by Kahlen Aymes
They sat there, face-to-face on the couch and all she wanted was to be in his arms, Macy or no Macy. This might be the last chance she’d ever have to be this close to him. Caleb bent his head and rested his forehead on hers; his salty and musky scent enveloped her. “Cale,” she said, the ache in her heart, resonating in her voice.
He cleared his throat. “Don’t forget that. No matter what happens.”
Wren wanted to cry and scream. She felt cheated. If only they’d had a moment or two like this in the past; things would have been different. If only she’d gone to see him in San Francisco, or followed him back to Boston and confronted him about their one night together. The possibilities made her want to die. Now Macy was in between them and they might never have that chance. Her voice shook when she finally spoke. “I wish I’d have known. I wish so many things. For us.”
“Me, too.”
“Do you want the locket back?” It hurt to say the words, but she had to know.
His head snapped up and a hurt look crossed his features. “God, no. Why would you ask me that?”
“I don’t know. I just… it was your mother’s, that’s all.”
He let out a sigh of relief. “It’s where I want it to be.”
She closed her eyes, and Caleb’s hand came up to cup her face. His fingers tangled in the silken strands at the back of her head at the same time as his thumb brushed along her jaw and tilted her chin up. “Wren.” The one word pulled from him like a prayer that would save the world if it were ending.
Her hand closed around his wrist and she lifted her mouth, silently begging for him to kiss her. She was still crying, her heart cracked open as she waited. She had no right to want him given the other woman sleeping in the house, but she did. God, did she want him. He was hers first. He’d always be hers.
Caleb’s breath rushed out over her lips and she sucked it into her lungs. She wanted every nuance, every touch; every second with him she could get. This might be the last time he’d ever touch her like this.
He froze. He didn’t want to scare her and he didn’t want to hurt her. It felt like she wanted what he wanted, and even though every cell in his body screamed for her, he didn’t want to do the wrong thing. He could almost taste her, just by being this close; their lips hovering over one another.
She lifted her lips closer still and she brushed her lower lip against his upper one. Caleb groaned. “Jesus. Wren—” His thumb brushed her jaw over and over as his muscles coiled. His heart was pounding hard and blood was rushing like liquid fire in his veins. “You’re playing with fire. Don’t do this unless you’re one hundred percent sure you want this to happen. There’s no going back.”
Wren didn’t know what tomorrow would mean for them or what the consequences of this would be, but she knew for sure she would literally die if she didn’t let this happen. Her fingers fisted into his shirt and she unconsciously pulled it forward, tugging him even closer, and then slid her hand up and over his broad shoulder. “I do, Cale. I’m sure.”
She should consider Macy. She knew she should ask him about the other woman, but she didn’t want the answer. She only wanted to feel him on her, over her, inside her like she’d fantasized and relived so many times.
“Oh, God.” Caleb didn’t need further encouragement as his left arm snaked out around the back of her waist and he pulled her roughly into his arms at the same time as his mouth took hers hungrily. His innate visceral response dictated his every move as he kissed her deeply. Wren’s mouth opened to him as his tongue laved and made love to hers like it was the sweetest thing he’d ever tasted. It was ravenous and desperate heaven.
Caleb turned and pulled her onto his lap facing him, never breaking the kiss for a second. Her legs parted and her thighs settled on the outside of his. Both of Wren’s hands slid into his hair and she pulled his mouth closer. They were feasting on each other, their mouths moving as if they were starving, but so perfectly in sync it was as if they’d kissed a million times.
His arm around her hips moved her closer and he could feel the heat seeping through both of their pants. His dick was huge, more engorged than it had ever been and it throbbed painfully. Her pelvis arched into his and his breath rushed out. He’d never wanted anyone more than he wanted her and every woman he’d ever touched was a sad substitute.
They were both panting heavily from their passionate play when he finally pulled his mouth from hers and buried his mouth in her neck to place slow, wet kisses so soft she began to tremble in his arms. “Uhhhh…” His hands explored her body, cupping her breasts through her shirt, his thumbs teasing her already erect nipples into a tighter pucker. “Wren.” He said her name and his voice sounded pained. “I’ve wanted this forever… fucking dreamed about it.”
His admission made her heart sing and having him this close, pressing his hardness into her softness was euphoric. He was all that existed for her and if the building were coming down around them, she wouldn’t want to move. Her back arched and she could feel the outline of his erection pressing against her. Nothing had ever felt so good.
Her fingers were greedy as they roamed his body, detailing every curve of every muscle, committing every second of it to memory. Her lower body ached and opened, the emptiness becoming maddening. She rocked and rubbed against him seeking some small shred of satisfaction.
Caleb could sense the depth of her longing and it turned him on more than he could wrap his head around. It was yearning like he’d never experienced and he wanted to savor each touch and every incredible movement. He slowed his kisses and his touches became gentler.
When his fingers deliberately pushed up the hem of her shirt, the contact of her warm, smooth skin by his fingers he almost moaned in ecstasy. This was Wren; his little bird. His protective instincts overtook him. She deserved better than screwing frantically on a couch as if they were kids. He loved her, and he needed her to feel it in every breath between them.
“Cale,” Wren whispered against his lips. “Don’t stop.” Her hand dipped between them and her fingers closed around his dick through the material of his sweats and his forehead fell onto her shoulder.
“Christ. I didn’t plan for this.”
“It’s okay.”
Caleb paused. “Are you protected? I won’t put you at risk.”
She nodded, a bit embarrassed to be confessing such a thing to Caleb. Periods and performing didn’t go well together, so she took a version of the pill that kept her from having a period for a full three months. “It’s safe.”
“Wren.” His tone was full of desire; his eyes hooded as he lifted them to meet hers intently. His hands came up to her head, to stroke through her blonde tresses, his index fingers tracing both cheekbones. “I want this.” His finger traced her lower lip and pulled it down. “God.” The word came out in a groan. “Do I want it.”
Wren bent her head, intent on initiating another round of the passionate kisses. “Good,” she whispered. Her lips ghosted over his and she slid her tongue out to hotly lick at his in a sultry assault. He gave in and soon their lips were giving and taking, tongues mating in glorious abandon, her hand working up and down on him, pulling out the reaction she wanted.
“Let’s go to your room.” Caleb felt like he was begging and he was barely able to stop exploring the secrets of her body or kissing her luscious mouth. He inhaled the scent of her skin. “You smell so good.”
“We’re alone here. Now. Let’s stay here.” After Macy making her room such a revolving door, Wren didn’t want to risk it.
Caleb didn’t argue and he gave in to her demands and the gravity of his own need. His hands made short work of her shirt, exposing the white lace bra as he pushed it up and off. Wren lifted her arms to complete the job at the same time as Caleb buried his mouth between her breasts, sliding his cheek over the gentle swells.
“You’re so beautiful,” he admitted. Wren was pulling at his clothes and soon his shirt and her pants had joined her discarded top on the floor.
Caleb took her weight easily as he stood up and turned them both around so he could lay her down beneath him. She was still wrapped around him, her heels hooked around his calves as he settled in between her spread thighs.
His dark blue eyes glowed almost black in the night as he bent to kiss her once on the mouth, then dragged his lips down her neck and over her collarbones. He made love to her with his mouth as he undressed her with slow measured precision. He pulled aside the lace cups of her bra, and Wren gasped as his hot mouth closed over one of her nipples as his fingers pushed down her pants and slid into her panties to touch where she’d been craving.
She gasped out his name as he worked her into a slow frenzy, teasing her clitoris, and then pushing into her heated body. He repeated it until she couldn’t stand it, all the while going back for kiss after lascivious kiss. Wren didn’t want it to end and she fought the orgasm, wanting to hold him and kiss him for hours, but eventually she couldn’t stop it. Her body tightened, her back arched and she breathed out his name in a soft cry. “Uhhhhh, Caleb.”
Caleb remained on top of her, his own body screaming for release, but he loved the erotic picture she made as she came in his arms. His gaze was intent on her face, though his whole body vibrated with desire. He could feel the throb of his heartbeat pound in his chest and his cock at the same time. He wanted to say the words, but wasn’t sure if she was ready to hear them. This was a huge step, and one very late in coming.
When she stopped shaking and her eyes fluttered open, her eyes locked with his. The want in his expression made him even more beautiful. “Will you remember this in the morning?” Wren asked, almost so quietly that he wouldn’t have heard if he still weren’t so close to her.
“I remembered the last time. I have every second of it memorized. I’ve relived it a million times.” His nose nuzzled the side of her head and he pressed his lips to her temple and then her cheek and jaw in a series of feather soft kisses that sent electricity through her entire body.
A soft intake of breath signaled her shock. “Then, why?”
“I was supposed to be protecting you, and I failed. I didn’t protect you from myself. I was ashamed that I lost control.”
“Oh, Cale.” Wren reached for him, pulling his head down to softly kiss him on the lips. “I wanted you then, like I want you now.” Love for him threatened to choke off her breath. “But what about Macy—?” Her mind flashed to the night in her room when Macy had insinuated she and Caleb had talked about marriage. Surely his presence here belied any of that.
“Hush,” he shook his head. “We’ll talk about it tomorrow. Tonight, it’s about you and me.”
After that there was no more talking. Heavy breathing and soft moans filled the silence as Caleb rekindled the ache deep inside Wren again until she was writhing beneath him. When he finally let himself take her and thrust deep into her body, he began moving inside her, filling her over and over again until he thought he’d die with pleasure. It was as eloquent and real, as absolute and as amazing as he remembered. Even more. This time, he vowed it would be forever.
They made tender and mad love all night, as Caleb poured all of the love and desire he’d been holding on to for years, into Wren. As the purple night turned into a pink and red dawn, Wren owned more than just his body. Being with Wren was much more than physical bliss and they worshiped each other over and over again. No one could ever know him or be as close to him as she was. They belonged together and deep down, he’d always known it.
They had a lot to talk about, the will to be dealt with, plans to be made, and lives to be changed, but Caleb’s world was finally right.
Caleb knew he’d exhausted her, and yet he still wanted more. He smiled to himself as he quickly threw on his clothes. Wren had fallen asleep, but he could see that she was cold; especially now that he wasn’t lying next to her to keep her warm.
Caleb covered her in a big towel, then gently lifted Wren’s sleeping form into his arms before he carried her inside and up to her room. She sighed in contentment as he brought the thick comforter around her. He couldn’t bear to leave her and decided to crawl in bed beside her.
After the evening they’d shared, there would be no harm in staying with her. Instinctively, Wren snuggled close into his side and he enfolded her in his strong arms. A happy smile slid across his mouth. Life couldn’t get any better than this, he decided as he started to fall into a blissful sleep.
No matter what happened; Caleb swore he’d never let anyone or anything come between he and Wren again. Not ever again.
RAP! RAP! RAP! RAP!
Wren was startled out of a sound sleep by the sound of someone knocking on her door. She lifted a hand to her forehead and struggled to open her eyes. Blinking, her room came into focus, disorientation making her pause.
Caleb must have carried her into the house in the early morning. Love welled up inside her when she thought of the night before. She felt giddy and wanted to pinch herself. A small, satisfied smile curved her lips.
When the hard knocking interrupted her thoughts, Wren scrambled from the bed. The soreness in her muscles was a sweet testament to the full evening of love play with Caleb. When she jumped from the bed, she stopped and looked down at her body. She was completely naked and she almost laughed out loud because she was about to expose herself to whoever was waiting in the hall. She grabbed a large white towel from her bathroom and wrapped it around herself.
“Wren, dear! Are you awake? It’s after nine and the funeral is at eleven,” Jonesy’s voice came through the closed door.
“Oh, Crap,” Wren muttered as she hurried to the door to open it.
Jonesy was already dressed in a simple black dress that fell well below her knees and had three quarter length sleeves. She was carrying a wooden breakfast tray with a glass of orange juice, a cup of steaming coffee and a small plate of buttered toast. Wren motioned her to come in.
“I overslept,” she stated the obvious and picked up the orange juice. She was thirsty and drank the whole thing down before setting it back on the tray that Jonesy had placed on the end of her bed. “Thank you, Jonesy. That was sweet of you.”
“I guess so.” Jonesy’s eyebrow shot up, taking in Wren’s sweat pants and shirt.
Wren nodded and went into the bathroom to turn on the shower. She glanced in the mirror wondering if Jonesy would be able to read what had happened the night before by just looking at her. Her lips were fuller; swollen from the hours upon hours of kissing. Her skin flushed at the memory and she wiped at the lower one with her fingers. Her hair was a mess, but her skin was clear. She was afraid that the stubble on Caleb’s chin may have marred it, but she could find no ill effect. The only outward sign was waking up without any clothes on. It was a good thing Jonesy knocked and didn’t just barge in. Like Macy made a habit of, she thought with disdain. Macy.
Shit. Wren cringed.
As the water temperature warmed, she ran a quick brush through her tangled hair then dropped the towel. When she stepped into the shower she immediately soaked her hair and reached for her shampoo. She wanted to hurry and get to the church early enough to speak to Caleb.
“Has Caleb already left?” Wren elevated her voice just enough so her words carried into the other room. The bathroom door was open and Jonesy was still waiting in the bedroom. Despite the water running, Wren knew they’d be able to talk if they both spoke loudly.
“Yes. He was up early. Obviously he has a lot on his mind, because he was in the kitchen dressed and making coffee by the time I got up. I wanted to fix him a nice breakfast, but he said he wasn’t hungry. He seemed very preoccupied.”
“He has a lot on his mind.” Wren knew Caleb wasn’t looking forward to this day, plus she wanted to know if Macy had gone with him, but she didn’t want to ask. Did last night change anything between Macy and Caleb? She had a slight twinge of guilt but quickly pushed it down. Caleb was hers, first, and last night was magical. She wouldn’t feel guilty about it.
Maybe
Jonesy’s lack of mention of Macy meant he’d left without her. The downside was that if he didn’t, it would mean that she would most likely ride with her and Jonesy to the church for the funeral.
“After today, things should be better. That’s if that woman doesn’t get her hooks into him; I don’t like her at all.”
Wren had quickly rinsed the conditioner from her long hair and was soaping down her body. She paused for a beat at the coincidence that Jonesy was also thinking about the repercussions Macy brought to the table. She couldn’t have said it better herself.
“Do you think Cale is influenced by her?” she asked.
“Hummph!” Jonesy snorted. Her disgust was clear, even from the other room. “I hope not, but I’ve seen the way she drapes all over him. When she can’t find him she berates me about where he is.”
Wren shut off the water and wrapped one towel around her hair and then one around her body before she stepped from the large, glass-enclosed shower.
“Caleb isn’t the type to be controlled or to give a play-by-play of his schedule.” She knew that he had always been independent and doubted he’d be pussy whipped by any woman. “He won’t let her control him.”
“She’s going to try, I’m afraid. She was oozing all over him this morning. It was so distasteful, I was surprised he didn’t go into insulin shock.”
By now Wren had dried off and was starting to run a comb through her damp hair. “Maybe she was just concerned,” Wren said, unconvinced. Macy had an agenda all right.
“She’s a snake. I can see it from a mile away; I just hope Caleb isn’t fooled by her polished, supportive act. Now that she knows his background about the company, she has dollar signs in her eyes. Women like that don’t do anything without a motive.”
Wren knew too well that Jonesy was on the right track, but she couldn’t be sure money was Macy’s only motivation. “Caleb is a catch even without the money,” she said simply, realizing she might have slipped and given too much of her real feelings away.
