What the Heart Wants

by Kelli McCracken

  “What’s wrong?”

  “I don’t know…I feel worried and sad.”

  Guilt consumed him. Maybe he shouldn’t have focused on such a crushing thought. “Heaven…”

  She pushed up from the bed. “Do you think my sisters are okay? Maybe I should call…”

  Dylan grabbed her wrist before she could walk away. When her eyes fell to his hand, he tugged on her arm, pulling her back to the bed. “Your sisters are fine.”

  As she crawled back into the bed, he gathered her in his arms, kissing her shoulders as she leaned into him. “Are you okay?”

  “Yeah. The feeling passed,” she mumbled, curling further into his arms. Golden eyes gazed into his. “Did you…”

  “Yes, I wanted to see if you could feel me.”

  “Oh, I felt it.”

  He stared into her eyes. His heart thumped so loud, it took him a minute to clear his mind. Every part of Heaven was his. Her mind. Her body. Her soul.

  “We already shared a connection because we’re soulmates. But my mom said I have a psychic ability called empathy. When I saved your life, my abilities transferred to you.”

  “So what were you feeling just now?”

  He let out a sigh, leaning his forehead against hers. “I was thinking about how afraid I am of losing you.”

  She leaned back against her pillow to look him in the eye. “You’re not going to lose me, Dylan. I’m yours. I can’t imagine ever feeling like this with someone else.”

  “Me, either. Mom said I once told her that I needed to see a doctor because I felt like I had a hole in my heart. It’s because my soul needed yours. When we found each other, I felt complete.”

  “I guess that explains why I couldn’t resist you,” she chuckled.

  Dylan couldn’t believe how well Heaven was taking all the news. He regretted that they’d had to go to hell and back to get to this point, but having her here meant the world. He gazed down at her legs, shuffling under the sheet. The vibrations of the bond settled into a steady hum. She had finally relaxed.

  His lips curved into a smile. “There is one more thing I need to tell you.”

  “Mmm, hmm. What is it?” she asked, snuggling into his chest.

  Feeling her breath on his skin made it hard to concentrate, but after this revelation, she would know everything. “The bond between us is naturally strong. But it increases if we are…intimate.”

  He expected her body to go stiff. Instead, her weight pressed into him. “Oh,” she whispered. He admired the color in her cheeks. “So if we make love…we’ll be more attuned to each other?”

  Dylan’s gaze flitted to her lips as heat surged through his groin. “Yeah…I’ll be able to experience every sensation you have and vice versa.” When she gazed back at him, he caressed a path to the nape of her neck. His thumb teased the skin just below her ear. “What we have is special, Heaven. We’re meant to be together.”

  “I want us to be together. I’ve never wanted anything so much.”

  Relief filled his body as he minimized the space between them. “You are the only thing I want, the only one I will ever need.”

  He brushed her lips with his. The small gap between them ceased to exist as he pressed her against the bed. One hand curled around her neck. The other hand explored her curves, coming to a stop when he reached her hip. He caught the bottom of her nightshirt, pulling it upward with his hand.

  Silky skin teased his palm. The more he stroked her body, the more she radiated with heat.

  Their connection hummed with an intensity it hadn’t before. His lips parted with hers long enough to remove what little clothing he had on. Her shirt followed as both items slid to the floor.

  The constraints of clothing no longer shielded her beauty from his eyes. It was the first time he saw her, all of her. He caressed the valley between her breasts, down to her waist, until her belly flinched.

  Her eyes raked over his body, a smile teasing her lips.

  He pressed his chest against hers, slipping a hand between them to cup her breast. Her nipple hardened at his touch.

  His tongue sought hers, found it, rolled it with his, deepening their kiss. The warmth of her skin flooded him with need.

  As his fingers trailed her inner thigh, his hips ached to be inside them. Her breath caught as his fingers caressed her sensitive flesh. He slipped a finger inside her, stroking, swirling, working in and out until wet warmth pooled around it. Her legs bent and fell.

  His hand left her heat and found her hip. She whimpered in protest until he nestled his body between her thighs. She arched her back. Her hands wrapped around his waist, pulling him closer. His thumb teased the soft mound just above her entrance.

  Another whimper trickled from her chest and the sound tugged at his soul. Dylan brushed his lips against hers. They lingered a minute before tracing a path down her neck, to her breast. He drew a nipple between his lips, suckling it as his tongue flicked the tip.

  Heaven’s breath grew labored; her hips began moving under his, as though she were swaying to a melody only she could hear.

  “Dylan,” she whispered. “Please, Dylan.”

  Her voice was desperate, pleading. It unnerved him, made him feel as though he would reach his release before they even started. When his hardness pressed against her thigh, felt her warm wetness beckoning him forward, his resolve crumbled.

  She cupped his face, guiding it back to hers. His stomach tensed when her eyes gazed into his. As their lips fused in another kiss, he hungered to taste her tongue, ached to be inside of her.

  The way her body responded to his touch pleased him, but he could no longer ignore his own need.

  Dylan grasped her hip as he lowered his toward hers.

  Heaven’s body resisted him at first. When he sensed her nervousness through their connection, he leaned back to look in her eyes.

  “Don’t be afraid. I won’t hurt you.”

  “I trust you,” she whispered.

  He held her gaze as the natural barrier that protected her body gave way to him.

  “Heaven…” He whispered her name, enjoying the way it felt on his lips. The warmth sheathing his hardness tightened when her body accepted every inch of him. One hand gripped her shoulder; the other went to the small of her back. He gently cupped her bottom, pulling it against him as he pressed further into her warmth.

  Heaven moaned against his lips as he continued to thrust into her. He watched, mesmerized, as her skin prickled, eyes drew closed, and breath grew harder. No part of her remained unaffected by him. He could feel the maddening hunger coalescing deep inside of her as she rocked her hips with his.

  She grabbed his ass, pulling him further inside.

  “God, yes,” she cried.

  A guttural moan broke from his chest and vibrated into her mouth as their kiss deepened. Her body relaxed even more, allowing him to explore her depths. She arched again, then receded as she pushed her hips upward, meeting every single one of his thrusts.

  They moved together, in perfect sync, while his lips broke from hers and went to her neck. His teeth grazed her skin as he bit little sections, causing her voice to sing from pleasure. She wrapped her legs around his waist, fully opening herself to him. He knew her body was building up for that sweet release.

  Their lips met once more before he pulled away to gaze at her. The smoldering look in her eyes made his heart melt. She was his. He could feel her surrendering her heart, body, and soul to him. Without conscious effort, he did the same and was surprised when she smiled up at him.

  “I felt that,” she whispered.

  “I did, too.” He leaned in to give her another kiss. “Our bond just increased, didn’t it?”

  “I think so,” she answered in a voice as soft as velvet.

  “It had to. I feel closer to you. It’s as if I can see into your heart, now. You really are in love with me, aren’t you?”

  “Yes,” she answered.

  Dylan could feel the way his words made Heave
n’s heart soar. He focused on the hunger burning inside her, inside him. Keeping a grip on her bottom, his thrusts became more powerful each time. When her breath quickened, he continued to press into her, paying extra care to the swollen flesh at her apex. He could feel her hot wetness closing around him and knew she was about to climax. He concentrated on that one thought, alone, giving her every ounce of himself. It wouldn’t be long before he climaxed as well.

  He leaned over to kiss her, again. His lips trailed to her ear. “I love you.”

  The words were like magic as Heaven moaned loudly. Her body shuddered, sheathing him in liquid warmth. Dylan could feel the pulsating contractions clenching his hardness. His orgasm spread, peaked, and spilled over. He groaned against her neck as his seed released deep within her.

  His thrust grew softer and slower. The last throb of her orgasm faded.

  As they lay there, bodies intertwined, slick with sweat, he fell to her side, gathering her up in his arms. Their breathing eased; their hearts slowed to a steady beat, but the increased connection in their bond smoldered with intensity. Dylan could feel their closeness enveloping them.

  Soulmates…once separated, were reunited for the first time since his life’s breath saved her. He knew that he and Heaven were finally one.

  * * * * *

  CHAPTER 24

  The gentle cooing of the mourning dove woke Dylan from his sleep. His eyes fluttered open, taking in the bright sunshine as it filtered through the bedroom. When he glanced down at Heaven, his lips crept into a smile.

  Her back pressed against his chest as she lay in the bend of his arm, sleeping peacefully. She looked like an angel when she slept. The contrasting hues of her chestnut colored curls and dark lashes stood out against the dark green sheets.

  His eyes continued to roam over her beautiful body, noticing every detail. Luscious lips called his name. Sweet sandalwood lingered on her neck. Tender shoulders begged for his touch, as did succulent breasts. Continuing down, his other arm held her tiny waist. Long legs stretched toward the foot of the bed, and made Dylan hard when he thought about them wrapping around his waist.

  Neither had bothered dressing after making love the night before. Instead, they had snuggled for the rest of the evening. It felt good to hold her close to him without the confinements of clothing.

  She was his, and he loved touching every inch of her.

  He pressed his lips to her shoulder, gliding them across her skin and up her neck with each kiss. He projected his desire toward her, hoping the stir in their connection would wake her.

  It worked. She stretched her legs and then her arms.

  He couldn’t wait for her eyes to open, and when they did, the smile she gave him lit the room even more than the sunrays filtering through the blinds.

  “Good morning, beautiful,” he whispered, caressing her cheek with his fingertips.

  “Good morning. Have you been awake long?”

  “No, I woke just a few minutes ago, but I’ve been staring at you ever since. I think I could stare at you for hours.”

  Heaven turned to face him. She winced. He noticed and cupped her cheek. “Are you okay?”

  “I’m fine, just a little sore this morning.”

  His heart plummeted like an anchor in a harbor. “I hurt you, didn’t I?”

  “No,” she whispered, stroking his shoulder with warm fingers. “My muscles are a little tender, that’s all. I don’t think I’ve ever moved my body the way I moved it last night.”

  “Your body…” he released a sigh, “it moves perfectly with mine.”

  God, he wanted her. He leaned in for a kiss, loving the way the heat of last night’s passion resurfaced. They’d never get out of this bed if she kept looking at him with those beautiful eyes. Not that he’d mind.

  But others did.

  His cell phone vibrated against the nightstand. He broke their kiss, leaning his forehead against hers as he exhaled.

  “You better get that,” she whispered, brushing her lips across his.

  Damn…

  He rolled over, gripping the phone in his hand. A text message flashed across the screen.

  Come to the office, ASAP. We have some things to discuss. Don’t forget that demo CD.

  Suppressing a growl, he laid the phone on the bed and sighed. His dad had the worst timing in the world.

  “Who was it?”

  His eyes met with hers, lingered, and then fell to her lips. Focusing on anything but her would definitely be an issue now. “It’s my dad. He wants me to come to his office.”

  “Think you’ll be gone long?”

  Not if he could help it. “Trust me. I will do my best to make it as short and sweet as possible.”

  “Take your time. Chelsea gets back today. We’re supposed to go out for coffee. She wants to show me her honeymoon pictures.”

  The thought of releasing her body had his chest tightening. Why couldn’t the rest of the world disappear? He had everything he needed curled up beside him.

  Screw his dad. He could wait a little longer.

  He leaned in, brushed his lips across hers as he stared into her eyes. “Wanna take a shower with me?”

  * * *

  Nate McBride barely acknowledged his son when he walked into his office. He knew this meeting wouldn’t go well. Not with the way Dylan had been acting lately.

  Females…they always had a way of screwing up a good thing.

  “Your punctuality is much appreciated, Son.” Nate said as he pushed the pen across the paper in front of him. At least he’d attempt to be cordial.

  “Why are you working on a Sunday?” Dylan asked, as he placed a CD at the corner of his desk.

  “I’m getting everything ready for my meeting with Phil Robins in the morning,” Nate answered, still looking through the papers in front of him.

  “Why is this meeting more important than any other?”

  Nate raised his head, watching Dylan fold his arms behind his back and pace the floor. Would his son ever let him into his personal life? Probably not. Hell, he’d only been here a minute and he was already looking at the clock. Was Dylan in that big a hurry to get away from him?

  This was all over that girl, and as much as he wanted to speak with his son regarding the situation, he couldn’t focus on it today. Truthfully, he didn’t want to think about it any day.

  When he caught Dylan’s sideways glance, Nate cleared his throat. “This meeting is about your future. I’m getting your studio time lined up for the new album. Phil and I are deciding on press releases, TV spots, promotions, tour dates—”

  “So you’re planning out my life, as usual,” Dylan grumbled. His brow pinched as he glanced around the room, again.

  “Hardly, Dylan, I’m planning out your career.”

  “My career is a big part of my life. I don’t like it when you plan things without consulting me first.”

  “I’m your manager; that’s what I do.”

  Dylan’s lips pressed tight, as though he were fighting back the urge to shout. “From this day forward, consult me first.”

  “Fine,” Nate barked. His pen plopped against the papers on his desk. “Then I’ll start consulting you now. I think we should schedule the European tour for next month. It will help promote the upcoming album and please the fans at the same time.”

  Dylan’s eyes smoldered with annoyance. He turned away from the desk again. “It’s not a good time for me and the guys.”

  “It will only be a couple of months. You boys aren’t that busy.”

  “That comment just proves how uninvolved you are in my life. Outside of this office, I don’t matter to you. Sorry, but Sliders will not be going to Europe next month.”

  “I don’t get you, Dylan. What’s the big deal? Kyle’s going on tour.”

  Dylan’s spun around. His eyes were as wide as his mouth. “I can’t believe you convinced Kyle to go on tour so soon after marrying Chelsea.”

  Nate glanced back down at the papers. “Don’
t blame me for Kyle’s choices. He wants to go.”

  “I’m sure you didn’t give him any options.”

  “Dylan, we talked about this tour before you finished the last one. You said you needed a couple months off before we went back out. Next month will be the end of that allotted time.”

  “My life has changed since the last tour.”

  Nate studied his son for a moment, dreading the topic that was coming. He hoped he could talk some sense into him. “Is this over that girl?”

  “Yes, Dad, it’s about Heaven. Her name is Heaven.”

  “Humph, Heaven,” Nate grumbled, turning to look out the large picture window behind his desk. “She’s brought me nothing but hell since she arrived.”

  “Like it or not, she’s in my life. I’m not going to shift my focus from her to a tour that’s not necessary. At least, not right now.”

  Nate kept his eyes focused on a skyscraper next to the building that housed his office. His son’s words grated on him, as did his ignorance about love. “How are things going with you and your girl?”

  “If you really want to know, everything is going great. I’m finally happy.”

  “How…romantic.”

  “I am a romantic, no thanks to you,” Dylan snorted. “Heaven makes me want to be the best that I can be. I didn’t think it was possible to love someone so much.”

  Nate swung his chair around as he met his son’s eyes. “Are you telling me that you’re in love with this girl?”

  “Yes, Dad, I’m in love with her. I plan on asking her to marry me.”

  “Are you crazy?” He ran his fingers through his hair, trying his best not to rip any out. “How can you be thinking about marriage?”

  “I’m in love with her, Dad.”

  “You’re infatuated. That’s not love. You’re letting the heat of the moment control your emotions and rule your decisions. You’re just like your mother, sometimes.”

  “Good!” Dylan snapped, gripping the back of the chair in front of the desk. “I’m glad I’m like Mom. Growing up, she gave me all the love and support I needed. God knows you didn’t.”