The smell of her skin flooded my senses and began to place small kisses along her inner thigh. This time when she pulled my hair it was to speed up my path up her thigh instead of trying to pull me away. I got close to where she wanted me, but detoured to pay attention to her other leg.
I loved teasing her, making her heart racing wondering what I was going to do next. The second time I reached her center I couldn't stop myself from tasting her. Her breath hitched with each stroke of my tongue.
"More," I groaned against her.
Each whimper that escaped her luscious lips pushed me further. I drove her with my lips, tongue, and fingers until she arched and thrashed underneath me.
I couldn't wait any longer to feel her skin against mine. With my free hand I ripped at my belt, and shoved my pants off. Standing up I shed the rest of my clothes as quickly as possible.
Kate propped herself up on her elbows and watched me. I grabbed her hips pulling her towards the edge of the table. My fingers dug into her skin as I thrust deep inside her.
"Reed," she moaned.
I felt my control snap hearing my name pass through her lips in passion. Every fear, every doubt was abandoned with each powerful stroke of our bodies. I felt myself shatter and then reassemble. Loving her could destroy me, but being loved by her was restoring my battered soul.
I'd never stop wanting her. In fact I was sure that every day I would only want her more. Kate was mine, and I need to make sure she knew it. I sunk my hand into her hair, and pulled her mouth to mine.
"Let go," I demanded.
"Make me," she taunted with a smirk.
I chuckled. "You shouldn't have said that. You don't know how thin my control is right now."
"Let go," she provoked.
A growl ripped from me as I slammed into her over and over, unable to slow down or hold back. I felt my climax burning down my spine, but I held out until I felt her muscles convulse around me.
I collapsed on top of her, completely spent, and totally content, for about five seconds at least. Then I realized I'd forgotten to use protection again. I wasn't worried about disease, because we'd both been tested regularly due to our work. I buried my face in her neck, and waited for her to realize what I'd done and get pissed.
Kate startled me by stroking my hair. Looking into her eyes I saw amusement.
"It's okay," she comforted. "I got the shot after our first night together."
I laughed relieved. "I love you."
"Logic seems to disappear along with our clothes, so I thought it would be a good idea," she giggled.
"It was fucking brilliant, because we are doing that again," I announced scooping her up.
"Reed! Put me down I can walk," she protested.
"Why would I put you down when you are wiggling against me naked?" I asked honestly.
"Oh my God, how did I not know you were so freaky?" She squeaked.
"Only you bring this out of me. I'm yours completely," I swore to her.
"After that you'd better be," she warned.
"Always," I promised.
Chapter 34
Kate
A switch had flipped inside Reed. Little noises caused him to tense up. He never slept more than a few hours at a time and he started having nightmares again. I tried to comfort him, but he was embarrassed I noticed he was struggling. It was hard to ignore his mounting anxiety, but Reed needed space and time to resolve his fears.
I needed to get back to class. My professors had allowed me to attend on-line while we were in danger, but with Pratt presumed dead their patience was wearing out. Reed and I fought about it, but hiding was just another kind of running. I'd done enough of that, and I wanted to live my life. Admittedly, I was more than a little overwhelmed with the work I had to complete to catch up, but if I withdrew it had to be my choice and not because of Pratt. I was tired of being a victim.
Eventually Reed gave in, although reluctantly. I contacted my professors and let them know I would be back, and frantically tried to catch up on my assignments. My science classes were the most difficult to complete remotely. I could follow the lectures through the video files I was sent, and take the tests through the online program, but I couldn't complete the labs at home. The only way to complete the work was to spend several long nights alone in the lab.
I'd lost my lab partner when we had to flee to Oregon. The first night alone in the lab was long and tedious, but it kept me from climbing the walls and driving Reed insane at home. The second night I felt someone watching me as I entered the building. I tried to shake off the sensation, but I think Reed’s paranoia was rubbing off on me. I couldn't stop searching the dark corners for an intruder.
My third night in the lab was miserable. I was preoccupied with the growing distance between Reed and I. In fact we hadn't spoken much since I'd returned to school. He woke early that morning and took Belly for a walk. He knew when I left for class, but he'd chosen to be gone before I’d woken up. I left for class before he came home, and felt the gulf between us grow without a clue how to stop it.
With my head back at home I missed an important step in my lab procedures and had to start over. I pulled out my extra Auger trays that I used to culture bacteria, but half of them hadn't set up properly. Instead of prepping the trays with the bacteria I was testing, I had to mix more medium. It set me back at least another day, because I had to wait for the new medium to solidify.
I set my bag on my lab table and went into the prep room. I needed to grow bacteria on the trays before I could test the effectiveness of different types of antibiotics on it. I'd taken similar courses in my nursing program, but these were more in depth, and necessary if I was going to go to medical school. Except, I wasn't sure if I still wanted to be a doctor. Yeah, my mind was one big jumble.
Five minutes later I bumped into a large metal cabinet, nearly breaking hundreds of dollars worth of beakers and test tubes. I made enough noise to disturb all of the surrounding classes, if it had been during the day. I braced the cabinet and took a deep breath.
There was a snick and the rubbery scraping sound of the lab door being opened. Quietly, I moved around to the side and squeezed myself between the cabinet and the wall. I was the only one signed up to use the lab, but that didn’t mean someone wouldn’t decide to try and get some last minute studying done. I felt silly hiding, but my heart was threatening to pound out of my chest, and my breathing was reaching hyperventilation.
I listened carefully and I thought I heard the metallic screech of one of the stools scooting across the tile floor. I tried to shove myself deeper into my hiding space, but I only managed to rattle the glassware again. A muted thud carried from the other room, followed by the scraping sound of the door again.
After waiting for a few more minutes I decided it was time to get the hell out of the lab. I went back to my lab station to find my things scattered all over the floor in front of my table. My keys were lying farther out from the rest of my stuff. I called the night security desk and reported the incident, but they told me I had probably knocked my things over in my haste to finish my work.
I couldn't shake the feeling I wasn't alone, and jumped at their offer to escort me to my car. The lab was usually full between classes, but I’d have to beg my professors to add my name to the lists, because tonight was the last night I'd work in the lab alone. I quickly shoved my things back into my bag and left.
I thought about mentioning it to Reed, but he was already anxious about me going back to school. Besides he wasn't really talking to me anyway. Campus security promised they would check out the security footage and let me know if there was anything suspicious on the tapes. I decided not to worry Reed unless there was something to worry about. In all likelihood I was startled by the ventilation system, and had knocked over my own bag.
I noticed Reed pacing in front of the window, as I pulled into the driveway. Before I got out of the car he was out the door and standing in front of me. He pulled me to my feet and kissed me
breathless. "I'm sorry," he muttered between kisses.
I pushed him back and stared into his eyes. "If you are sorry, why have you been pushing me away?"
He hung his head. "My nightmares. I keep seeing myself running toward you and not being able to get to you before I hear a shot ring out. That's usually when I wake up. I just, I feel like I’m going to fail you somehow and there isn’t a damn thing I can do to stop it."
"I'm here. I'm not going anywhere, but you have to stop pushing me away," I whispered getting closer. His fears resolved my decision not to share my experience in the lab.
"I have this sense that the threat we’ve been living with is directed at me and not you. I can’t say why, but it felt like staying away from you was keeping you safe. The way I’ve been going on the last few days is only existing and I want to live. I'm done keeping my distance. Not seeing you, or hearing your voice today was miserable. It isn’t living without you." Without waiting for me to comment, he lifted me off my feet and pinned me against the car.
"Reed the neighbors," I groaned against his full lips. The way his hips were pressing into me I was starting not to care if we put on a show for the entire street.
His lips traveled up my neck and he lightly sucked on the tender skin beneath my ear. I'm sure he could feel my pulse racing against his mouth.
"In the house," he grunted, his fingers digging into my waist.
I moaned my assent and hung on while he carried me into the house.
Inside, he slammed the door behind us. We tore at each other's clothes, desperate to reach skin. Focused solely on each other, we knocked into the walls and furniture. The end table near the couch wobbled when Reed bumped into it. The lamp on top of the table fell to the floor with a tinkling crash.
"Ignore it," Reed demanded, momentarily pulling his mouth away from mine. His boots crunched over the broken glass as he continued moving toward the bedroom.
He set me down to finish undressing each other. My shirt landed on a doorknob. His pants were tossed onto the hall table. My bra hit the dog, who grumbled and ran off.
He set me down on the bed and lifted my arms above my head. He paused, gazing down at me with lust burning in his green eyes.
The ridges of his muscles stood out in his arms and chest while he held himself above me. I longed to trace every ridge and valley with my fingers, but he held firm. Reed was stunningly beautiful and he was mine.
He leaned forward and I could feel his warm breath tickle my ear. "I love you, Katie girl," he whispered.
My heart pounded in my chest, but not out of fear. "Marry me," I blurted out.
The corner of his mouth curved up. "I thought you were going to wait for me to ask."
"Life is right now. I love you. I'll always love you. I hate that I've already been married, but for different reasons now. You are my one. It should have only ever been you," I told him.
I saw love flash in his marvelous eyes. "Our choices make us who we are. All those years you thought you were running away from your past, but you were running to me. I don't care that you have been married before. I'm only upset you were hurt. I'd still like to be the one to ask though. I'm old fashioned that way."
"So do it," I taunted.
"So demanding," he teased. "Marry me," he said as he thrust inside of me.
"Yes!" I shouted.
"Mmm, that's my new favorite word. Let's see if I can get you to say it again."
And I did, over and over again.
Chapter 35
Reed
The buzzing in my head always quieted with Kate in my arms. Lately I was hyper-alert all the time, and I could only sleep a few hours at a time before a nightmare woke me. But at the moment, with Kate in my arms, I was perfectly at peace. Still, there was one thing I needed to do before I gave into my exhaustion and closed my eyes.
Leaning off the side of the bed I pulled open the drawer to my nightstand. I groped inside for the velvet box I'd recently placed there.
Kate slept soundly curled up next to me. I probably should have let her sleep, but I couldn't wait another moment to have my ring on her finger.
I shook her gently, and she snuggled closer. "Kate, baby," I whispered, shaking her a bit more forcefully.
"Is something wrong?" she mumbled sleepily.
"No. I just can't wait to give this to you." I felt my heart race with nerves, even though she'd already said yes. I opened the box and showed her the simple diamond solitaire ring.
"This was the ring my dad gave my mom. She dropped by and gave it to me the other day after I told her about you," I told her as I slid the ring out of the box.
Kate placed her left hand in mine and I slipped it on her finger.
"We can get you a different one if you don't like it. I know it's a little old fashioned," I rambled self-consciously.
She snatched her hand away and held it to her chest. "It's perfect. Don't you dare think about getting me another one."
"I'm glad you like it. We can talk about dates tomorrow. I don't want a long engagement," I yawned. I was fading when I actually wanted to be awake.
"Tomorrow," she said, yawning in return.
"Yeah, tomorrow we'll figure it out," I agreed, feeling the pull of sleep.
"No, tomorrow, let's go to Vegas after my last class," she clarified laying her head on my chest.
My eyes popped open. "Are you sure? I want it to be perfect for you," I reassured, but I was secretly hoping she meant it.
She looked up at me and smiled. I'd never get sick of that smile.
"I don't really like being the center of attention. I'd even prefer it be just the two of us. I love my friends and my brother, but I can't open up to them the way I can to you. I want to be able to experience the moment without feeling their eyes on me. Only if you agree though. I don't want you to miss out on anything either. Can we get tickets?" she babbled.
"Tickets to Vegas? Shouldn't be a problem, but are you sure about your brother and our friends?" I asked her.
"This is about us. It isn't that I want to hide us, but right now I want you to myself. But if you want your family there we can wait. Oh my God, we have to wait! I haven't even met them yet. I don't want them to hate me before they even meet me," she panicked.
I kissed her on the top of the head. "They are going to love you. They will understand us eloping, but we will probably have to have a party sometime after we get home."
"A party would be nice," she yawned.
"Go to sleep. I'll get us tickets and pack tomorrow," I told her.
"You'll just pack slutty clothes," she pouted.
"Who say's you'll need clothes?" I teased waggling my eyebrows at her.
Kate rolled her sleepy eyes at me. "Whatever, I trust you."
Those three words made my heart soar. Earning Kate's trust was one of the hardest things I'd ever done in my life, and definitely the most satisfying.
Chapter 36
Kate
"Reed, slow down!" I shouted.
I tried to keep up with him, but I kept getting distracted by the flashing lights and bells of the slot machines. This was my first time in Vegas, and I was already mesmerized and we hadn't gotten out of the airport yet.
I found Reed by the baggage carousel. He lifted our suitcase off the track and motioned for me to hurry up.
"Why are we rushing?" I asked.
"The place I booked only had one open appointment for tonight, but it's a tight squeeze," he explained, dragging me toward the car rental kiosk.
"This is Vegas. We can find another place to get married," I reasoned.
"A drive thru wedding? Maybe a ceremony officiated by an Elvis impersonator? No way," he sneered.
I yanked his arm to make him stop. "Hey," I demanded his attention, "we don't have to elope. I want you to have the wedding you want too."
He tucked my hair behind my ear and let his hand linger cupping my face. "I will, if you hurry. I promise this place is perfect."
As soon as he got the
keys to the rental car Reed drove us quickly out of the city.
"Reed," I said, turning around staring at the city passing the rear window, "you do realize Vegas is back there right?"
"We aren't really the Vegas type," he said not taking his eyes off the road. "I was thinking about Aiden and Becca's wedding. It was simple and elegant. I want something like that."
"Tell me about what you found," I begged.
Reed shook his head.
"You aren't going to tell me about my own wedding?" I asked surprised.
He smirked at me. "Not a word."
We pulled up to a beautiful lodge on Mount Charleston less than an hour after leaving the city. I was confused when we left the city and I was completely baffled when we checked into the lodge.
"I thought we were in a hurry?" I asked trying to take in the gorgeous suite before he rushed me out of the room.
"We are, but this was a necessary stop," he answered. Reed opened the large suitcase, and pulled out winter coats, hats, gloves, and a fleece lined wool parka.
"What is all of this stuff for?" I asked getting afraid.
Reed shoved half of the items at me, including the parka. I picked up the heavy garment, and instantly fell in love with it. It was cream colored with beautiful light blue embroidery around the edge.
Reed was tucking his gloves into his coat pocket, and I hurriedly put on all of the winter gear he laid out for me.
Just as soon as I picked up my gloves there was a knock at the door.
"Mr. Martin, your ride is here," the bellman announced.
Reed's face lit up, and he grabbed my hand pulling me to the lobby. I wanted to stop and take in the night view of the mountain through the floor to ceiling window, but Reed towed me relentlessly toward the front door.
Out front a large sleigh pulled by two light grey draft horses waited for us.
"Are you ready?" Reed asked me timidly.
"Lead on," I answered.
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