How Far Will You Go?

by Barbara Baldwin

  With a sigh, he unscrewed his thermos lid and poured hot black coffee into his cup. It was going to be a long night when all he could think about was Kelly.

  "So, what's with you and Kelly?” Dom asked as he packed up his gear and Lou wondered if his partner was a mind reader. “Thought you weren't going to see her anymore, but that's not what I'm hearing around town. You know the rules, Lou. Hell, you wrote the book when we started N-sic."

  "God dammit, don't go there,” Lou swore vehemently but Dom just raised a brow. “She doesn't have anything to do with the case."

  "Which is exactly why you said you were staying away from her.” His friend was just reiterating what Lou himself had sworn from the beginning.

  He scrubbed a hand over his face. “Staying away is no longer an option. Since the bar hassle, I've at least kept it out of sight."

  Dom laughed. “Yeah, right. That's why you're taking her to the class reunion dance."

  Lou stared. “How the hell do you know that?” Before his friend could answer, he held up a hand. “Never mind. I keep forgetting this is Dexter."

  Dom put a hand on his shoulder. “Just be careful, all right?"

  "Gotcha.” Lou watched his partner walk down the trail. He and Domonic Harris were business and investigative partners as well as friends. He would give his life for Dom, and knew the feeling was mutual. That was why they had rules about relationships on the job and why Dom was now naturally leery. Hell, neither of them wanted to play the hero and have to rescue the other.

  Lou grabbed the infrared binoculars and surveyed the area to the left of the main plant. A group of men were talking, and even though he was good at reading lips, he couldn't make out more than a word or two. Unlike Dom, he knew enough Spanish to get by. It appeared they were expecting some sort of shipment—trucks were mentioned, but the men facing Lou's way never mouthed a date. If something was going down, he, Tasha and Dom would have to be on full alert. Although it could happen during the day when Dom was at work and Tasha was on lookout, Lou suspected any illegal activity would occur under the cover of darkness.

  The men disappeared back into the plant and Lou leaned back against a tree, pouring himself more coffee to stay awake. Usually when he and Dom were on a job that involved night work, he would sleep during the day. But lately, other activities had kept him occupied. He smiled as he thought of his favorite activity of late.

  Kelly Jean Baker.

  Damn, but she had been fucking fabulous up in the loft. She let herself go so completely when they made love. No matter what he told himself about keeping his distance, with her it was impossible. He'd just have to be careful that in public he didn't act too protective. Maybe whoever was causing them problems wouldn't think she was worth the trouble.

  Lou knew different. She was worth every bit of trouble; the sleepless nights, aching muscles from working too hard and too fast so he'd have time for her, the hard-on that seemed to be his constant physical state nowadays.

  He shouldn't even think of her. The reunion dance was four days away and Lou knew with the ranch chores his dad had talked about at dinner tonight, he wouldn't have time to see her before the dance. Unless...

  * * * *

  Lou stealthily circled the house, trying every window and finding none open. Since it was easier to pick a door lock than the windows, he dug in his pocket for his tools as he hid in the shadows by the back door.

  He knew he should be home in bed, but he would much rather be in bed with Kelly. By the time he had the door unlocked, he was rock hard just thinking about crawling into her bed. He stifled a groan wondering if she slept naked.

  The Baker house was a single story ranch style, but Lou hadn't been in it before and had to feel his way through the kitchen. He had no idea what Nancy Baker would do if she woke to an intruder in her home, but he imagined it wouldn't be pretty. And even if he didn't get shot on sight, the explanation that he wanted to screw her daughter would probably not set well.

  There was a small night light illuminating the hallway as Lou tread with stocking feet across the carpet. He moved past the bathroom, door open, and then stared from one closed door to the next as though he could see through them to identify the one in which Kelly slept.

  He finally decided that the master bedroom was probably at the back of the house, and silently turned the doorknob on the right. He opened it just enough to squeeze through and instantly knew it was Kelly's room. Her scent engulfed him and he almost sighed out loud.

  His job had taught him stealth, and he used it to his advantage, closing and locking the door, setting his boots by her bed and stripping off his clothes, all without her moving a muscle in the bed.

  A sliver of moonlight caressed her face and for a moment, he just stood and looked at her, wondering how he had been so lucky to have her back in his life. From the time he left Dexter for college and in all the years since, he had never found anyone like her. No matter what she did, she seemed to enjoy doing it. She always had a smile at the café, she shot a mean game of pool, and probably more important, she laughed right out loud. That in itself was totally different from the women he had dated in the past. They had been more concerned with their appearance and every last one of them had a laugh—which was more of an abbreviated giggle—that had set his teeth on edge.

  Deciding reminiscing could wait for another day, he gently lifted the sheet covering her. He sucked in his breath when he saw she wore only a transparent wisp of a nightie. Her areolas peeked—dusty rose—beneath the fabric and her nipples appeared to like the friction of the material against them for they poked straight out. The tiny scrap of lace used for straps had slid off one shoulder, and Lou figured it could disappear very, very easily.

  When Lou slipped into the bed beside her, she didn't wake, but rolled back over on her side away from him. He curled spoon fashion around her, cupping a breast and snuggling his rock hard cock against her buttocks.

  "Mmmm,” she murmured, pushing her butt slightly against him. Lou groaned.

  Unable to keep still, he kissed the back of her shoulder as his hand wandered down her stomach. Her butterfly tattoo, a dainty yellow and orange work of art, seemed to take flight as her skin quivered beneath his touch.

  His fingers gathered up the silk of her nightie and then they touched bare skin. Another groan escaped his lips as he realized Kelly didn't sleep with panties on. He quickly bypassed her navel in favor of the treasure he knew waited for him lower. When he slipped a finger through her curls and into her heat, she came awake with a gasp, turning quickly towards him.

  Lou took her lips in a hungry kiss and within seconds she softened under him.

  "Do you kiss every strange man you find in your bed?” he asked, wiggling his finger deeper. She answered by raising her hips against his palm.

  "Any man brave enough to incur my mother's wrath deserves some compensation before he dies,” she answered as she slid a hand around his neck, pulling him back into the kiss. She raised her knees, spreading her thighs, giving him complete access to her femininity.

  Breaking the kiss, she gasped in pleasure when he probed deep inside. “Oh, God, Lou, I thought I was dreaming and I didn't want to wake up."

  He kissed her neck, her collarbone, scooting down the bed, taking her nightie lower with his teeth to bare her breast. He tongued the areola, wetting it everywhere except her nipple. Even so, it peaked for him.

  "Was it better—in your dream?"

  "That depends,” she answered breathlessly.

  His hand stilled. He blew hot air on her wet breast. She made a sound deep in her throat and wiggled against his hand, trying to get him to delve deeper. Lou smiled. He was a damn sight better than any wet dream.

  "Depends on what?” He lapped her nipple.

  "Ah,” she sighed with pleasure.

  Lou licked again. “Kelly?"

  She squeezed her thighs together, holding his hand prisoner as she wrapped her arms around his neck.

  "It depends on whether y
ou're going to finish this or not, Mr. Kincaid."

  Lou looked up to meet her moonlit gaze. “Oh, I'm going to finish it all right. But you can't say another word. I don't particularly want to get thrown in jail without my pants.” Lou stripped her of her nightgown. “Now turn over."

  "What?"

  He tsked. “Not a word, remember.” Slowly pulling his hand free of her heat, he slid it up her bare hip and pushed her onto her side. He curled tight against her back, chest to hip, tucking his legs to the back of hers. When he reached for her breast, she slid her hand along his bare hip. Awareness shot through him. When she tried to slip between their hips, he flexed his elbow. One touch and he knew he'd explode.

  "I want to touch you,” she whispered.

  "Shh. Tonight is about your pleasure."

  "But..."

  He tweaked her nipple. “Shh."

  She moved her hand to cover his and together they explored the soft satin of her skin. He caressed every inch of her, slowly moving lower. Even though she didn't say a word, Lou heard every breath, every sigh, every gasp.

  He loved her responsiveness, her enthusiasm for their lovemaking. Hell, with little effort, he'd fall in love with her, but just where did he think that would lead? She thought he was a cowboy and he didn't think she'd appreciate knowing he put his life in danger more days than not.

  Her hand tightened on his as he slid it up the tender inside of her thigh. When he touched her hot inner lips, she lifted one leg and curled it over his thigh, opening herself to his touch. Instead of delving deeper, he flicked his wrist and covered her hand with his. He guided her fingers until she was touching herself.

  "Lou—” Their oath of silence was broken when she gasped his name, tugging at her hand.

  "No. I want to hear you as you touch yourself.” He kissed her ear. “Do you ever lay in bed and make yourself come and pretend it's me taking you there?"

  He felt her fingers slip into her wetness.

  "Every night,” she moaned and Lou thought he might come right there.

  When he couldn't stand it any longer, he rolled to his back, reaching down for his pants. Kelly immediately moved her hand and clinched his hip.

  "Lou?"

  Lou was so turned on and hard he could hardly speak. “Condom,” he rasped.

  "No.” She dug her fingers into his hip. “I want to feel you climax in me. I want you to have that raw pleasure."

  "Kel—"

  "Please?"

  "Are you sure?” Knowing Kelly's fear so many years ago, Lou wouldn't endanger her for the world. But to feel her heat surround him without a rubber ... he groaned.

  She slid her hand from his hip to his groin, circling him and squeezing and Lou was lost. There was nothing he would deny her.

  * * * *

  He lifted her leg over his and Kelly had to muffle her cry with the pillow as he thrust into her from behind. He felt so good—hot and hard—touching every part of her as he thrust again and again.

  She could tell Lou felt the difference, too. His harsh breath tickled her ear and his hand was shaking as he slid it down her belly to rub her clit. She pushed her bottom against him, wanting him deeper and harder. She wanted to give him everything. She loved him and his pleasure was paramount to her.

  Even as she thought that, Lou rubbed the nub of her sex as he thrust again and she cried out as she climaxed, squeezing tight around him as wave after wave of hot energy pulsed outward from her core.

  "Babe,” Lou whispered as he thrust once, twice and shuddered as he came, hot and thick inside her. The force of his climax and the feel of his semen ignited another mini-climax in Kelly. She slowly came back to earth with Lou caressing her breast. She thought how this was the way it should be to make love, naked and with nothing between them to interfere with their pleasure.

  * * * *

  Lou tugged Kelly closer to him, wanting to hold her forever. He groaned as he slid from her body. He closed his eyes, letting his other senses absorb the feel of her silky skin beneath his calloused hand and the scent of their lovemaking. He could still taste her on his lips and he realized that he had fallen irrevocably in love. With that realization came the understanding that it was even more important to keep her safe.

  He listened to Kelly's soft breathing, realizing she had fallen asleep in his arms. He knew that was what he wanted in his life; falling asleep and waking up with her every day. He considered the logistics of moving his business out here from DC. With computer technology, it really didn't matter where he and Dom were located and if Dom wanted to stay in DC, Lou would just open a branch office. As he drifted off to sleep he began a mental list of things needing to be done so he and Kelly could get married. If he hadn't been so sated, or perhaps been more mentally alert, he would have realized asking Kelly to be his wife didn't appear on his list.

  Chapter 6

  Kelly left Lou sleeping in her bed as she padded to the kitchen to make coffee. She had snagged his tee shirt and pulled it on over her head, inhaling deeply, loving his scent and how it wrapped around her.

  Since it was Tuesday and her day off, she wondered if Lou would consider spending the day in bed with her. She could think of several things she wanted to do to him that they hadn't tried—yet.

  She smiled as she flipped the switch to the coffeemaker, dug in the fridge and cupboard for cream and sugar, and even thought about making him breakfast. On her day off, she never cooked, but for Lou, she would do anything. She set two mugs on the table, only then noticing the note her mom had left.

  Humming, she reached across the table and snatched up the paper. Mom often left her messages if there were things she needed to have done.

  "Oh, lord,” Kelly groaned, reading what her mom had written.

  "I wondered where my shirt went,” Lou said from the doorway and Kelly jumped at the sound of his voice. “I have to admit you look better in it than I do.” His husky voice caressed her from across the room.

  Damn, he looked good in the morning. He was leaning against the doorjamb, arms crossed over a bare chest, his jeans on but not buttoned and they were riding extremely low on his slim hips. His feet were bare, his hair tousled and the dark shadow of whiskers made him look dangerous.

  "Hi,” she said, feeling just the littlest bit shy about waking up with him. Before it had been great sex but separate beds, and she somehow felt this new aspect changed their relationship. She just wasn't sure how much or in what direction.

  "Problem?” He nodded to the note she forgot she held.

  "No. Yes. I don't know,” she stammered, thrusting it toward him. “What do you think?"

  Lou frowned as he took the note and Kelly turned to pour them coffee. She could feel her face heat. Her mom knew.

  She spilled cream on the counter when Lou chuckled, but then whirled to face him when he laughed out loud. “How can you laugh about this?” she hissed. “She knows."

  He was still chuckling when he dropped the note on the table and came to stand in front of her. He reached around her to snag a cup of coffee, making sure his chest brushed against hers. Kelly groaned.

  "Yes, and apparently she doesn't mind.” He kissed her nose, then sipped his coffee. “As long as I park in the garage so the neighbors don't talk."

  Kelly made a gurgling sound and covered her face with her hands. Even at twenty-seven, sex just wasn't something you thought your mom knew about.

  "At least she said ‘sleepover’ and not pajama party or something else along those lines,” Lou continued, still grinning at her. “I'd have to tell her I don't wear any."

  "Would you stop?” Kelly reached out to push against his chest. The instant her palm contacted with his warm, bare skin, she knew she was in trouble. Of its own volition, it smoothed across his chest, stopping to circle his brown nipple.

  Lou stepped closer until his hips pushed against hers, backing her against the counter. His gaze was hot, hungry and Kelly thanked her lucky stars she had nowhere to go today.

  Ever so slow
ly, Lou set his coffee cup on the counter and cupped her face with his hands. “I haven't even finished my first cup of coffee,” he whispered as he skimmed her lips with his.

  "I haven't had any,” Kelly replied, nibbling on his bottom lip.

  "We can't let you go without.” Lou scooped her up and turned towards the hall and Kelly knew he wasn't referring to caffeine.

  * * * *

  Kelly had her wet hair wrapped in a towel and was pulling her jeans on when the phone rang. She left Lou humming in the shower and picked up the portable in her room. After loving her in the shower and then caressing every inch of her body with the soapy washcloth, she felt she could simply float away on the clouds. Man, did she feel good.

  "Kelly, where you at?” Maggie shouted over the music Kelly could hear blasting in the background.

  "You called me at home, where do you think I'm at?” Kelly replied sarcastically.

  "Duh! The question was rhetorical. You're supposed to be down here helping us decorate."

  Kelly slapped a hand to her forehead. Damn, how could she have forgotten about the reunion committee meeting today? Lou walked up behind her at that moment and circled her waist, rubbing his chest against her still bare back. Dumb question!

  "What time?” she asked, glancing at the radio clock. It was only ten.

  "An hour ago, but that's okay,” Maggie giggled. She continued in a whisper, “Is he still there?"

  "Who?” As usual, Maggie wasn't tracking today.

  "Come on, Kel, I'm your best friend. You can tell me. Sonny said Cory told him that his pickup was parked by your house all night last night."

  Kelly groaned. It wasn't Maggie. She was the one not tracking.

  "Well, is he? Did he ... Did you both...” Even with words missing, Kelly knew exactly what her friend was asking.

  "Yes,” she said just to interrupt the flow.