpour.
Summer unlocked the door, stepping in, her shoes making squeaking noises on the floor. "Come on in. We'll leave our shoes and socks here. Heck, we might as well strip right here as well. Once that hardwood floor gets wet, it becomes slippery as ice."
Night's head jerked up, quickly deciding she hadn't realized the implications of her words as she busily pulled off tennis shoes that clung to wet feet. Her white socks splatted against the floor as she dropped them one by one.
Taking the practical route, he toed off first one boot then another, hanging his socks from the boots in an attempt to air dry them. His shirt followed, his skin damp despite being covered. His fingers flicked opened the buttons on his jeans with practiced ease. Just as he began to peel the clinging material from his body, Summer swung around.
"Oh. Oh, my." She stood barefoot in the entranceway, the remainder of her clothing intact, although sopping. A pink tint covered her cheeks. The words carried heartfelt reverence as if she looked upon a national monument for the very first time.
At this rate, I will match their stony hardness in moments. His lips twitched. "You did say to strip."
Her gaze traveled over his body, pausing here and there to commit each beautiful piece to memory. "Yes… I did say that." The words whispered out almost as an afterthought.
Night shucked the jeans off, standing before her with just a pair of black silk boxers, also molded to his body, patiently letting her look all she wanted. Hell, just her rapt attention and the spark of appreciation he saw in her eyes sent his body into high gear. Even the cold rain and his chilled skin couldn't put a damper on his tightening groin.
"You should get out of those wet clothes before you catch a cold." He reached for her shirt, taking a long moment to check out the nearly see-through material. Grasping the hem, he tugged upward, pulling it over her head, and added it to the growing pile of clothing at their feet.
She stood before him in her jeans and a lacy white bra that tempted him more than he could stand. Without hesitation, he extended one hand, softly tracing his fingers over the swell of her breast, before cupping it in his hand. Noting the front clasp, he pinched it with his fingers, sucking in a breath as the fabric parted to reveal modest but perky breasts, each one topped with a rose-hued nipple standing at attention from the cold wetness.
Summer shifted her weight, but remained still beneath his touch. Her hands slid up to his chest, molding and pressing to learn his contours.
A moan slipped from his throat when he realized she mimicked his motions, each caress of her chest and breasts, she returned back to him in full, including a small rub across each sensitive nipple. He led the foray, while she demonstrated her quickness in learning. Nothing could have stoked his libido more.
His fingers glided lower, crossing a flat belly before dipping into the waistband of her soaked jeans. "We need these off," he said the words on a gasp as her hand mirrored his, only remaining on the outside of his boxers as she traced his obvious arousal.
She met his eyes briefly before completing the chore herself, shimmying her hips to help in prying the heavy denim from her lower body. They pooled at her feet before she stepped out of them, freeing her ankles from their shackling hold.
He took the opportunity to stare at her near nakedness, finding her beauty flawless. She took his breath away while fanning his desire to a level he'd never experienced before.
Once she tugged the hanging bra off and tossed it aside, she craned her head to meet his gaze. Her face crimson, she didn't attempt to cover herself, despite standing in only a scrap of pink cotton material. Still her discomfort and embarrassment called to him.
He reached out to take her hand, holding her smaller fingers snug in his. "Let's find somewhere a bit more comfortable."
* * * *
She led him to her bedroom, stepping inside as he closed the door but for a crack. Eager anticipation battled with shaky resolve. She wanted this, wanted him more than anything she'd ever wanted in the past. That held true, but didn't completely smother her anxieties. Nothing would, she supposed, until Night got down to business, kissing her worries away.
As if he read her mind, he pulled her against his body, his hands roaming over her bare back even as his lips sealed over hers, at first soothing and tentative, before turning more passionate, his tongue flicking over her lips in a bid for further exploration.
Opening wide, Summer accepted his hunger, his low growl, meeting his tongue with hers. Her hands smoothed over his flesh from shoulders to back and down, marveling at the power and strength carried on his large frame. Chiseled muscles twitched as she brushed past, clenching beneath her untutored fingers. Settling at his waist, she grew bold, reaching around to cup his rear, giving it a moderate squeeze through the silky material of his boxers.
Night moaned, breaking their kiss. "Damn, baby." His half-lidded eyes shouted sexual desire while the material of his boxers tented, leaving no question as to his readiness. As he spoke, he took her hands, placing them at the waistband of his skivvies, one eyebrow arching in blatant challenge.
Taking the hint, she carefully pulled the elastic out and down, easing it past his jutting manhood. Her eyes staring at the present she'd just unwrapped as it sprang out from between his legs, heavy and thick. Impulsively, she touched the very tip, sucking in a breath as his member jumped at her brief caress. A hint of moisture coated the area, shining in the dim light of the bedroom. His reaction intrigued her as did the momentary feel of his satiny skin. Once more she reached out, this time with more confidence as she stroked the length and back, earning a deep groan for her efforts.
"Summer. You're going to drive me insane."
She glanced at his face, noting the clenched jaws and closed eyes. I did that to him with a simple touch. The realization sent shivers coursing through her body, encouraging her to pursue this newfound ability.
He stayed her hand, pulling it behind her back as he leaned down, taking her nipple in his mouth, sucking lightly. Nuzzling the surrounding flesh, he nipped, before laving his tongue over the area.
Summer gasped at the multitude of sensations the affection caused. She slid the fingers of her free hand through his hair, holding his face tight against her chest, begging for more of the same.
He placed one more kiss there then scooted over to the twin, suckling away, while one hand slipped under the waistband of those small pink bikinis, easing them down inch by inch.
Belatedly, she realized his goal, allowing him to push the unnecessary item down her legs. She managed to kick them aside while Night finished paying homage to her breasts. Fire racing through her blood, she trembled under his onslaught. "I need you," she whispered breathlessly.
Night responded by scooping her up in his arms, marching the r
est of the way to the bed, and laying her down in the middle of the extra large mattress. He followed, crawling across the bed on hands and knees until he reached her side. There he eased down, giving himself convenient access to her supine body. His hands took up where his mouth left off, molding and plumping each breast before sinking lower, as his mouth plundered hers, inviting her to share in his rising passion. His blue-black long hair brushed across her pale skin, accentuating the differences in not only hair color but complexions as well.
Summer felt his hand trail over her belly, only to dip down between her legs. An initial protest died quickly when his long fingers slipped a bit lower, finding the ultra-sensitive nub. She arched beneath his touch, wanting and needing more.
She didn't realize the words slipped out of her mouth until he responded.
"I'll give you more, anything that you need. Spread for me, baby. Let me in." His hand nudged her outer thigh.
Relenting under his gentle coaxing, she parted her thighs, allowing him further access to her tender core. His thumb tracked across the area once more before she felt his finger probing her opening.
She nuzzled his neck, licking the rapid pulse with the tip of her tongue while one hand raked across his chest and belly, before dipping back down to the elemental difference between male and female that so intrigued her. Her fingers lightly explored his tumescence before questing a bit farther, tenderly brushing across soft skin.
With a low groan, Night shifted to kneel over her, the muscles in his arms standing out with the effort of holding the weight of his body off hers. Readjusting, he settled on his knees, encouraging her to make more room by pushing at her thighs.
She complied, never taking her gaze off his face, literally watching him as he surveyed her vulnerable form. Her belly turned a slow somersault as he stared at her most secret place, his hand returning to the area, slowly exploring while using his first digit to penetrate inside. She felt the pressure build and ebb as she welcomed him. Deep down, she felt a contraction that sent a bolt of pleasure through the rest of her. Lifting, she offered herself up, begging for more of his touch in the only way she knew how.
Summer's Night Page 12
