by Kate Tilney
“Don’t, baby.” I shake my head fighting a grin at her sudden shyness. “Don’t hide from me. I want to see you.”
Taking a shaky breath, Lila’s hands fall to her sides, leaving her free for me to see, to possess.
“God, you’re gorgeous.” I run my hands over her naked breasts. I flick a nipple with my thumb, and she gasps, her moment of shyness disappearing.
I release her long enough to pull a blanket out of my bag and throw it on a flat piece of land. Reaching for her, I ease her back on the ground. I settle on my side next to her, capturing one of her nipples with my mouth as I do.
“Flint.” She says my name over and over as my hands and mouth move over her, suckling her, teasing her.
I reach for the leggings, and ease them down her hips. She isn’t wearing panties, and I nearly come in my jeans. Taking a breath to steady myself, I slip my fingers through her folds until I find her clit. She’s already slick and wet for me. My fingers and thumb stroke while I ravage her breasts with my mouth. Her fingers slide into my hair, gripping hold as the first ripples of an orgasm grow inside of her.
Her thighs press together and she cries out, arching against my hand. I raise my head to watch the pleasure on her face. In this moment there’s nothing I need more than to be inside of her, to make her mine. I have no doubts she’ll be worth dying for.
Lila
The tremors echo through my body long after Flint moves away from me. After he made me come with his fingers, he did it again with his mouth. I’ve had orgasms before—with the help of accessories—but it’s never been like either of the ones Flint has just given me.
And, as Flint strips off his own shirt and pants, I know it’s not over. Not by a long shot. He’s back at my side.
“Are you sure about this?” he asks. “I need you to be sure.”
“I’m sure.” I hold my hand back a moment, but then I reach for his thick cock, feeling his length. He groans, emboldening me to squeeze it again.
He covers my hand with his, showing me how to move it up and down the shaft. His eyes close, and he presses his lips to my shoulder.
“That’s enough,” he says, after a moment. “I need to come inside you.”
His words send a thrill through me. They seem so naughty, so explicit. Then again, that’s my lack of experience. He probably said worse to other women. But I don’t want to think about them just now.
Flint’s fingers find me again, running circles around my clit. He slips a finger inside me. It moves in and out, touching my inner walls. Then he slips in a second. Then a third, getting me ready for him. Though, as big as he is—and I know enough about sex to know he’s a big boy—I’m not sure how I can ever be ready for him.
“I have a condom,” he says. “But it’s your choice.”
I want to feel him. All of him. I’ve waited for this, saved myself for him. I don’t want anything between us.
“I’m on the pill.” I have been since high school to keep my periods regular. “I trust you.”
Something flickers in his eyes. Heat, or excitement. Maybe both. Moving between my thighs, he draws my mouth against his. Opening it with his tongue, exploring. His fingers continue their work, and the excitement builds in me once again. My hips move up to meet him.
I can feel his hard dick pressed on my thigh. He’s being so patient. So gentle.
“I’m ready.” It comes out almost as a plea. I grab his shoulders. “I need you.”
Reaching down, he lines up his cock, rubbing it against my folds. He pauses with his tip at my entrance. I clench my eyes shut, bracing myself. He pushes into me. The pain is sharp, and I wriggle against him. He starts to pull away, but I hold onto him.
“Don’t go. Just give me a moment.”
I can feel him nod. His breath is quick and labored. The pain dulls as I stretch around him.
“Okay. Keep going.”
Flint presses into me again. The ache is still there, but it pales in comparison to what’s growing inside of me. As he slides in and out, his thumb massaging my clit, he braces himself with his free arm. The pleasure builds. My fingers dig into his shoulders, and I can feel the beads of sweat on his back, on our chests.
Then I erupt again with another orgasm. I call his name. I think he shouts mine. His hand moves my hip, and he buries his face in the crook of my neck. With one more thrust, his seed pours inside of me.
We stay like that for a moment, my arms wrapped around him, our hearts pounding against each other.
After another minute, he moves. I wince as he eases out of me and falls to his back. He wraps an arm around me and pulls me to his chest, running smooth circles over my back.
“Are you okay?”
I nod, my hair falling loose over him, creating a curtain that keeps me from seeing his face. He pushes it away, and cranes his neck to look down at me. His free hand grips my chin so our gazes meet.
“Are you sure? You’re probably a bit sore.”
My cheeks flush, and the embarrassment returns. I want to look away, but the tenderness in his gaze holds mine. It wraps around my heart and tugs. Fresh emotion flows through me, over me. I’m his now. I always have been, but now I am in every way.
“It aches a bit,” I admit.
He nods in sympathy and plants a kiss against my forehead. “It won’t hurt like that next time.”
“Next time?” My heart flutters. There’s going to be a next time.
“Don’t get excited. I won’t touch you again for another day or two. At least not like that.” He winks at me. “I wouldn’t mind eating your sweet pussy again tonight. But you need a bit of time to rest.”
Then he pulls my head back to his chest, and we stare at the clear blue sky, basking in each other.
I wonder if sex is always like this. Maybe it’s only this powerful when you’re so connected to the other person. When you’re in love.
Then again, I only know what’s in my heart. I’m not sure if Flint is in love with me too. But the way he’s holding me possessively, I know I’m important to him. That I matter. That’s enough for now. It’s more than enough.
Chapter Five
Flint
I stare at the computer screen. I’ve never been a spreadsheet wiz like Shawn, but I’m no slouch either. I must have made a mistake entering something. Because if I’m reading the data correctly, in just one week of Lila’s taking over marketing, we’ve booked the lodge—and most of the cabins—through the holidays. And we’ll be at maximum capacity this week for the first time in a decade.
If that’s the case, and it looks like it might be, then by this time next year, we’ll have more than enough money in our coffers to think about putting on an expansion.
Lila knocks on the door to my office, and I motion for her to come in.
“Babe, take a look at this.”
She slips an arm over my shoulder and settles in my lap. She fits so naturally, it’s almost like it’s always been this way. Or at least that she was always supposed to be here with me.
“Oh, good.” She looks at the computer screen more closely. “The Hendersons went ahead and booked for their reunion.”
“Who are the Hendersons?”
“They saw one of our Facebook ads and called yesterday to see if we had any openings.” She leans in to read the screen more closely and nods. “They were looking at another resort, but they wanted something smaller than one of the chains. Then they saw the reviews for Dorothy’s cooking, and they were sold.”
“Reviews?”
Nodding, she reaches for the keyboard, punches in a few keys, and opens a couple of review sites.
“We asked this week’s diners to post reviews online.” Then she winces. “Don’t be mad, but I may have contacted your repeat guests and asked if they’d post reviews about their stays too.”
“Are you saying that in just over a week you’ve opened a new restaurant, launched a new website, built a social campaign thing—”
“Social media campaig
n.”
“Yeah, that, and you’ve gotten us more than”—I squint at the screen—“fifty reviews?”
She nods sheepishly. Shaking my head, I thread my fingers through her hair and pull her face towards mine.
“You know something?”
“What?” she asks, her voice breathy, instantly making me hard.
“You’re an angel.”
She shakes her head. “It’s your place. It’s you and your granddad who made it somewhere people want to be.”
“But you made the world see it.”
I crash my mouth against hers, and she sighs. Pulling her closer, my free hand slides up her hips. Our tongues dual, and our hands rove over each other. I can’t get enough of her. Never enough of her.
“What do you want?” I ask between kisses. “Champagne? A moonlit boat ride?”
My goddamned heart and soul? Whatever she wants, it’s hers.
Pulling back, she jumps out of my lap, leaving me reaching for her. A mischievous glint lights her eyes. “I think we can find another way to celebrate.”
She drops to her knees. Licking her lips, she reaches for the button on my jeans. In a week, she’s become so bold. Since I made her mine, she’s let go of every inhibition as we explore each other’s bodies.
After everything she’s done for me—turning my business around, giving herself to me, working her way into my heart—I should be the one on my knees right now.
I can’t ever let her leave. Not just because she’s a natural with the lodge. She belongs here. She belongs with me. I just have to find the right way to tell her. I’ll think of something.
Then her lips wrap around me, and I’m beyond thinking.
Lila
One hand clasped in Flint’s, the other stretched out for balance, I blindly follow the love of my life wherever he’s taking me. No, seriously, Flint tied a bandana over my eyes. I can’t see a thing.
After we finished with our work for the afternoon, Flint said he wanted to show me something. He helped me into the truck and handed me the blindfold.
“It’s a surprise.”
Enjoying this playful side of him, I put it on and kept my questions to a minimum as we drove. Once we pulled to a stop, he opened the door and grabbed me by the waist, setting me on the ground.
Now that we’ve walked a few steps, my curiosity is getting the better of me. I’m about to ask what gives, when I feel him move behind me. His fingers make quick work of the knot and the bandana falls loose.
I blink twice as my eyes adjust to the sunlight. When they do, I gasp. There, ahead of us is a waterfall.
“This is my favorite place in the world.” His voice is low in my ears, sending a tremor through me.
“I can see why.”
It’s his favorite place, and he wanted to share it with me. My heart swells, and I have an overwhelming need to tell him how much I love him. But I don’t want to put him on the spot and spoil the moment.
Slipping out of his grasp, I pull my shirt over my head and reach for my jeans.
His eyes widen. “What are you doing?”
“How about a swim?”
Before he can answer, I’m out of my clothes and in the water. I shriek a little at the cold, but it feels good flowing over my body. I only have to wait a minute before Flint is naked and underwater with me. My arms go around his neck, and I pull him toward me.
I’m about to wrap my legs around his waist when the motor of an engine catches my attention. Flint freezes and we turn in time to watch a big, black SUV stop next to the truck. The driver’s door opens and out jumps . . . Shawn.
Flint swears under his breath.
“Do you think we can hide?” I ask, already knowing the answer. There’s nowhere to go. Not without leaving our clothes.
He shakes his head and leads me to the edge of the water. He jumps out first, tossing me my shirt. He’s barely tugged on his jeans when Shawn is at his side.
“What the fuck is going on here?”
I’ve never seen my brother so mad. My fingers fumble with the buttons of my shirt, but before I can finish, Shawn’s fist swings out and connects with Flint’s jaw.
I yelp and race to his side, but Flint holds out a hand to give me pause.
“I probably had that coming,” he says, his gaze still focused on my brother. “This isn’t what it looks like?”
“Really? Because from the looks of it, you’re—”
“Don’t say it.” I put myself between my brother and the man that I love. The man my brother looks like he wants to pummel. “Let us explain.”
“What’s to explain?” Shawn takes a step forward, but stops when I push my hand against his chest.
“Flint, I think I need to talk to my brother. I’ll ride back with him, and we’ll meet you at the lodge.”
He doesn’t look like he agrees, but I need him to go. I need him to be far away while my brother is still so out of control with his emotions. I give him a silent plea, and I see his stubbornness dissolve.
“Okay. I’ll see you back at the lodge.”
He picks up the rest of his things, and with one more parting look at me, he takes off in the truck.
Once we’re alone, Shawn gives a roaring shout.
I glare at him. “Do you feel better now?”
“What are you thinking?” He runs a hand through his dark hair, tugging at the ends. “Do you have any idea how many women Flint’s had?”
I don’t and—fighting back a wave of jealousy—I don’t particularly want to find out.
“I seduced him.”
“Why? He’s not the kind of guy who commits. He runs through women the way you go through shoes.” Shawn’s eyes fix on mine. “The only thing he cares about is his business. He’s not the settling down kind.”
“He cares for me.”
“Does he care enough?”
I thought so. Up until about two minutes ago. Now, as Shawn’s words run through my mind—and I take a moment to think about the fact that Flint really hasn’t had a girlfriend—I’ll admit, I have doubts.
Shawn’s shoulders slump, and he reaches out to pull me into a hug. I don’t fight him.
“I don’t want you to get hurt,” he says into my hair. “I love you.”
We stand there like that, while I try to sort the thoughts running through my head. There’s a part of me that believes Flint loves me. But there’s another part—one that’s growing with every passing second—that wonders if it’s the lasting kind of love.
Chapter Six
Flint
My jaw is still throbbing as I pace the length of my office back at the lodge. I left Lila with Shawn nearly an hour ago. Even if they traveled by foot instead of the swanky Land Rover Shawn rented, they should be back by now.
What if they got into an accident? What if Shawn did something crazy? I dismiss that idea before my imagination runs wild. While Shawn may have been mad enough to deck me, he’d never do anything to hurt his sister. But he might not pay attention to his surroundings and get them into trouble with a wolf or bear.
Still, if they aren’t here in five minutes, I’m going back out there to find them. And if so much as a hair is out of place on Lila’s head, the bruise I give Shawn will be worse than the one I’m already sporting.
I’m reaching for the keys to one of the ATVs when my office door flies open, crashing against the wall. Shawn fills the doorway, his hands fisted on his hips. Though he’s dressed like a model in an outdoors magazine, he might actually intimidate a lesser man.
I glance over his shoulder, but I don’t see my girl with him.
My eyes narrow. “Where’s Lila?”
“That’s none of your damn business.”
“Like hell it isn’t.”
“Like hell it is.”
We stand there glaring at each other for who knows how long. Shawn’s jaw is every bit as set as mine. I can’t quite decide whether or not to grab him in a headlock or to yell at him, when he swears under his breat
h and shakes his head.
“I should rip you apart.”
I wait for him to do just that. Instead, he steps inside, pushing the door closed behind him. Sinking to his chair, he motions for me to sit. Is he seriously telling me what to do in my own place? Then I remember he’s just seen me groping his sister. Naked. If I were in his shoes, I probably wouldn’t give him a chance to sit and talk.
Taking my seat, I rest my forearms on the desk and wait for him to speak.
“What the hell were you thinking?”
“It’s not what you think.”
He gives a short laugh. “You’re saying you aren’t fucking my sister?”
The way he says it makes what’s going on between Lila and I sound cheap. She’s going to be my wife. The mother of my children. She’s owed a little respect. “I wouldn’t put it that way.”
“Yeah, how would you put it, Flint? Because from where I’m standing, it looks like my little sister came here to help with your business, and you talked her into bed.”
My jaw tightens. “That’s not how it happened.”
“Yes, I know. She told me that is was mutual. Even says she seduced you.”
I can’t help but grin at that. “Is that what she said?”
His fist comes down on the desk. “It doesn’t change the fact that you’ve turned my sister into another notch on your bedpost.”
Now I’m mad. “She’s not a notch. I’m in love with her.”
Shawn shakes his head. “She’s only been here a couple of weeks. You can’t possibly know that already.”
“I’ve known it for years. She’s the only woman for me.”
“And the other women you’ve dated?”
“She’s your little sister. I tried to get over her. But no matter how many women I met—nice, good women—none of them held a candle to Lila.”
Now I know, no one ever will. I’m done trying to pretend there can be anyone else. It’s not fair to those women. It’s not fair to Lila or me. We deserve a chance. Now that I’ve made her mine, I intend to keep her.