by Liz Crowe
~ CASSIDY ~
I looked in the mirror and took the pony out before running my brush through it. I decided to leave it down but threw an elastic band around my wrist. After putting on some eye shadow, mascara and gloss, I took a deep breath and headed downstairs. Grabbing my purse and a jacket off the coat rack, I turned and found James standing by the fireplace. He was holding the photo of Holly and me. “Ready when you are.”
He must not have heard me come down the stairs as he looked to me slightly startled. He put the photo back before he walked over to me. “That was quick.” I simply smiled and glanced nervously down to my feet before motioning him to the front door. James went through the door as I dug through my purse. When I found my keys, I locked the door and placed the keys back in my purse. Finally lifting my head to find James, my jaw dropped.
I froze instantly. “Holy hell!” He was straddling a big black bike. He looked like a fucking god on it, just smiling at me. He turned it on and revved the engine. Goosebumps flew across the back of my neck as I took a deep breath and walked down the stairs.
James revved the engine again for optimum effect as I walked down the stairs. “Have you ridden before?” I shook my head no. “Really? Well, come here.” I walked hesitantly toward him as he handed me a helmet. He was helping me put it on while giving me some instructions. “You’re going to want to keep your feet here and not here.”
He pointed out a few things and I nodded in agreement. Cal had a bike and had offered to take me for a ride, but I had always refused. I climbed on, rather ungracefully, slipping once, and put my hands in my lap.
I sensed him laugh as he had to reach behind himself for my arms. “You’re going to want to hold on, Cassidy.”
After pulling my arms around he asked if I was ready. I responded, “I think so!” He revved the engine and I jumped a little as the tingly vibration ran under my seat and through me. Dear Lord! Before I could say anything more, he let the tires squeal as he took off down the road, causing me to grip him tighter.
James quickly headed to the north freeway to get out of the city. It really was an awesome fall day. We’d been graced with an unusually warm fall. Soon winter would be upon us and the bike would likely go into storage until spring.
Soon we were in the country and the colors were breathtaking. I ran my hands up to his chest and rested my head on his shoulder. Suddenly my nostrils were assaulted by the smell of cinnamon and apples. “OH, yum!” My stomach growled in response.
“You hungry?” I replied ‘yes’ in his ear. The cider mill was right around the next curve.
After we parked, James grabbed my hand and intertwined our fingers as we headed toward the barn. I glanced over at him to find he was smiling which in turn made me smile. The cider mill was packed as was to be expected on the Sunday before Halloween.
After waiting in line we made our way to the register to grab some donuts. The girl working behind the counter asked us if we wanted half a dozen, a whole dozen or more.
James looked to me and I said, “I’ll take a half dozen. I’m not sure how many he wants, though.” James looked taken aback.
I could hardly contain my laughter when I looked to him. He looked baffled. “I’m kidding. Half a dozen will do. I’ll share.” I nudged him with an elbow in his side and he laughed. We also purchased half a gallon of apple cider, snagged two cups, some napkins and made our way outside.
He led me back to his bike and away from the bustle of all the families enjoying that lovely day. “Did you really think I wanted all six donuts for myself?”
James looked as though he wasn’t quite sure how to respond to me. “Umm, I don’t make it my business to question one’s eating habits.”
James looked at me mystified. I had just put him in dangerous territory and I knew it. I couldn’t help but bust up laughing. “Don’t look so serious. I’m just harassing you. I could certainly eat them all, but you make me want to share.”
I started cracking up and he relaxed. I knew exactly what I was doing. I reached in the bag for a donut and he snatched the bag away from me, “Hey…” I puckered my bottom lip as James put our purchases in the saddlebag.
I watched him as he opened a compartment on the side of the bike and placed our purchase inside. He came out holding one donut and guided it to my lips before snapping it away. He dared take a bite out of it as my eyes got big.
Like the gentleman he was James handed me the remainder of the donut which put a big smile on my face. “I know a little place right up the road. Bear with me.”
He placed the helmet on my head before putting on his own. He then turned to me and asked if I was ready. “You got a little something…”
I wiped his lips with my thumb and then proceeded to lick my thumb clean. James let out a groan. It was sexy as hell and I knew exactly what I was doing.
His eye color seemed to immediately grow more vibrant. “Wait, I missed a spot.” I stood up on my foot rest to get a better angle on his face and trailed my tongue across his bottom lip and finished with a soft kiss. I was gazing down at him quite pleased with myself.
I probably would’ve let him devour me right then and there, damn the audience of families. I was looking into his eyes with a big grin on my face. He put his arms around me and grabbed my ass. “Be careful, Cassidy. I wouldn’t want us getting arrested for indecent acts.” He then smacked my ass.
After he pushed me back down in my seat he raced down the road once I had placed my hands around him. I ran my hands down to his hips and was starting to trace them over his thighs before he grabbed my hand while shaking his head.
James grabbed my hand before I reached his groin and placed it to his abdomen, “Stop distracting me!” We were only driving for a couple of short minutes when he pulled onto a back road. The road led to an empty field and I noticed a sign declaring we were on private property. He ignored the sign and drove onto the land. He steered us toward a big tree that sat on top of a small hill and parked nearby. I got off the bike and admired my surroundings. The fall colors were breathtaking.
I took in my surroundings while he pulled the donuts and a blanket out of the saddlebag. I took the donuts and cider from him as he laid the blanket out under the tree.
“The sign said private property.”
“I’m not concerned; I know the owner,” he responded casually and I nodded in approval before I took my seat on the blanket. He sat down next to me and proceeded to pour cider into the cups and then handed me one of the cups. We opened up the donuts and each took one.
“Mm, it’s so good.” I was truly enjoying the donut and so was James. “It’s so beautiful out here.”
We were both grinning like little kids. I leaned back on my hands with outstretched legs and enjoyed the warmth on my face. He looked like he wanted to pounce on me and was doing everything he could to resist. I wondered if he was trying to prove that he could be a gentleman anytime, anywhere.
“It is. I love it out here.” He continued assaulting me with his eyes and I couldn’t help but feel nervous.
“You’re not the only one admiring the view.” I rolled my eyes and shook my head in disagreement. “You really can’t take a compliment, can you Cassidy?”
“I don’t know. Guess I’m not used to it.”
“Not used to it?”
“I could try to get used to it.” I smiled at him as he closed the distance between us.
James leaned in and brushed his thumb across my cheek. Ever so slowly, he leaned in and paused with only a breath between our lips. I was aware that I had stopped breathing.
My breath caught as James was about to press his lips to mine; I wanted it so much. “I’m not going to kiss you again until I know more about you.” I let out a moan as he leaned back against the tree.
He was really enjoying himself. “What do you want to know?” I grabbed another donut and pulled a piece off, slowly putting it in my mouth while locking my gaze on his. I tried enticing him but it was evident he wasn
’t going to give in. I decided to start talking before he started asking questions I didn’t want to answer.
“I have an older brother who’s a cop. Dad’s a Ford retiree. I grew up in the suburbs. I’m a party planner, but you know that. If you want to know something specific you’ll have to ask.”
Then he asked the dreaded question. “What about your mom?”
I was pretty sure I visibly flinched at the mention of my mom. Ugh. He didn’t miss a beat. “Mom’s gone, has been a long time. Next question please.”
He must’ve figured I didn’t want to discuss it further because he changed the subject. “Any past relationships?”
“Nothing serious, at least not mutually. You?”
“Nothing serious, at least not mutually.” He flashed me a smile. “What do you want for your birthday? It’s Saturday, correct?”
That smirk flashed again and I couldn’t help but blush every time I saw it. His question caught my attention. “How do you know when my birthday is?”
“Purse. Elevator.”
“Oh. Um…I don’t know. I haven’t really thought about it. It’s not like I expect any gifts. I’ve been so busy with work and the auction.” It dawned on me then that he would probably be at the auction on Friday. It was being held in his hotel after all. It was as if he could read my mind.
“I’ll be there,” he said. Going back to our conversation about my birthday, he asked, “What about a new, bigger bed?”
I scoffed, “Ha! Mr. Benedict, don’t tease. I’ll take the bed from 1204 if you don’t mind. Best night’s sleep I’ve had in a long time. Though, that may have had something to do with you.” I shivered just at the thought of our time in that bed and flashed him my sexiest stare. He brought something out in me that I couldn’t quite explain. I had never felt so confident around a man before. I smiled at him, hoping that I was tempting him.
“I’ll have to see what I can do.”
I laughed because he couldn’t possibly be serious. Could he? I got on my knees and crawled over to him. He didn’t move a hair as I straddled his knees.
“I like a lady on her knees.”
“I bet you do. What about you? When’s your birthday? Anything catch your eye that you want?” He grabbed the back of my thighs and pulled me closer.
Grasping his shoulders to steady myself, he buried his head in my neck and inhaled. I moaned and in turn buried my head in his hair, running my hands up the back of his neck. He exhaled into my ear, “I have what I want right here and now.” I moaned and brought my head down to his while running my hands through his hair.
“You’re a temptress, Miss Charles.” He grasped my waist and pushed me off and up to my feet as he followed.
“You bring it out in me.” I felt like I was going to combust and let out a disappointed groan.
He popped another donut in his mouth, gathered some of our belongings and headed back to his bike. I was horny as hell and was starting to fancy the idea of James naked in the autumn sun. He was bringing out a whole new side of me that I hadn’t known existed. I gathered the blanket and followed him over to his bike.
“It’s getting late and we both have to work tomorrow.”
James handed me my helmet while taking the blanket from me and put it away. I looked to the horizon and noticed the early signs of the sunset approaching. “Shit, my car.”
“It will be back at your place by the time we get back.” James motioned me to get on the bike. He fired it up and headed back to town. I couldn’t help but wonder why he was suddenly being so distant. He was acting all gentlemanly, like you would expect on a first date. Of course, that was our first date, technically. I was thankful to be headed home because it was starting to cool down quickly.
Chapter Eleven
Anchors
~ CASSIDY ~
“Are you hungry?” We’d just walked in the door at my place after I looked over my car. He even had my stereo replaced. He was too good to be true.
“What did you have in mind?”
“We can order takeout or I have some Chinese left over from last night. I can cook, but I don’t have much.”
“Whatever’s easy.”
I headed to the kitchen and pulled out some plates, forks and got the leftovers out of the fridge. “All I have is champagne, water and soda.” He took water and I did the same. After the food was heated up, I took my plate and headed to the living room with him following behind me. I sat on one end of the couch facing the opposite end where he took his seat. We each had a few bites before he broke the silence.
“Why a phoenix and the blackbird? You have a thing for birds?” he asked with half a grin.
His question took me off guard a little. I shrugged my shoulders. “It’s silly, really.” I looked to him and his curiosity wasn’t budging. I could tell by the look on his face he wanted to know. I sighed, “When Holly and I met I was in the middle of reading all the Harry Potter books. She was peering over my shoulder one day and saw me reading about the phoenix. She had questions and I explained them. She said that we were both like the phoenix, each in our own regard. Overcoming hardships in our past, having to let it go so we could move on with our future. We were planning to get matching phoenix tattoos before she died. She actually drew my tattoo. I had it done on her birthday in September.” I looked at him and he was listening intently to me with a sincere smile on his face. Slowly, James turned his smile into that sexy smirk that turned me on and made me uneasy all at once. “I told you it was silly.”
“It’s not silly. It’s lovely. When are you getting the colors added?” He took another bite of his food and I did the same.
“I’ve been meaning to schedule the color appointment, but I’ve been so busy with work. And I still haven’t decided what colors I want to use.” I winked at him. “Why the dragon?” I looked at him nervously.
“Similar to you, it has to do with someone close to me that I lost.” Before I had a chance to inquire more, he set his plate on the coffee table, closed the distance between us and took my plate from me, placing it next to his. He unfolded my legs before he sat back down on his end of the couch grabbing my ankles and setting my feet in his lap before unlacing my boots. “And the blackbird?”
Everything about him was smoldering. “A few things. I love the song by Alter Bridge. My grandmother’s maiden name stands for raven, a blackbird, or so she told me. Some people say they’re a bad omen but my grandmother used to tell me that blackbirds were our ancestors watching over us, like guardian angels.”
He nodded his understanding. “I like the song, too. Seeing the tattoo on your wrist all those months ago reminded me. I listened to that song over and over these past few months. Do you have any other tattoos?”
“Maybe.” He growled and I snickered. “Holly and I got matching tattoos several years ago, my first, then the blackbird two summers ago after my grandmother died.”
“Where is it?” Both of my boots were now off as he tossed them to the floor. He locked his hands onto both ankles and yanked me closer to him. “Tell me, Cassidy.”
I was already panting and feeling flush. “You’re getting warm.” He grinned and removed my socks in unison. “Warmer.” James began running his hands all over my right foot and I immediately tensed, trying not to bust out in laughter.
“Maybe I’ll tickle it out of you.” He traced a finger from my heel up to my arch and my hips bucked as I grasped the cushion beneath me.
“Please don’t!” He examined my entire foot before running his hand up the back of my calf, massaging as he went. I rolled my head back and savored his touch. He dropped my leg and started examining my left and I knew when he had found it. I felt his weight shift and then the hot sensation of his tongue as it licked the outside of my ankle. “Mmmm.” Goose bumps covered my body.
“How did I miss this? Why an anchor?” He sat back down all the way and pulled me even closer to him. My feet were resting on his hips as he resumed massaging my calves. I had to force mysel
f to look at him.
“We were all the other had for a long time. Cal was in Afghanistan and Holly didn’t have any family. It was just the two of us.” I sighed and let my head drop to the side resting on the couch as he continued kneading my calves.
“So was her anchor in the same spot?”
“Actually, she got wings on her back.” He didn’t have to ask the question. “We were inspired by a sign we saw once in a store window. ‘You are the anchor that keeps my feet on the ground and I am the wings that keep your heart in the clouds’ or something like that. I was her anchor, she was my wings.”
“That’s beautiful.” His hands left my legs as he guided me to lie on my back and hovered over me. I didn’t resist.
“Thank you.” He was above me and I was longing for him to kiss me. I moved my hands to touch him and he moved out of reach before I was successful.
His hands were on the waist of my jeans as he worked his way under my shirt. My breath hitched as he ran his hands over my belly before undoing my pants. “Lift your hips.” I did as I was bid as he tugged my jeans from my hips. He sat back down as my jeans joined my socks and boots on the floor. His hands made their way to my thighs and began massaging. He was dangerously close to my panties and I was worried he would set me off without much more effort. I realized I was tense when he whispered, “Breathe, Blackbird. Relax.” He sounded almost as breathless as I felt.
His hands ran along my hips then up under my back and I was suddenly face to face with him. James had pulled me to his lap and I immediately flanked his sides with my legs and circled my arms around his shoulders. He buried his face in my neck and inhaled deeply. I believed he found my scent as intoxicating as I found his. His scorching tongue worked its way to my ear where he bit, tugged and sucked on my lobe.
