“Sure, that would be nice. I’ll pack an overnight bag.”
Caleb waited in the living room to give Livi privacy. He was relieved that she had accepted his offer, because there was no way he would leave her. If she’d refused to go, then Caleb would have slept on the sofa bed. But it was better for Livi to be in a different environment, away from the disaster.
Livi was in more danger than she’d suspected, which meant she might be in shock. She was dealing with it so far, but when the adrenaline wore off, she might collapse. Caleb wanted to be around if that happened, or do what he could to reassure her, so she didn’t.
When Livi returned, she rolled a small suitcase behind her. Before leaving, she went to the kitchen and got a bottle of wine. “I hope you don’t mind,” she said. “I’m going to need a glass of wine, and I’m not sure you have any. I’m guessing that you’re not a wine drinker.”
“Yep, I prefer beer.” Caleb guided Livi to the truck, wheeling her suitcase for her. Earlier, the evening had been promising, but the romantic moment had been interrupted. Whether Caleb would get another opportunity, he didn’t know.
*****
At the apartment, Caleb showed Livi where she could unpack. “I have two bedrooms, so no sleeping on the sofa.” He left so she could freshen up, or whatever it was women did.
It came in handy that Caleb had two bedrooms, although neither room was very large. He hadn’t needed the other room before, since he didn’t have guests. But he was glad that Livi could be comfortable.
Livi came out wearing loose-fitting pants and a sweater. She hadn’t dressed to be sexy but couldn’t help it. Even the casual outfit didn’t hide her luscious figure. She had piled her hair on top of her head and wore silver slippers.
Caleb tried not to stare. “Ready for that wine?” He had opened the bottle and poured a generous glass.
After accepting the drink, Livi sat at one end of the sofa, leaving Caleb to choose where to sit. He wavered on whether he should take the armchair, but Livi motioned toward the other end of the sofa.
“About earlier…” Caleb said, then took a gulp of beer.
Livi sipped her wine. “What about it?”
“I’m supposed to be keeping you safe, not seducing you.”
“You did that a very long time ago,” Livi said, then glanced down at her wine.
Caleb wasn’t sure if that was good or bad. If only women wouldn’t talk in riddles. He was unsure what his next move should be. He’d meant to apologize, to let her know that she could trust him, not to open old wounds.
“You seem close to your daughter,” Caleb said, in an effort to change the subject.
“We are very close,” Livi said. “We were alone a lot when Brendon was on mission.” She looked off, reflecting. “It was difficult. I won’t kid you about that. And then we lost him. It’s impossible to describe the feeling. For so many years, I dreaded such news, without knowing if it would happen or not.”
“It’s hard on families.”
“Then when I was told Brendon had been killed in action, it was a shock,” Livi said. “I hadn’t been prepared at all.”
Caleb set his glass aside, then put his arm along the sofa, touching Livi’s shoulder with his fingertips. He wished he could make all that emotional pain go away yet was helpless to do so. Losing a spouse was tough, no matter how one looked at it.
Livi looked into Caleb’s eyes. “I loved him.”
“Yes, I never doubted that.”
“And he was a good father,” Livi said, then set her glass on the table. “What about you? Didn’t you think of remarrying after your divorce?”
Caleb was cornered. Discussing personal issues was awkward for him. “Not really. I mean…I don’t have such a great track record with long-term relationships. I’ve struck out twice.”
“Your wife and who else?”
Caleb moved closer and put his fingertips under Livi’s chin. “Surely, you know the answer to that question.”
Livi’s cheeks flushed. “There is something I have to tell you.”
It couldn’t be…yet it was Caleb’s first thought. It would fit. “Julie?”
“Yes, but not what you think,” Livi said. “I had been dating Brendon, but you weren’t aware of that. He was away and I didn’t have any commitment to him. It’s not like he had asked, or anything.”
That one night flashed into Caleb’s mind. Holding Livi in his arms, making love to her, had been unforgettable. He wouldn’t have ended it and had already thought about making the relationship permanent. He was that type of guy, and once he found the right woman, he wanted to keep her close.
“When I saw you at the ballet that evening,” Caleb said, “you were an angel. The way you glided across that stage and leaped into the air like a delicate butterfly. I know I’m not describing it right, but I can still see you. The memory didn’t fade. I couldn’t take my eyes off you; I was captivated from the first moment.”
Livi’s eyes filled with tears. “I’m so sorry, Caleb.”
“Why did you tell me that you didn’t want to see me again?” Caleb said. “Why did you leave and choose Brendon?”
Livi was choked up. “I was pregnant.” She took his hand. “I didn’t know it the night we spent together. Yet, within days, I had reason to wonder, so I did a home test. You can be assured that Julie isn’t your daughter; she’s Brendon’s. Because of the timing, I was sure. Believe me, I would have told you if it had been otherwise.”
Caleb’s mind reeled. All these years, he had thought Livi didn’t want him—that she had rejected him.
“I couldn’t tell you,” Livi said. “It was out of respect for Brendon. I didn’t want anyone to think that I married him because I was pregnant.”
“But you did?”
“He was Julie’s father,” Livi said. “It was the right thing to do. And Brendon was a good man. He was loving, and he adored his daughter.”
“Why are you telling me now?”
“I couldn’t keep the secret any longer, now that you are with me.”
Caleb opened his arms, and Livi came to him. He wrapped her in his embrace, holding her close.
“It’s been a while since I was widowed,” Livi said, looking into Caleb’s eyes. “Why didn’t you look for me?”
“You refused me long ago and made it clear that we didn’t have a future together.” Caleb put his palm on her cheek. “I hadn’t understood. I thought that night was special, but then…”
“Did you ever think of me?”
“Every single day.” Caleb kissed her cheeks then her eyelids. “I can hardly believe that you’re with me now.”
“Caleb…it’s been so long,” Livi said in a breathy voice.
Yet it seemed as though they hadn’t parted. To Caleb it felt like she belonged in his arms. She’d been in his thoughts since that first moment. Livi had stolen his heart, and Caleb had loved her ever since.
Any resistance shattered when Caleb put his arms around her. Livi folded against him, and he kissed her tenderly, then fiercer. He wanted to show her what she meant, that he cared. He craved telling her so much, yet words escaped him.
Caleb licked across the seam of her lips, then dipped his tongue inside her mouth. Livi moaned then sucked lightly on his tongue before digging her hands in his hair and pulling him closer. She expressed need that Caleb was anxious to fill.
Electricity sparked between them and Caleb lost control. He’d been aroused since dinner, and it seemed he had been ready for her for so long it hurt. His body ached with desire that surged within him, burning deep into his core.
Caleb’s blood turned hot and Livi was all there was. He wanted to please her, to make her come so many times that she would forget anything else. He wanted only her, and solely to give her pleasure. He kissed her long and hard, then reached up to untie the ribbon so her hair cascaded over her shoulders.
Livi…his sweet love. Caleb couldn’t get enough of her. He kissed down the column of her neck then acro
ss her collarbone. She tossed her head back, giving him access. Then Caleb lifted her sweater over her head and drank in the sight of her creamy breasts.
He undid her bra, freeing her of its constraints. Then he cupped the weight of her breasts in his hands, taking the liberty of licking and sucking her nipples. Livi’s breath grew ragged, and she arched her back to encourage him.
“You’re so beautiful.” Seemingly incapable of stopping, Caleb kissed her more, while he flicked her nipples with his thumbs.
Caleb looked into Livi’s deep brown eyes, finding desire. Her shallow panting was a turn-on, yet if he was any more stimulated, he would lose it. He didn’t want that. He wanted to make it last, to make love long and slow for the rest of the night.
Yet Caleb was so hard that he nearly burst from his jeans. “I want you, Livi,” he said, his voice gravelly.
“Yes,” Livi said. “Please…”
Caleb scooped her into his arms then carried her into the bedroom. He yanked back the covers and stood before her. Yearning filled him like a fire that wouldn’t go out. Livi removed her slippers, and he peeled away the rest of her clothes.
Livi took his breath away. Her long, lean form with feminine curves was a sculpture of a goddess. He adored her, craved her, and was crazed with having her. Caleb ripped away his shirt and kicked off his shoes. With his jeans still on, he lifted Livi to the edge of the bed then knelt before her.
With his palms on her inner thighs, Caleb leaned in to press his lips to her abdomen. He nipped and kissed across her belly, then dropped lower. Livi was wet and tasted sweet, making him want more. He put his mouth over her sensitive spot and sucked.
Livi cried out then fell back onto the bed. Caleb swirled the tip of his tongue just right and felt her stiffen. “Yes, honey…give in to it.” He licked and sucked, then, with precise movements, he brought her to orgasm.
Caleb held her hips and watched her face. Livi made sexy sounds as she climaxed. When she crested then relaxed, Caleb leaned up to kiss her softly on the lips. He didn’t have much control left. If he didn’t come soon, he might explode in his jeans.
*****
Livi relaxed against the sheets, and a delicious feeling washed over her. It had been too long. And she’d only experienced passion like this with Caleb. He was so damn sexy, utterly male. With all that muscle and self-assurance, he was irresistible.
The joy of uniting with Caleb, of sharing another night together, was unbelievable. Livi had dreamed of this moment, but purely as fantasy. Yet that hadn’t been as good as the real thing. She wanted Caleb and didn’t hold back.
There was so much she could have done differently, but none of that mattered. Caleb was with her, loving her, caressing her. That made the world right. She looked into his eyes, still weak from the pleasure he’d given her.
“I want you,” Livi said, and reached to undo Caleb’s jeans. She sat up with her face close to his belly, and kissed his bare skin then raked her palms over his firm chest.
Caleb leaned down to kiss the top of her head, while she undid his jeans and yanked them down. She couldn’t wait another second and lowered his briefs. She gasped with delight at his cock. He was hard, hot, and gorgeous.
Livi pressed her lips to his heat then licked up and down. He smelled so male, so erotic. She grasped him and put his purple, swollen head into her mouth, tasting him like a delicacy. Sucking and raking her teeth over his skin, she drove Caleb crazy.
“You’ll make me come.” Caleb scooped her onto the bed and straddled her. Crouched over her, he was sexy as hell. His muscled arms and chest made her wetter. And his cock grazed her stomach, spiraling her desire higher.
Livi bent her knees and slid underneath him to reach around and squeeze his hard ass. Caleb groaned and grabbed a condom from the side drawer. Without missing a beat, he rolled it on and kissed her hard before dipping his wide tip into her.
Panting, Livi opened to him, lowering onto his hot member as he pushed up. It felt amazing to have him inside her, and she didn’t want him to leave. Caleb stroked into her, with his biceps pumped as he held his body over hers.
Livi matched his rhythm and rocked up to take him deeper. Desire swamped her, and she panted to keep up. Caleb’s moan was a sensual growl, and he moved faster, loving her harder. His body was rock-hard, yet his expression warm and caring.
Then Caleb stilled, his body stiff as a rod. “I can’t…”
Livi lost it and cried out with the waves of orgasm that crashed through her. At the same moment, Caleb exploded into climax, shoving deep into her. She wrapped her legs around his waist, holding him tight, feeling his release along with him.
Still breathing hard, Caleb balanced his weight on his forearms. “My love,” he whispered in her ear. “My sweet love.”
When he could move, he kissed her tenderly then slid onto the bed beside her. He wrapped her in one arm, and she rested her head against his. Contentment didn’t begin to describe what she felt. If anything, a taste of Caleb made her want more. When it came to loving him, Livi was insatiable.
Livi slept for a few minutes, but woke to Caleb’s touch. He caressed her breasts then stroked his fingertips down her belly and between her thighs. She sighed and pulled him close for a kiss. He smelled so masculine and tasted so good. The night was glorious, and she wanted more. Livi still had several hours with Caleb all to herself, touching and loving him.
Caleb dug his hand in her hair. “I love you. God…how I love you.”
Livi’s heart swelled with emotion. “I love you too. I have for so very long.”
It seemed that Caleb couldn’t get enough of her either, so he made love to her until the early morning hours. He was hot yet tender, expressing how much he cared. And Livi opened to him, finally giving in to desire. The passion was greater than she’d remembered. He had been hot before, and maturity had only served to make him hotter.
When Caleb pulled her into his arms and covered them with the sheet, Livi settled against him. She loved him with all her heart and swore that she wouldn’t let anything tear them apart. With Caleb’s warm body snuggled against hers, Livi closed her eyes, still floating on a cloud of ecstasy. Her skin tingled and her body hummed, while her heart was filled with happiness.
“My love,” Caleb whispered, before hugging her tight then drifting to sleep.
Chapter 10
The next morning, they slept in. Caleb glanced at the clock on the nightstand and it was after ten. He hadn’t been in bed that late since he could remember. It was good that Livi was still asleep; she needed the rest. Caleb had kept her up until nearly dawn.
Livi was settled against him with her back against his chest. Caleb breathed in her scent, reminiscing about the night he’d spent with her. She smelled feminine and sexy. He pressed closer, feeling her warmth against his skin.
Caleb’s heart swelled with love. He adored Livi and couldn’t believe his good fortune. After all those years, he had a second chance and would make it work. There was no other woman he wanted to spend his life with.
Visions of the night before filled Caleb’s mind, stirring his arousal. Livi was the woman he wanted, and he would treasure her. She was passionate, loving, and had personal qualities he admired. He craved her and could think of nothing better than to share his future with her.
For a while, Caleb put aside danger and wrapped Livi in a cocoon of love. He cherished her and would ensure her safety. Just for a few hours, he could show her how much she meant to him—while the outside world waited.
Livi stirred and pressed against his low belly, igniting his arousal more. Desire was ever-present when he was with her, but with her naked beside him, there was no hope of restraint. Caleb brushed her hair from her face and kissed her cheek.
Livi rolled on her back and stretched her arms above her head. She slowly gave him a sensual smile.
“You’re going to be the end of me, honey,” Caleb said, then kissed her. “I could barely keep up with you last night.”
&n
bsp; Livi pulled him close for another kiss. “I think you’re exaggerating.”
Caleb ran his palm down her belly, then over the curve of her hip. Her silky skin, lovely eyes, soft lips—everything about her drove him crazy.
“How long did we sleep?”
“Probably not as long as you need to,” Caleb said. “But I miss you even when you sleep.”
“That’s the most romantic thing any man has ever said to me.”
“I mean it,” Caleb said. “I have you back in my arms, and each moment we’re together only makes me want more.”
Livi grinned. “You’re greedy.”
“With you…very.” Caleb couldn’t let the moment pass without another taste of her.
After pulling the sheet away, Caleb licked and kissed down Livi’s body. She writhed against the bed, showing her pleasure. He ran his tongue along her sex, her flavor as sweet as honey. Slowly, he aroused Livi, taking joy in her excitement.
When Livi made sexy sounds in the back of her throat, Caleb knew she was close. He withdrew for a moment, making her suffer delicious agony.
“Please…please, Caleb.”
“I like it when you beg.” Caleb resumed his ministrations, extending Livi’s rising pleasure for as long as he could. Then her muscles stiffened, and she cried out with release, giving Caleb more joy than his own orgasm might have.
Livi pulled him up and kissed him deeply. “What about you?”
Caleb smiled. “I’m not forgetting about me.” He dragged her out of bed. “Meet me in the shower.”
While the water warmed, Caleb anticipated Livi’s presence, getting more turned on by the second. She got into the shower with him, and he tenderly washed and massaged her. It was a luxury that he could get used to.
Then Livi returned the favor, soaping him up then running her hands over his body. Caleb stood with his feet wide for support, giving her full access. She kissed his lips, while she cupped his balls to roll them in her hands. Then she fisted his cock relentlessly until he came so forcefully that he couldn’t stand up. He slid to the floor with his back against the shower wall, and pulled Livi onto his lap.
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