A Beautiful Purpose

by Alicia Rae

  Hot damn, I was exhausted, and we hadn’t even left yet.

  Once I had everything ready to go, I fired up the car and drove straight to Audrey’s. She was expecting me, but she didn’t know the rest of what I had in store for her. I could only hope she would go along with my plan.

  I released a mischievous grin as I pulled into her parents’ driveway because I was about to find out if my woman liked surprises or not.

  Audrey was already waiting for me on the front porch. She thought we were spending the night together, and we would be but just not at my house.

  Her mouth dropped open, gawking at me, as I hopped out of her newly restored Charger. I left it running, so she could hear the throaty purr of the new V8 motor my brothers and I had finished installing this past week.

  Audrey stood to her feet but stayed rooted in her spot. Her long blonde hair shined beautifully with the sunrays bouncing off of her golden color. She was dressed in a sandy-colored sundress that showed off her olive skin tone, making her glow.

  Stunning, beautiful, gorgeous—those words just weren’t enough to describe her. She was so much more.

  I started to walk toward her, unable to hide another grin at her gleeful expression.

  “Oh my gosh! You…” she murmured in shock while glancing between me and her car several times. “You finished it already?”

  “Yep.”

  Audrey took off, charging straight for me. She closed the last bit of distance between us and then leaped into my arms, laughing. I caught her and hugged her tightly, sharing her excitement, as I spun her around in circles on the front lawn. Her dress flailed outward behind her.

  “Thank you,” she repeated over and over again.

  I kissed her temple, breathing in her sweet scent, before setting her down and staring into her stunning green eyes that had come to mean so damn much to me.

  “You’re very welcome.”

  “I can’t believe it’s finally running!” Audrey exclaimed, and then her brows rose. “Oh! Before I forget, I’ll be right back!” She rushed into the house, leaving me staring after her.

  She returned moments later with a white envelope in her hand, extending it to me. “Here.”

  “What’s that?”

  “For helping me with my car,” she said, bringing her hand closer when I hadn’t reached for it. “I’ve been meaning to give it to you, but I keep forgetting.”

  “I didn’t do it for money, Audrey. I did it to help you.”

  “I know, and I greatly appreciate that”—she kept her gaze firm—“but I can’t allow you to do all that hard work for free, so please take it.”

  Those gorgeous green eyes of hers turned unbelievably soft and sincere. If she had asked me anything else, I wouldn’t have the strength to turn her down.

  But it was money, and I had done it as a gift. Therefore, I cocked my head at her and crossed my arms over my chest. “Yeah, that’s not going to happen.”

  Her face scrunched up in confusion. “What’s not going to happen?”

  “You paying me.”

  She had no problem matching my expression. “Oh, yes, it is. I’ve been meaning to give this to you for a while. I wouldn’t have let you do all this work without being compensated for your time.”

  “Yes, you are,” I replied stubbornly, not budging. I glanced at my watch, knowing we had limited hours of daylight left for surprise two to go according to plan. “Come on, let’s go.” I opened her driver’s door in hopes to distract her. “We have to get going before the sun begins to set.”

  Her eyes brightened, making her look irresistible. “I get to drive?”

  “Of course. It’s your car.”

  She set her hand on top of the door, reached forward on her toes, and gave me a light brush of her lips, kissing me just once. “Thank you.” Then, she lifted her index finger and pointed it at me with her best scolding eyes. “But don’t think you’re getting away with doing this for free.”

  “Uh-huh.” I laughed under my breath. It took me everything I had not to bend forward and kiss those soft lips again, or we’d be late. “And you’re welcome,” I said, watching her slip into her seat and buckle up.

  I came around to the passenger side and began giving her the general instructions on which roads to take. She seemed familiar with them all as she started her car.

  Audrey wasted no time in pressing the clutch and popping the Charger into reverse. Her eyes beamed the brightest shades of green I had ever seen as she hit the clutch again and shifted into first, throwing us back in our seats.

  “Easy!” I reached over and set my hand on her bare thigh. “This is a new motor, so you need to break it in for about the first five thousand miles, the same way you would with a new car.”

  Audrey gracefully shifted into second and then third, glancing at me with an infectious smile. “God, she sounds so good.” Her head moved from side to side. “It’s going to be a long five thousand miles before I can open her up.”

  My eyes snapped back to hers, and I used my right hand to adjust my jeans that were now feeling too fucking tight. Just hearing her love for cars and engines had my dick hardening.

  “Unless you want to rearrange our plans for this evening”—I glided my hand up her leg, instantly wishing we were in a more secluded place and not in town—“I suggest you keep those thoughts of yours to yourself—for now.”

  She gasped when I reached the junction of her thigh and panty line, and with the faintest touch, I ran my index finger along the line of her lace and bare skin.

  A small, soft gasp escaped Audrey, and she turned to face me at the next red light. Her eyes lit up with a naughty sparkle glinting in them.

  “Does me driving turn you on?” she asked.

  “Fuck yeah, it does,” I answered without hesitation as she made the next right to the outskirts of town.

  “I turn left on Florence Street, right?”

  This time, her voice was uneven. I couldn’t help but grin at having the power to affect her.

  “Yes,” I responded in time for her to head west on the secluded gravel road.

  All the while, my hands began to roam beneath the fabric. I was unable to restrain how badly I wanted her. There was just something so damn sexy about a woman behind the wheel of a classic car, and I had no intentions of letting the moment slip away from me.

  Her grip tightened on the steering wheel as she gradually eased her legs apart, giving me the space I needed to gently trail the back of my finger along her core, only to feel her already wet for me.

  My cock went rock-hard. “Christ,” I groaned, realizing I was teasing myself as much as her.

  I slipped between her folds, glided inside her and back out, spreading her moisture up to circle her clit. It swelled and pulsated against me, and I knew it wouldn’t take much to tip her over the fine edge. But I couldn’t let her go that easily. I wanted her wet and yearning with anticipation for me, the same way I wanted her every damn minute of the day.

  “Blake,” seeped past her lips, sounding like a plea.

  We rounded the brush, and a Lake Tahoe National Park sign began to come into view up ahead.

  “Hold on, baby.” I repositioned my hand back on her thigh after fixing her dress. “Slow down, and pull up to the gate.”

  Our car neared the booth, and Audrey questioned, “A campsite?”

  I made eye contact and loved how flushed her cheeks were.

  “Yep.” I grinned, slipping my hand into my pocket to retrieve my license. “We are already registered.”

  An elderly gentleman with a green ranger vest opened the window of the small building. “How can I help you?” He smiled at the two of us.

  I unbuckled my seat belt and reached over Audrey to hand my ID to the guy.

  With my face only inches from Audrey’s, I could feel her eyes on me, so I rotated to glance at her. “Surprise,” I whispered with a boyish grin at being the cause of her rosy cheeks.

  “We’re camping here at the lake?”
Her voice sounded flustered, and she seemed a bit out of her realm.

  “Yep.”

  “I can’t stay here all night.”

  “Yes, you can.”

  “No,” Audrey said, shaking her head. “I can’t be so far away from my mom for that long.”

  I cupped her cheek. “That’s already been taken care of.”

  She gestured to her dress. “But I don’t have any clothes.”

  “Don’t worry. I got you covered, gorgeous.” I gave her a smacking kiss, making a popping noise, and pulled back. “You’re all mine for the next forty-eight hours.”

  Her jaw lowered, nearly hitting the floor.

  I chuckled and teased, “Don’t look too excited now.”

  “I am.” She looked as though her mind was playing catch-up on the last few minutes. “I just had no idea you planned all this…for me?” she asked in amazement.

  I could feel the park ranger’s gaze on us, but I was having a moment with my woman, so he’d have to wait a couple more minutes.

  “Yes. I wanted you to myself, so we could spend time together”—I shrugged my shoulders—“just you and me.”

  Audrey lifted her hand to stroke the short stubble on my chin. Her eyes were sincere. “Thank you,” she replied before kissing me.

  “Ahem,” the ranger cleared his throat.

  I stared up at him to see his embarrassment, and I stifled my laughter.

  “You two kids can be on your way now. Your campsite is one thirteen. Take this road all the way until it ends at a T. From there, take a left. Your spot will be at the end of the street.”

  “Thank you,” Audrey and I both responded at the same time.

  She rolled up her window before proceeding through the curvy, shaded roads. Ponderosa and sugar pine trees lined the streets.

  Audrey bounced her attention between the road and me as she continued to navigate. “You’re in all sorts of trouble, mister.”

  I looked over at her and pointed to my chest, going for innocence. “Me?”

  She tilted her head at me. “Oh, yes, you.”

  “For what?” I inquired, hiding my humor.

  At the post numbered one thirteen, Audrey pulled into the gravel path and parked the car. Her attention returned to me. “You know exactly what,” she hissed good-naturedly. “First, you got me all hot and wet—”

  I cut her off, my eyes darkening with heat, “I like you all hot and wet.”

  “Me, too.” She sighed and pointed her finger at me while trying to keep a straight face. “But that’s not the point. Then, you left me hanging with no intentions of finishing.”

  I did a quick scan of our surroundings. The coast was clear, and the sun was already beginning to set. Hopefully, later, I would still have a tad of daylight to set up the tent. It would have to wait because I had more important things occupying my mind. I scooted sideways and stretched forward to grab Audrey by her waist before lifting her up.

  “Blake!” She laughed, maneuvering her legs to help me.

  “Oh, woman, I definitely always follow through,” I explained, positioning her on my lap.

  Her legs straddled the outside of mine, and I set my hands on her inner thighs, pushing her dress up, as I inched my way upward. Audrey banded her hands around my nape and then skimmed her fingers through my hair.

  “You must have a thing for sex and cars,” she said in a breathy voice.

  I recalled taking her against the hood of her Charger in my garage.

  “No.” I shook my head from side to side, bringing her mouth closer to mine, as I rocked my hips into her center. “Just for you,” I clarified on a growl. “All the damn time.”

  And that was it. I was done talking for now because all I could think about was feeling her lips and body on mine. I would never have enough of Audrey.

  I kissed her, hot and hard, giving her everything I had. I felt her sink into the kiss. My lungs pumped heavily within my chest, and my cock ached to be inside her. I shifted my hands to cup her ass and raise her slightly. With my hands at her center, I tore the back of her thong with one pull.

  Audrey got a hold of my jeans and unfastened the button and lowered the zipper. I levered myself just enough to lower my pants, letting my cock spring free. I retrieved a condom from my pocket and quickly covered myself. She gently gripped my erection and guided me until I rimmed her center. Then, she slowly sank down until she was fully seated.

  “God,” I exhaled, grasping her hip with one palm as I set the other on her cheek.

  Her inner muscles clenched around me.

  “Nothing compares to this, Audrey,” I said, unable to hold back. “Nothing has ever made me feel the way I do when I’m with you. You’re all I see.”

  Her stunning green eyes seemed to express what she couldn’t say out loud. I could see the emotions coursing through them. She tipped her body forward against mine as we found a rhythm. I skimmed my hand up and down her flat belly, reveling in the feel of her soft skin, as I teased her. My lips seized hers as I continued to thrust up into her over and over again.

  The only noises that filled the car were Audrey’s sexy moans and my deep hums coming from the back of my throat. The windows fogged, and a light sheen of sweat broke out across my chest.

  When I felt myself on the brink, my hand traveled down her center, and I brushed my thumb over her clit, circling it tenderly. Audrey parted her lips, and she cried out against mine when her orgasm took over. I pumped my release into her as shivers rocketed down my spine.

  She collapsed against my chest, resting her forehead above my heart. I looped my arms around the small of her back and nuzzled my nose into her hair, breathing her sweet scent in.

  In such a short time, I was overwhelmed by how much and how fast I had come to truly care for the woman in my arms. I was drawn to her. When she was away, all I could think about was her. When she was near, she ignited feelings in me I’d thought I lost. It was unsettling yet so comforting in the same moment.

  I wished I could sit with her and hold her like this for hours. Nevertheless, I was at a campsite with my drawers around my knees.

  I kissed the tip of her head, making her peer up at me. “We need to get dressed, so I can set up the tent,” I said quietly.

  Audrey briefly glanced out the window. “Oh my gosh, it’s practically dark already.”

  “Yes,” I answered, helping her rise and readjust her dress. Then, I lifted my jeans and refastened them.

  She leaned forward on my shoulder and made rapid movements with her hand and leg. As I was about to ask what in the hell she was doing, Audrey slipped a black garment into my front pocket and grinned at me. “I hope you grabbed extra panties for me, or I’m stealing your boxers.”

  A deep laugh rumbled through me. “You can wear my boxers any day, woman.” I matched her expression. “But only if you wear just that and nothing else.”

  Audrey gawked at me, shoved at my chest, and joked, “In your dreams, pal. Us ladies have other attributes to conceal.”

  I boldly reached forward and cupped her breasts, causing her to fall in my lap. “There won’t be any concealing these beauties from me. I’ll see them later tonight.” I hummed throatily in appreciation, feeling my cock harden at the thought.

  She playfully slapped my hands away and smirked. “Maybe,” she said while opening the door. Then, she rose and winked over her shoulder. “Later. You have a tent to pitch first.”

  The fire crackled and burned in front of us, illuminating the curves of Audrey’s face, as our tent door faced the flames a safe distance away. She lay on the air mattress with me propped on my elbow at her side.

  “Favorite seafood?” I asked, knowing it was my turn to ask her the next question. I traced small circles across her stomach beneath my Marines hoodie that she was wearing to fight the chilly night air.

  She repositioned herself on her hip and draped one of her legs over mine, snuggling into me. “I don’t eat seafood.”

  “What do you mean, y
ou don’t eat seafood?” I asked in shocked horror. “Who doesn’t love shrimp or lobster or, hell, even salmon?”

  Audrey chortled beside me. “I’m allergic.”

  “To all seafood?”

  “Yes.”

  I raised a brow at her, perplexed at the idea of not eating anything from the sea. I didn’t eat it all the time, but fuck, sometimes I just wanted some good shrimp or grilled fish. “As in itching and hives? Or throat swelling, you can’t breathe, and you need an EpiPen?”

  “Worse,” Audrey said, still laughing at my facial expression, no doubt. “I throw it up and have some itchiness, depending on what I swallowed.”

  “Ew!” I exclaimed theatrically. I gently pushed her away at the thought of someone vomiting, only to pull her back again, craving her touch. “That’s gross!”

  “You asked.” Her tone was full of hilarity. “Now, it’s my turn. Since I already know you do eat seafood, and I’ll never go there, what else do you like?”

  “Steak. A big juicy steak,” I emphasized, nearly making my mouth water. “What is the riskiest thing you ever did as a kid?”

  “I was a safe, shy kind of child.” Her hand grazed back and forth across my chest in a soothingly methodic motion. “I’ve only let some daredevil recently convince me to jump out of a plane from over thirteen thousand feet,” she added with a snort.

  “And how was that experience?” I inquired curiously, rubbing her hip bone now.

  “Amazing. It was like nothing I have ever felt before. It was such an exhilarating rush of gravity, and I’ll never forget the way the wind blew against my face,” she said in awe. “Do I even want to know the riskiest thing you’ve ever done? Or should I be scared?”

  “There are too many to list…” I trailed off, trying to think of the least frightening event in my military years. Truth be told, they had all been dangerous. “Jumping out of planes at night to raid enemies on foreign soil, not knowing what to expect while also planning for the worst, and getting to an escape route in a moment’s notice—they’d all have to be the most challenging rush for me. But once I got on the ground, I would get in this zone and do what needed to be done in order to survive,” I finished, realizing I had probably elaborated too much. However, it was too late to take it back.