Caitlin's Hero

by Donna Gallagher

  He took the time to explain his busy schedule to Caitlin and Riley. Training wasn’t what took up most of Brodie’s time—it was the travelling to interstate and overseas games. This weekend, the Sydney Jets were up against the Auckland side. The game was scheduled for Sunday in New Zealand, with the team leaving on Saturday morning.

  “I just had a great idea,” Brodie started eagerly. “The Jets are playing in Auckland this weekend. Why don’t you two come over with me and watch the game? I can arrange everything. We leave Saturday morning, so Riley won’t miss any school, and you can stay in the same hotel as me. My treat.” He was really getting quite excited about the whole idea, his mind so busy racing off in all directions, thinking about the many things that would need to be organised, that he nearly missed Caitlin’s reply.

  “Not that I don’t love the thought of a trip overseas, and I’m sure Riley would just love the opportunity to hang around your teammates, but I think there could be one glaring problem, Brodie. We don’t have passports. Never have.”

  Reluctantly, Brodie had to admit defeat this time. Riley was obviously disappointed. But Brodie was not about to give up—he wanted to see that smile back on the kid’s face, hated that look of sadness.

  “Well, so this weekend is a no-go, but you have to at least promise to come the following weekend. We’re playing at home. I can give Riley a tour of the team room before the game, then after we win,” Brodie added with a wink, “you can come and join in on the celebration with the rest of the boys. What do you say, mate? Does that sound good?”

  Riley beamed back at Brodie, nodding eagerly. It was all Brodie could do to stop himself from hugging the boy. Well, the fact that he still held Caitlin captive on his lap made it difficult, anyway.

  It was getting late, and Brodie knew he had to get Caitlin and Riley back to their home and beds, but it was hard for him to let them go. There was so much he wanted to tell Caitlin. He wanted to explain his failed marriage, tell her about his loving parents who had property up north. He could already see himself and Riley on the quad bikes, racing around the fields of the small hobby farm he’d purchased in his parents’ names. All of these things could wait. They would have plenty of time when he returned from ‘over the ditch’.

  Riley had selected two DVDs to borrow. Brodie was impressed by the boy’s restraint in taking so few. Perhaps Riley already knew he’d have access to the others at any time soon. Brodie couldn’t help but hope that was the case.

  He managed a few deep, hungry kisses with Caitlin while Riley was distracted, but it was in no way enough. They made plans for him to take Riley to watch Caitlin sing the following night at Mia’s, acting as chauffeur to them both. This idea seemed to make Riley very excited. Caitlin was to organise a sitter for Riley on Monday night, so she and Brodie could have some private time together. She had assured him the sitter would be free and happy to oblige, and had shaken her head at his offer to pay the sitter’s fees.

  She was a proud and independent woman, his angel. He loaded them into his car and started for Ashfield.

  He could tell Caitlin was restless. “What’s wrong, angel?” he whispered.

  She just shook her head, a sad little smile on her face.

  “The reason we met you out on the kerb tonight, Brodie, was that I was embarrassed for you to see where we live. Even more so now, after seeing your beautiful home.” Caitlin waved her arm around to encompass her surroundings as she spoke. “Your place is so wonderful. Riley and I share a little one-bedroom flat. It’s tiny and run-down—shabby, really. Riley has the bedroom and I convert the sofa into a bed each night for myself. It may not be much, but at least we own it.”

  “Oh, angel, baby, you shouldn’t have worried about stuff like that. You have nothing to be ashamed or embarrassed about. You are doing such a good job being there for your brother, I would never have judged you like that.” Brodie couldn’t believe what she was saying. He was so sorry that she’d believed she had to hide anything about herself.

  “Brodie, I shouldn’t have misjudged you, shouldn’t have been embarrassed. I underestimated you, ’cause Brodie James, you are a very nice man. After spending the last few hours with you, I can see you care for us, and I know now that how I live is not an issue for you. Well, at least I hope it isn’t,” she added with a hesitant smile.

  Brodie was afraid to speak, he was so full of emotion. He was worried that he would blurt out that what he was feeling was, in fact, a lot more than just ‘caring’. But it was too soon. He needed time to figure everything out logically, the Brodie James way.

  The brief kiss he planted on her warm, willing lips at the door definitely didn’t do much to quell his hunger. He ran to his car and drove away quickly, to remove the temptation of returning to her home, breaking down her door and ravaging her. He spent the rest of the night tossing and turning in bed as the hunger he felt for her raged at him, until finally he took matters into his own hands again.

  This time, as he stroked his length, he had memories as well as his imagination to fire his need. This time Brodie could remember how it felt to have her sitting in his lap as he’d kissed her, and although that reality had been brief, he could expand on it with his imagination. He imagined her nude in his lap, her hair falling like flames over her breasts as she moaned under the might of his kiss. Brodie could almost taste the sweet nectar of her body as he imagined kissing every inch of her bare skin until he reached his goal. The thought of licking and tasting her swollen folds was enough to finish him off. Before the image of him feasting on his sweet angel fully took shape in his mind, he felt the release of his seed in his fist, warm and sticky, the feeling shallow but enough to take the edge off, at least, so he could sleep.

  * * * *

  The following night, Brodie arrived earlier than he had planned. He’d had trouble keeping away from Caitlin.

  His day had seemed endless, the minutes ticking by so slowly. He had changed clothes twice, not happy with his look and feeling anxious, edgy. This nervousness he experienced when thinking about Caitlin was so unfamiliar to him. Where had calm, unflappable Brodie gone?

  Unable to stand the wait any longer, he was now at her door fifteen minutes ahead of schedule, a giant spray of fresh-cut farm roses in his hand. The florist had mixed in some flower called baby’s breath that seemed to rattle as he held the offering up. As soon as she opened the door and he saw that beautiful smile, he relaxed, dragging her into his arms and devouring all the lipstick from her lips. The bunch of roses squashed between their two bodies created a scent that filled his nose—or was that Caitlin’s sweet smell? Brodie had no idea.

  * * * *

  The night was really enjoyable. Brodie was feeling pleased with himself, glad he had invited JT to join them. The big man had been reluctant at first, not wanting to get in the way. Brodie knew JT would be keen to meet Caitlin, but seeing him interact with Riley was even more special. The young boy was in his element, keeping both men entertained with stories from school. He told them about his friends’ reactions to his dining with Brodie and actually visiting his home the night before. Brodie was almost embarrassed by the tales, and there were more in the making. Riley had already arm-wrestled both men—winning, of course, but after a long struggle!

  Caitlin had taken his breath away with her singing. She was so talented and had quite the following. Brodie realised most of the guests were obviously regulars, given the familiar way they treated her. In fact, he had felt quite annoyed by some of the male customers who’d seemed to spend a little too much time talking to her. Jealousy was not a feeling Brodie was used to dealing with.

  As the time for him to take Caitlin and Riley home approached, Brodie was not sure he’d be able to leave her at her door. He was wondering if she would invite him in. He had to leave early in the morning to catch the team flight to New Zealand, so he wouldn’t be able to stay too long, anyway. He was so filled with anticipation that his hands felt clammy and he was continually rubbing them on the legs
of his jeans. JT noticed, of course, and couldn’t let it pass without some witty retort.

  “Hey, Brodes, you doing okay? You’re as twitchy as a rookie before his first game of football. Need me to give you some tips on how to win with the ladies, big guy?” JT’s hushed voice was low enough that only Brodie could hear his teasing tone.

  “You’re just ticked off ’cause she’s such a beauty—but you’re right about one thing, JT. I’m as jumpy as a horny kid on a first date. I just don’t want to do anything to spook her before I figure out where this is all heading.” Brodie, not usually one to get all deep and meaningful with the blokes, didn’t hesitate to share his fear with his mate. God help me, what’s happening to me?

  As Brodie turned onto Caitlin’s street, he was both surprised and relieved as Caitlin turned to him.

  “Would you like to come inside for a cup of tea or something?” she asked timidly.

  The shy tone of her voice touched something deep inside him. She had no idea how much she had captivated him, how much he desperately wanted nothing more than to go inside with her. But it was the ‘or something’ element of her offer that caused all sorts of explicit images to form in his mind. Brodie just couldn’t control his thoughts around this tantalising woman.

  He spent time settling Riley into bed, something he had never envisioned or had any expertise in doing before tonight. He found it surprisingly enjoyable watching the boy snuggle down under the blankets. Brodie couldn’t help the chuckle that escaped his lips as he noticed Riley’s Jets pyjamas and quilt cover—the kid was such a delight. But as much as he was enjoying his time with Riley, Brodie really wanted to be in the other room, the room where his angel waited for him.

  Brodie returned to find Caitlin sitting stiffly on the sofa, twisting her fingers. He noticed two cups of tea on the table beside her. Brodie needed to feel this woman in his arms—now. Without a moment’s hesitation, he sat next to her and pulled her onto his lap. He began with little kisses up her neck, nibbling at her ear lobe, then across her cheek, finally reaching her lips. She opened for him and their tongues seemed to dance together. Caitlin’s mouth was so warm and sweet, and tasted like honey and tea.

  He was fighting a losing battle—body versus mind. He knew he should be taking this slower, but his body was roaring for some action. Brodie found himself teetering on the edge of control, a very unusual place to find himself, indeed.

  He placed just his fingertip on her shoulder and ran it slowly down her body, across her breast, around her hard, protruding nipple. He continued down to stroke her hips before exploring her stomach, belly button and repeating the journey in reverse up the other side of her body. Her moans and sighs urged him on as he slowly unbuttoned her top. He was going to show her so much pleasure tonight, in the short time he had with her before he had to leave. He would wait for another time to let her pleasure him. Tonight was all about his angel.

  Caitlin writhed in Brodie’s arms, could not control her own body. He was using just one finger, tracing it gently over her, brushing over her breast and nipple. She arched her body closer to him and his touch, wondering how he could get such a reaction from her with only one finger. She could not imagine how it would feel if he used both hands. All the while, his lips and tongue were doing more amazing things to her mouth. She was finding it hard to decide which action was more appealing as her body responded so passionately.

  Yes, she would probably die, she felt. She was restless, wanting something from him to help her with this needy hunger. Her body was on fire and she didn’t know how to ease the heat. Oh, but it felt exquisite. Brodie began moving his lips down her neck, nipping at her, then kissing the same spot. The sensations of pain and pleasure became one and the same to her. He dipped his head and placed his lips around her left nipple. The pleasure was so intense she almost screamed. He must have sensed her delight as he sucked at her through her blouse.

  Caitlin did not know how or when it had happened, but her blouse and bra were now undone, leaving her breasts bare to his heated gaze. She loved the way he was looking at her, touching her. She had never gone this far before, and was unprepared for the intensity of her feelings. Oddly, she was not embarrassed at all to be so open to him. She wanted to touch him and tried to pull his jumper up but couldn’t free him of it, so snugly did it fit over his bulging biceps and chest. Brodie pulled the wool garment over his head in one move, and she caught her breath at the sight of his muscled, masculine chest.

  Curly, light brown, almost golden hair covered the upper part of his chest, and she couldn’t help notice it tapering down to form a path to his pants waistline and what lay beneath. She explored his chest, getting to know the feel of it, touching the hair and twisting it, brushing her hand across and around his distended nipple. He groaned and before she had taken another shallow breath, she was lying beneath him. He had lifted her off his lap and laid her on the sofa, stretching out next to her with his leg over hers.

  Caitlin was unaware of how much time had gone by. All she knew was this man. She wanted to climb right under his skin and needed to feel closer. All the while he touched her and stroked her, and the hardness of his erection pushed into her hip. She wanted to touch him, but he had both her hands held in one of his, lightly pinning them above her head. The other hand was making its way up her skirt—he touched her through her panties. She felt the lips of her vulva swell at his touch. She was so wet she could feel the seep of liquid coming from her body. Unsure, she pulled away from him a little.

  “Can I touch you, angel? Feel if you’re all wet for me?” Brodie whispered in her ear, the words both shocking and exciting Caitlin at the same time. “I sure hope you are wet for me. It’ll make me feel so good knowing that you’re as hot for me as I am for you. Trust me, angel, I won’t hurt you. If I do anything that you don’t like or feel comfortable with, just tell me and I’ll stop.” Caitlin relaxed into him, hoping it was answer enough for Brodie, not sure she could speak if she tried. For some reason, she knew she could trust this man and believed him that he would stop if she became uncomfortable. As he pulled her panties from her she lifted her bottom to help, but her movement was of little use because his leg over her pinned her down.

  She wasn’t scared, though he was clearly in control. He pushed a finger into her and moaned in her ear as he touched the sensitive nub of nerves just inside her folds. He began to swirl around it slowly. An uncontrollable wave of pleasure spread through her, but never quite broke over her. She panted, tossing her head from side to side as she searched for some sort of finality before she went mad.

  Brodie hushed her and in a dark, sexy whisper told her, “Come for me. Let go. I’ll catch you.” He told her he would cover his fingers with her sweet juices, so he could lick them clean. He pinched at her little nub with magic fingers, rubbing at it until the tidal wave of sensation exploded from her with such strength she wanted to scream out from the pleasure. Brodie covered her mouth with his lips just in time to muffle the sounds of her passion.

  As she lay there exhausted in his arms, she watched him lick his fingers, lapping at them like a starving lion. She wanted to make him feel how she had felt and cupped his shaft. He shook his head and removed her hand. He brought it to his chest, and Caitlin could feel the beating of his heart. She didn’t know what to do and as confusion entered her mind, so did self-consciousness. She was lying topless with her skirt bunched around her hips and her panties around her ankles. She turned her head, hiding her face against Brodie’s chest.

  He was so tender with her afterwards, helping her straighten her clothes, and all the while telling her how beautiful she was. He eased her fears with his endearments, telling her that Monday night would be his and he would take his fill of her and make her scream his name in return. Caitlin was both thrilled and a little apprehensive about her ability to satisfy him. She supposed she was still technically a virgin after tonight, but she was looking forward to losing that label at his hands, or the erection that had felt so lar
ge and hard pressed up against her. She knew he would take her back to that intense, pleasurable place again and she could hardly wait.

  Chapter Twelve

  Caitlin shut the door behind Brodie and leaned against it, a contented sigh slipping from her lips. She smiled again, for what seemed to be the millionth time tonight. Her life was wonderful, and she hugged herself. If it hadn’t been so late, she would have sung at the top of her lungs.

  Brodie had helped her to fold out her bed without making any comments. She had been grateful not to see any pity in his eyes.

  The kiss Brodie had given her before he’d left had been smouldering. Caitlin had thought she would catch fire all over again. She decided she wasn’t going to fret while he was away, but look forward to his return instead. His promise of what was to come on Monday would keep her warm. She could keep herself busy with housework and her singing job, and watch the game with Riley and try to work out what was going on. Maybe she’d actually learn some of the rules.

  It was silly after what they had shared tonight, but she couldn’t help but be a little disappointed that Brodie had not given her his phone number. He had programmed her home number into his iPhone the other night. Caitlin didn’t bother with a mobile anymore, as it was just another expense. Riley had a pre-paid mobile that he used for emergencies only. Somehow, she felt it would have been a comfort to her knowing she could contact Brodie too, if she wanted to, though she was sure she wouldn’t need to.

  Caitlin curled up in her bed and tried to remember every single moment of the last two nights. It wasn’t long before she was sound asleep.

  * * * *

  Riley was already awake and ready for squad training when Caitlin sleepily opened her eyes. She stretched and smiled at the thought of another day. It had been a while since she had started the morning in such a happy, positive mood.

  Thank you, Brodie.