Chaos

by Barbara Huffert

  “Aw, poor Pix.” Shane moved behind her and kissed the top of her head. “They’re just teasing you because they’re jealous that you let your good taste show and picked me.” When she didn’t comment, he added, “And I hate to break it to you but you simply can’t be the first to photograph the inside of a tornado.”

  “What makes you say that? I mean besides the promise I made to Kiley.”

  “I had a call today from a friend of yours. He asked me to tell you to stay alive for him and somehow I don’t think you would if you ended up on the inside.”

  “Who?”

  “Your buddy, the Kid. I said I’d pass on his message and I told him that you’d want me to say the same to him.”

  “Are you serious?”

  “Absolutely. Brett can vouch for me. He was there when I got the call.”

  She switched her questioning gaze to Brett. “It’s true. I heard Shane say it.”

  “Do you think this means he’s ready to get out?” She sounded so hopeful.

  “Maybe but don’t read too much into it, Campini. It’s one thing to hope you avoid getting killed but it’s entirely another to trust someone you don’t know with your life. I bet you’re the closest thing he has to a real friend who cares about him without wanting something in return. It doesn’t mean that he’s ready to give up the life he knows.”

  “I know but I can hope, can’t I?”

  “Of course you can but Shane’s right,” Jesse spoke up. “Don’t build this up to more than it is. He could go out tomorrow and take his initiation and that could be the last you ever hear of him.”

  “I know. It’s just that he seemed like he was a decent kid when he was alone with me.”

  “What did he tell you about himself?” Jesse asked, innocently enough to be making idle conversation but Shane wondered if there wasn’t more to it as Alyssa told him everything she knew about the Kid.

  “Too bad he didn’t give you his name,” Jesse commented when she was done. “Shane could check his story for you if he had. He might be a runaway who’s lying and has perfectly average, extremely worried parents.”

  “I don’t think so. You didn’t see his face when he was talking about them. He was struggling to sound like it didn’t matter, that he was too tough to be bothered by the lack of concern they had for him. He wanted to seem so grown up and okay with being on his own.” Shane sensed she was thinking of her own childhood. His was so much worse but she could still relate to some of what he was feeling. “McKade, do you think he’ll call you again? Will you try to get him to talk if he does?”

  “I fully expect to hear from him with questions about you. Don’t worry, Pix, I’ll see what I can find out without scaring him off. Just try not to set yourself up to be disappointed. He may have acted tough with you but I wouldn’t think he can when he’s with his current buddies. He is, after all, low man on the totem pole. They could turn on him just as quickly as their rivals would.”

  “Then I guess I’ll just have faith in him to make the tough choice instead of the easy one. I wish I had time to go see him before I had to leave.”

  Jesse frowned, drawing her attention. “That would be a really bad idea. You were tolerated when you were working on your project because of their egos. They wanted to see themselves in that book. It was their way of being immortalized. Your presence now would be viewed as interference and not trusted. If you showed up to talk to him, your caring could get the Kid killed.”

  “Why do I get the impression that you’re speaking as an expert, not just someone with a theory?” Alyssa’s question was answered with a steady stare. “All right then, McKade, I guess it’s up to you.”

  “I’ll do what I can,” he promised solemnly. “You just make sure you stay alive like he asked you to. I think this is ready if you want to grab some plates.”

  Over dinner, they all tried to recreate the teasing mood from the beginning of the evening. All too soon, they realized that it was late and time to call an end to their visit.

  At the door, Brett claimed Alyssa for a hug. “Stay safe, Lyss. You have my number so I expect to hear from you. I’ll give Kiley a hug for you.” He kissed her cheek and whispered, “And don’t worry about Shane. We’ll keep him busy while you’re gone and make sure we’re available to listen if he needs us. He may not know how to say it but I know he cares.”

  “Whatever you say, Brett.” She rolled her eyes. “Don’t make yourself crazy working too hard. If it gets too bad, tell the ad agency you’re done and walk out.”

  “Yes ma’am.” He gave her a mock salute as he handed her an envelope that he pulled from his jacket. “Don’t open this until you check into your first motel room.”

  Alyssa agreed as he turned her over to Jesse. “Here,” he said, slipping one of his cards in her hand. “If you get stranded, call. I might know someone who’s close by who could help you out.”

  “Wow. You mean the Secret Squirrel Society extends outside of the city?” She caused them all to laugh. “Thanks, Jesse. I appreciate this and everything.” She touched the light she was already wearing around her neck. “I’ll be back before you guys even know I’m gone.”

  “Somehow,” he leaned closer so only she could hear him, “I don’t think you believe that any more than I do.” He glanced pointedly at Shane. “Just make sure you come back.”

  Shane had stepped back to let Alyssa say her goodbyes. He was lost in thought when she closed the door behind them. “Hey, McKade, you in there?” she snapped more harshly than she intended.

  “Sorry.” He clearly wondered what she was mad at this time. “Do you want me to take you home?” She looked startled by his question. “I mean, you’re more than welcome to stay. I just thought… Are you done packing?”

  “I’m all set. What’s with you? You’re not going to get weird on me now, are you?” She didn’t know what she was feeling and that uncertainty made her angry. “I kind of expected some sex tonight but if you’re not up for it…” She let the implication hang.

  Shane stood tensely, unsure of what to say. “Please, Campini, I don’t want to fight with you tonight. Can’t we spend our last night together in peace? I’m not going to see you for a month or more and I’d like to be able to think about tonight fondly.”

  “What the hell is that supposed to mean? You sound like there’s something between us.” She was startled by the hope his words set off in her mind.

  “I thought there was. I don’t know when it changed but our time together is about more than just sex for me. I’ve been thinking of you as my very exquisite, passionate lover all week and I want tonight to be memorable if not special.”

  Alyssa just stared. He wasn’t really saying this! No way! She had to take control of this conversation before it turned even more bizarre. “Good one, McKade.” She laughed like he had just made some sort of joke. “You almost had me going there. Let me tell you, though, that I’m on to you so you can cut the bullshit. It was pretty good but you may want to save it for that career woman of yours.”

  Shane sighed. Maybe he had misunderstood the signals he thought she’d been sending him. “Yeah, you caught me. Too bad, it seemed to be working.”

  “Yeah, well,” she shrugged, “it’ll be more effective with someone who doesn’t already know we’re only in this for the sex. Why don’t we stick to what we’re so good at? Come on, McKade, I expect you to indulge me many times between now and the time we have to leave for the airport.”

  “Your wish is my command, Pixie Queen.” At least he could tell the Kid he’d tried. Maybe he’d wait until she was well satisfied and try again. “What’s your pleasure?” He grinned wickedly, knowing she would take this question exactly as he intended.

  “Oh my, I do like a willing man.” She echoed his grin. This was more like it. “For starters, you have entirely too many clothes on. Take them off, now.”

  “Yes ma’am.” Shane stripped. “What about you?”

  “In a minute. I think I want to admire y
ou first.” Slowly, she circled him, touching here and there randomly. “I must admit that your bod is spectacular. If I’d known you were hiding this last year I might not have tried so hard to ignore you when you kept showing up to lecture me.” She paused behind him to run her hands down his back, settling them on his cheeks, kneading while she placed tiny kisses on his shoulder. “I like the way you taste too.” She moved around to face him. “Very nice,” she muttered as she lowered her gaze. “Look at you. I think you like being on display.”

  Shane was so hard with anticipation that he could barely keep from grabbing her. “Only when you’re my audience. I’m not accustomed to standing around naked. Or at least not when I’m the only one naked.”

  “Patience, McKade. I’m not done admiring you yet.” She trailed her hands up his arms and down his chest. “Very nice,” she said again as her hand closed over his erection. Stroking him lightly, she flicked his nipples with her tongue. “You like this, don’t you?”

  “Yes,” he sounded as if he couldn’t take much more.

  “Good. So do I.” She moved her hand more firmly over his cock. “You are so hot, so hard. My fingers barely reach around you.” She kissed along his collarbone as he groaned. “Something wrong, McKade?” She knew exactly what she was doing to him.

  “No.”

  “Want me to stop?”

  “No.”

  “Want me to do more?” She slid her other hand around him to fondle his ass.

  “Only if you want to,” he said through his gritted teeth.

  “Do you want me to?”

  “Yes.”

  “Hmm, maybe you’d like this?” She dropped to her knees and twirled her tongue around his cock head. Shane’s only answer was a gasp. “Does that mean yes or no? If you don’t answer, I’ll take it as a no and stop.”

  “Yes. Please. Don’t stop.”

  “Much better.” She licked his length. “How’s this?”

  “Incredible.”

  There was something decidedly wicked and powerful about tormenting him. “Perhaps you’d like this even more?” She drew him into her mouth, sucking his throbbing cock in as deeply as she could.

  “Oh God, Pix.” Shane couldn’t keep from thrusting his hips toward her.

  “Hmm,” she hummed around him before using her hand to replace her mouth so she could talk. “Yes, I’d say you do like this.” She surprised him by rubbing his shaft against the softness of her cheek. When he moaned, she chuckled. “I see you like that too.”

  “Please,” he begged.

  “Please what, stud? Please suck on you until you come or please stop?”

  “Please suck on me.” Shane seemed almost desperate.

  “The rest,” she demanded, slowing her hand and loosening her grip.

  He begged as if afraid she wouldn’t continue. “Please suck my cock until I come.”

  She clasped him tightly and ran her tongue fully over him. “What do I get in return?”

  “Anything,” he promised quickly. “Anything at all. Whatever you want.”

  Her mouth was so close he could feel her hot breath when she spoke, “Like I said, I do like a willing man.” Deciding that she’d teased him long enough, Alyssa slid her mouth over his hard-on. She sucked in his entire length, caressing his cock with her tongue as she went. Her hands cupped his sac, kneading it in time with the rhythm she set with her lips. When she drew her head away, she closed one hand around the base of his shaft, squeezing and stroking as her mouth focused on his crown. She licked, sucked, kissed until his cock pulsed in pleasure.

  When she finished cleaning him with her tongue, she stood and let him pull her into his arms. “How’s that for memorable?”

  “Perfect, absolutely perfect.” Shane tipped her chin and kissed her softly, licking his essence from her lips as his mouth thanked her for the experience. “Can I please take your clothes off now, Pixie Queen? I’d like to return the attention I just got while you decide what you want.”

  “I think that would be an excellent way to start,” she purred as he stripped her. She expected him to take her to the bed. Instead, he dropped to his knees as she had. “I’m not sure I can stand while you do that,” she whispered as his tongue slid into her pussy with no preliminaries.

  “I’ll hold you. I won’t let you fall,” he assured her as he held her open with one hand. “I knew it. You’re wet from doing that to me.”

  Alyssa tried to answer since she had demanded that he did. “Can you blame me? I said I liked your bod, McKade. I meant all of it. Oh yeah,” she moaned when he slid a finger into her and began to tongue her clit. “I’m going to fall.”

  “Hold onto my shoulders. I’ve got you. Come for me, Pix. Then we’ll do whatever you want.” He returned his mouth to her, nipping gently, sucking firmly and flicking rapidly. “Come, Pix. I know you’re close. Let go,” he urged with his tongue again. When he felt her begin to tremble, he replaced his tongue with his thumb so he could watch her face. Her knees were weak and she sagged against him as the waves of pleasure rolled through her. “That will always be the most beautiful sight in the world.” He stood, holding her tightly against him until she regained her balance. “The look on your face just made tonight more special than you can imagine.” He kissed her before she could protest. When he felt her response turn demanding, he scooped her into his arms and carried her to the bedroom, his lips never leaving hers. “Make love with me,” he whispered as he let his hands roam, touching all the places he knew would excite her but avoiding the few she ached for.

  “McKade,” she panted, frustrated by his making her wait.

  “Soon, Pix, soon,” he promised between kisses. “I want you to remember this while you’re away. Think about how good we are together. Think about how we feel when we do this.” He nudged her thighs apart, positioned the tip of his cock at her core and entered her slowly. “No one else, Pix.” He kept his strokes controlled, sliding fully in and almost completely out. When Alyssa tried to push him to move faster, he resisted. “No one but me can make you feel this much. You can try anyone you want but only I know how to make you soar.” He pumped harder, holding her eyes with his intent gaze as he adjusted the angle of his strokes to hit her sweet spot every time. “It’ll be a waste of your time and it might kill me but if you need to test yourself, do. Just don’t forget that I’m here. I’ll be here until you accept that and come back to me.” He lifted her legs over his shoulders so he could plunge even deeper. “Pix, come back to me. I can’t stand the thought of being without you. I need you in my life. Please, Pix, don’t leave me forever.”

  Alyssa’s mind was whirling. She had to be hallucinating. Shane wasn’t really saying all these things. They were having fun. That’s all. He couldn’t possibly be telling her that he thought they had some kind of future together. That was impossible! The sensations were turning her brain into mush, to be imagining his words. What she was fantasizing that he was saying wasn’t what she wanted at all so why did her heart feel like it was about to burst?

  Shane caught the flash of disbelief that crossed her face and knew she was fighting his claims. Hopefully, she’d think about what he’d just said while she was gone and come back, willing to spend time with him again. The idea of another man touching her was enough to make him howl in a jealous rage but he knew that she wasn’t one to give in without a fight. It was so hard to remember that just a few hours earlier he was protesting loudly when Brett tried to make him face his feelings for her. Now he could barely hold them back. He loved her completely but was positive she’d go screaming right out of his life forever if he told her now. Instead, he’d use his body to show her and hope that would be enough to keep her.

  Was this how his brother had felt the first time he met her cousin? Suddenly, he could understand the way Jordan had insisted that Kiley was his future. Fortunately, Kiley was as in love with him so the two of them joined their lives in what the rest of the world considered to be a shockingly short amount of time. It al
l made sense to him now. He would give anything to be married to Alyssa, to be planning their future together, building a life, a family with her. He wanted that so badly but knew he had to keep it to himself. How was he going to survive her absence, filled with worry that the storm chasers she would be travelling with would make a mistake and he’d never see her again? Shane felt her telltale shudder as she began to explode around him, clutching him and forcing him over the top with her. When he would have pulled away from her, he rolled to his back, holding her to his chest, wanting to stay inside her so they were intimately connected as long as she would let him.

  “McKade?”

  “Sh, let me hold you for a minute. I need the feel of you surrounding me to last a month or maybe more.” He kissed her tenderly when she turned her surprised eyes toward him.

  “But my back’s getting cold,” she finally said, trying to squirm away from him.

  Shane managed to kick the covers high enough that he could reach them without disturbing them. “Please, Pix. Don’t make me let go yet. We fit so perfectly and you sprawled on my chest feels right.”

  Alyssa’s heart flipped again. She let herself relax against him as she decided he was right. It did feel perfect lying on top of him. Just like it felt perfect when he had cuddled her on his lap. What the hell was she going to do now? She was hopelessly in love with her cousin’s brother-in-law and scared to death. He couldn’t actually mean the things he’d said. That was just the sex talking. She’d go on her assignment and he’d get back to his life and realize that he hadn’t really felt anything for her. She’d call and give him the information about her return flight and let herself get all excited at the thought of seeing him again. Then, when she got to the airport, it would be Kiley waiting to drive her home. There was no way she was going to let him hurt her like that. There was no way she’d ever tell him that she knew she’d carry him in her heart forever. Somehow, she’d find a way to get on with her life and make it through the family gatherings her cousin was sure to have.