Trailing kisses down her throat, he drew a nipple into his mouth, rolling the hardened bud with his tongue and nipping at it lightly. She arched into him, waves of pleasure washing through her. Once more he stroked her, growling low in his throat as he plunged his fingers into her slick heat.
Thrusting into her with his fingers while circling her clit with his thumb, he drove her mad, coming closer and closer to sending her over the edge. “Wes . . .” she cried out. He increased the speed of his strokes. Her toes curled and her eyes shut tight. Shuddering in his arms, she came undone, pulse after pulse of pleasure taking her away.
He lifted himself to cover her and nudged her knees apart. “Look at me, sweetheart.”
Aftershocks from her climax still raced along her nerves. She stared into his eyes as he entered her. This was what she’d fantasized about for more than a year, this soul-to-soul connection. His eyes conveyed so much—tenderness, passion and caring. He kissed her, his tongue dominating hers. He rocked into her, and the pleasure built again. She matched his rhythm, lifting her hips to meet his.
“Carlie,” he whispered, nuzzling her neck. “You feel so . . . so good.” He growled deep in his throat, his movements faster, harder. She gave herself up to the intimacy of being one with the object of her fantasies. Her insides coiled, catching on the edge of release and hovering for a painfully sweet moment.
Wesley drew her knees up, deepening his thrusts, and the change in position sent her careening into another orgasm, this one stronger than the first. A second later, he joined her. Collapsing, he pressed her into the mattress with his full weight. She wrapped her arms around him, willing him to stay right where he was.
It took a few moments for their breathing to come back to normal. When it did, he rolled to his side, taking her with him. He cradled her, running his fingers through her hair and kissing her temples and eyelids. “Don’t go anywhere,” he said before rising from the bed. “I’ll be right back.” Sated, she caught a glimpse of his equally impressive backside as he crossed the floor to the master bathroom.
Being with Wes had far surpassed her fantasies, and she couldn’t deny that what she felt for him was real and lasting. She could accept things as they were. Couldn’t she? A niggling doubt crept out from the deepest recesses of her mind. Had she once again fallen for the wrong man? Could she be happy living parallel lives, never fully meshing into the family she longed to have?
Taking a deep breath, she caught his scent on the bedding, and her heart fluttered. Uncertainty clogged her brain when all she wanted to do was bask in the afterglow of their lovemaking. Hadn’t she been the one to suggest they let the future take care of itself?
Wes returned and stretched out beside her. “Stay with me tonight,” he said, drawing her against his chest. “I want to fall asleep with my arms around you.”
How could she refuse? Nodding, she forced her concerns away and relaxed against him, savoring his warmth. If her past was any indication, all she might ever have with Wesley were nights like this one, each of them going their separate ways come morning.
Forcing her thoughts in another direction, she placed her hand on his chest. His heart beat strong and steady beneath her palm. “I’ve been thinking—”
“Again?” He chuckled. “Is that what you were doing while I was making love to you? Thinking?”
“No.” She pulled back to scowl at him. “This occurred to me earlier when we were talking about the plan to draw Jared out into the open.”
“What about it?” Wes went back to playing with her hair, wrapping the curls around his fingers.
“The first day we met with the marshals, you ordered me to go to Thanksgiving at your parents’ house. Remember?”
He grunted. “I remember having my ears blistered that day.”
“You deserved it,” she huffed against his throat. “Jared is becoming bolder. He showed himself to you, and that worries me. I’d love to go to your parents’ house for the holiday, but I don’t want to expose their whereabouts to my ex. I wouldn’t put it past him to vandalize their property just because you brought me there. Also, we also have a lot to discuss with the marshals and the sheriff.”
“I’m not following where you’re going with this, other than to say no to Thanksgiving with the Holt clan. But then, the blood hasn’t fully returned to my brain yet.” He squeezed her close. “Your fault.”
She smiled and kissed his chest. “I’d like to cook a Thanksgiving meal here, and we could invite the marshals and the sheriff to join us. Andrew and Bruce . . . I don’t know if either of them has a family, but holidays with nowhere to go must be hard on them both. The sheriff does have family nearby, but with his recent divorce and all, I don’t know if he has plans. And maybe we could talk Brenda, Kyle and Ken into joining us. Would it upset your parents if you and your sister didn’t come to their house this year?”
“Hmm. I’m sure they’d understand, given the circumstances, and with four other siblings and their families, it’s not like their house will be empty without us.” He ran his hand up and down her back. “Are you sure you want to go to all that trouble?”
“I love to cook.” She propped herself up on her elbow. “What do you think? Can we have the holiday here in your apartment? We can move the kitchen table into the dining room, and with a card table and folding chairs, we’d have plenty of space for everyone. After dinner we can discuss the plan and see what the marshals and Paul have to say.”
“All right. Tomorrow I’ll call my parents and run it by them, and then I’ll talk to everyone else.” He reached for the drawer of his nightstand and pulled out another condom. “In the meantime . . .” He raised his brow, his expression hopeful. “Whatever shall we do for the rest of the evening? I’m not ready to sleep yet. Are you?”
Laughing, she threw her arms around him and drew him close for a kiss. Wes took his time with her, as she did with him. Taking turns tasting and touching, they discovered what the other liked and needed. Sighing, lingering, they made love until they lay panting in each other’s arms. Carlie couldn’t remember a time when she’d felt this completely at ease and replete. Her gentle giant’s touch was so tender she turned to mush in his arms.
Wes was not a man who took without giving in equal measure. He wasn’t one to see that his own needs were met, turning away once he reached the finish line. No. Wesley seemed to crave her touch as much as she craved his. He snuggled up to her, wrapped her in his arms and tucked her head under his chin before falling asleep.
Carlie remained awake long after he succumbed to exhaustion. Listening to the deep, even sound of his breathing, she committed the moment to memory. Her fantasy had turned to reality, and she’d never be the same. No matter what the future brought, being with Wesley Holt tonight far outweighed the risk of heartbreak.
While Wes and Tyler were playing, Carlie slipped into her room to make the call she dreaded. Her grip tight on her cell phone, she entered her mom’s number. She picked up on the third ring. “Hi, Mom. It’s Carlie.”
“Kara,” her mother corrected. “I’ve been waiting to hear back. When are you and Tyler planning to get here for Thanksgiving?”
Her mother had never accepted or approved of her name change, saying it didn’t alter anything from her past, no matter how much Kara wished it did. She’d tried to explain the name change was to prevent Jared from finding her and Ty, but her mother only grew more adamant in her disapproval. Carlie’s heart squeezed painfully. “Well, that’s the thing.” She raked her fingers through her hair. “We aren’t coming.” Seconds of silence filled her ear.
“Are you basing your decision on what’s happening with your lowlife ex, or because your brother and his family are going to be here as well? Because if—”
“Both.” She should’ve e-mailed. Talking to her mother reduced her to the emotionally wrecked adolescent she’d been so long ago. “I’m under enough stress as it is right now and—”
“Don’t you think it’s about time you mad
e peace with your brother?”
Her mother’s plaintive tone sliced right through her—all the way to the wounds deep inside that never seemed to heal. “Mom . . .” She struggled to pull herself together. “I’m not the one who disowned him. He turned his back on me. I know he’s your perfect son and all, but why are you putting it on me to mend anything between the two of us?”
“I’m not putting it just on you. I’ve had the same conversation with Ron, and why you believe I see him as perfect is beyond me. I’ve never said that.”
No, you didn’t have to. I felt it every single day. “My choosing not to come home for the holiday has a lot more to do with keeping myself and Tyler safe than it does with our dysfunctional family dynamics. I have a support network here. I’m never without protection. Plus, I’m hosting a Thanksgiving dinner for my friends and for the US Marshals who are stuck in Perfect while Jared is on the loose.”
“I’m disappointed.”
Of course you are. When haven’t I disappointed you? “So am I.”
“Your grandmother is going to be heartbroken,” her mother said, heaping more guilt over her head. “She’s not going to be around forever, you know.”
Dammit, she could not let herself be dragged into the deep well of guilt her mother seemed determined to plunge her into. “I’m sorry, but I’m doing what is best for me and Tyler. Besides, if we did come, Jared would follow, and I don’t want to put the rest of you in danger.” In her mind, Carlie counted her blessings and ticked off all of her accomplishments, determined not to let this conversation undermine her hard-earned self-esteem. “Once Jared is back behind bars, Tyler and I will drive up for a weekend, or you could always come to Perfect. I’m sure Gran would enjoy a visit with her cousins.”
“I suppose . . .”
“I have to go, Mom. Some friends and I are taking self-defense classes, and my ride should be here any minute. Tell Gran I love her, and I’ll see her soon.”
“I will. I’m holding you to the soon part, Kara. It’s been too long since we’ve seen you and Tyler.”
“It’s Carlie, Mom. That’s my name now, whether you like it or not. I’ll call again once Jared has been captured, and we’ll make plans then.” Heaving a sigh, she put her phone away and squared her shoulders, relieved that the call had been made.
She strode out of her room toward the front closet, past Wes and Ty, who were wrestling on the rug in the living room. The sight of the two of them having such a great time went a long way toward lightening her mood. Knowing she’d spend the evening with her friends helped her as well.
“Are we about ready to go?” Carlie asked, taking jackets out of the closet. “Brenda is going to be here any minute, and I don’t want to be late for my last self-defense class.” Tyler giggled and shrieked. He and Wes were roughhousing with each other in the living room, with Rex running circles around them.
She shook her head. Neither one had heard a word she’d said. How could they, what with her son being held upside down by his waist and laughing as he was. “Hey,” she called. “Put my kid down, and let’s get ready to go.”
Wes’s phone rang. He set Tyler on the rug and pulled his cell from his pocket. “Brenda and Kyle are on their way up.”
“Kyle?”
“I gave him your car keys this morning while you were at work, and he drove your car back. Brenda followed in his truck.”
“My car is done already?”
“Yeah. I paid the guys for the parts. You can write me a check when you have a minute.”
“Oh, thanks. I’ll take care of it as soon as we get home tonight.” Carlie handed Tyler his jacket, and then she slid her arms into hers. As soon as she heard footsteps in the hall, she opened the living room door.
Beaming, Brenda entered, holding both hands behind her back. “Guess what.”
Carlie grinned. “What?”
Brenda brought her left hand forward and held it up. She waved her hand, and the diamond on her ring finger sparkled under the light. “We’re engaged! Kyle and I are moving to Oregon this April, and he starts his physician’s assistant program in May.” Grinning, Brenda admired the ring on her finger.
“I’m so happy for you both.” Carlie gave her friend a quick hug. “Congratulations!”
“You’d better take care of my baby sister,” Wesley warned, his tone half teasing. “Or you’ll answer to me.”
“You know I will, bro.” Kyle and Wes did that shoulder-bumping, back-slapping thing men do. Rex barked, and his tail wagged furiously as he picked up on the excitement.
Jealousy, sharp and quick, sliced through Carlie. All her mistakes, all the bad decisions she’d made, robbing her and her son of any chance at a happily-ever-after, piled up on her. Self-recrimination only added to the load. She forced the smile to remain fixed on her face and kept her eyes on the happy couple. She couldn’t bear to look at Wes right now or she’d lose it.
Kyle handed Carlie her car keys. “I parked your Ford out front. Less chance of a repeat performance if you keep your car under the streetlights and on the main road.”
“I will. Thanks so much for fixing my car.” She tossed her keys into her purse. “And congratulations on your engagement. I’m excited for you both.”
“We were going to make the announcement at Mom and Dad’s on Thanksgiving,” Brenda gushed. “But since we’re going to be here, we stopped by and told them today.”
“What’s engaged mean?” Tyler’s gaze went from one adult to another.
“It means that Brenda and Kyle are going to get married.” Wes ran his hand over Ty’s head.
Tyler’s face scrunched, but he didn’t ask any more questions. Carlie slung her purse over her shoulder. “We’d better get going.”
“Are you joining me and Ty?” Wes asked Kyle. “We’re dropping the ladies off, and then we’re heading to McDonald’s for a Happy Meal.”
“There’s a playground there,” Ty said with a hop.
“Sure.” Kyle grinned. “I could go for a Happy Meal.”
Once they were on the road to the Warriors’ Den, Brenda launched into the plans she and Kyle had made. “We’re having a small courthouse wedding in March to save money, and then we’re heading to Oregon for our honeymoon at a B&B near the Columbia River Gorge. It’s supposed to be really beautiful. While we’re there, we’ll look for a place to live near campus, and I’ll keep an eye out for a salon where I can work. The two of us have enough money saved to get us started.”
“It sounds wonderful. You two are going to have such an adventure.” Carlie tried to infuse her voice with as much enthusiasm as possible. She was thrilled for Kyle and Brenda, and she wished them all the best. Still, the envy lingered and the self-recrimination squatted like a toad on her shoulders.
“It’s going to be a tough couple of years.” Kyle draped his arm across the back of the backseat of Wes’s SUV and rested his hand on Brenda’s shoulder. “One year of intense classes and exams, and the second year I’ll be on clinical rotations. I know I’m asking a lot of Brenda, but I just couldn’t face the future without her, and I didn’t want to risk losing her to some other guy while I’m away.”
“Aww.” Brenda let out a happy sigh. “I would’ve waited, but I’m glad we’re going together.”
The pride and love shining from their eyes as they gazed at each other across her son’s car seat caused a fresh rift in Carlie’s heart. She glanced at Tyler. He seemed to be deep in thought, too somber for a six-year-old. “You OK, Ty?” He nodded, his expression still solemn.
The rest of the drive to the Warriors’ Den, Carlie and Brenda talked about Thanksgiving, the menu and who would bring what. By the time they reached their destination, they were a few minutes late. “Mind Wesley at McDonald’s, Ty,” Carlie told her son as she and Brenda scrambled out of the SUV.
The two of them hurried inside. Most of the women were already warming up, and the instructor spared the latecomers a harried glance. As they hurried to the locker room, Brenda flas
hed her hand, the one with the diamond, at Ceejay, Paige and Cory. That elicited squeals of glee, and the three trailed after them into the locker room.
“Oh, my God, Brenda, let me see.” Cory grabbed her best friend’s hand. “When did this happen, and why didn’t you call me immediately?”
Ceejay took Brenda’s hand from Cory. “How did he propose?”
Brenda launched into the story of how and when Kyle had proposed. Paige moved to Carlie’s side as Cory and Ceejay lapped up the romantic details. “You OK, Carlie?”
“Of course I’m OK. I’m thrilled for Kyle and Brenda. They’re great together, and I’m sure they’re going to be deliriously happy.” She bit her lip and stuffed her purse and jacket into the nearest locker.
“Umm . . . no doubt. They will be happy together.” Paige moved closer, scrutinizing her. “I was referring to the situation with your ex, but . . . sure, let’s talk about—”
“Oh. That.” Heat rushed to her cheeks. “The whole thing is making me edgy. Obviously. Did Ryan tell you about the plan?”
“Yes, he—” A loud knock on the door stopped all conversation.
“Ladies, let’s go!” Lee Greenwood called through the door. “We’re waiting on you before we begin.”
The five of them filed out of the room like guilty schoolgirls caught smoking in the lavatory. Carlie and her friends took their places in line. A chorus of congratulations aimed at Brenda ensued from the others in the class, and then they settled down to business.
Carlie threw herself into the exercises. She did her kicks, lunges, rolls and yells. She blocked and jabbed and practiced all the ways she’d learned to free herself from a multitude of holds, with the instructor pretending to be her attacker. If anyone ever attempted to use her as a punching bag again, she wanted to be ready.
They’d only been at the lessons for three weeks, but already her muscle tone had improved. By the time the class wrapped up, Carlie was drenched in sweat and infused with the calm she always got out of the physical exertion. Another benefit to add to the list. She couldn’t wait to start kickboxing. Grinning, she followed her friends into the locker room.
The Twisted Road to You (Perfect, Indiana Book 4) Page 18
