Admit It

by Francesca Penn

  Ziplining was two hours of hilarity as Cayla clamped herself to him on the sky bridges while chanting, “Don’t look down, don’t look down.” She was a pro by the time they made it to the fifth and longest zip; however, it still didn’t stop her from screaming like a crazy person as she whipped through the trees. Now, they were relaxing on the private lake for the venue with the other guests hanging out and killing time before the next event.

  Cayla stripping out of her workout gear to get to the bikini underneath it was an event for him. The more relaxed they’d become, the more aroused he became. He told her as much in her ear as he held her from behind. She snapped another selfie to distract him.

  “Behave, Dex. Our reservation is already paid for tonight. You don’t want me to lose money, do you?”

  “Cayla, have you learned anything? I’d reimburse you.”

  Cayla stretched out in the bed. Not bad for a treehouse. She was tired after a long day of events and a good shower. She looked around the treehouse again and smiled from ear to ear. Dex probably thought she was crazy because she had a total freak out when she saw the treehouse. In a good way. It was the most exciting part of the trip. Okay, maybe that was an exaggeration. It was the part she was looking forward to the most outside of having Dex with her. She could tell that he didn’t get the whole treehouse thing, but he’d warmed up to the idea once he saw it.

  During dinner, they’d tried shit she’d never heard of before. Cayla had frowned at the options and allowed Dex to make executive decisions. The scallops were good, although they were prepared in a way she would have never guessed. Her Black Angus ribeye was divine, but she was still partial to Dex’s recipe. He’d smiled the remainder of the dinner after she gave him her opinion.

  Cayla felt a sense of pride glow in her chest. She’d managed to create a day that they’d both enjoyed. Hopefully, the next day would be equally successful. She heard Dex’s approach before she saw him. The bridge creaked and moaned under his weight. His eyes roamed around the room again before landing on her in the bed wearing nothing but a t-shirt.

  “Okay, I’ll admit it. This is pretty cool,” he conceded, viewing the circular treehouse with an ancient tree running up the middle while rewarding her with his dimple.

  “See! I told you it would be cool. Sometimes you have to listen to Cayla.”

  “Well,” he murmured as he turned off the light and closed the door. “We should go to bed.”

  His shirt and pajama bottoms hit the floor. Dex was instantly naked. The soft light glowed off the planes of his body making him look like a gift from the moon. Cayla licked her lips, her pulse picked up its pace. His lithe body settled in bed next to Cayla. His hand roamed over her leg and rested on her naked hip. Goosebumps littered the trail of his hand.

  “We have to wake up early tomorrow,” he whispered before nibbling on her neck.

  Cayla sighed at his sweet kisses and pulled him closer. She was seconds from getting lost in his kisses when his words wiggled into her head.

  “Dex?”

  “Hmm?” He continued his kisses down her neck.

  “I don’t have anything scheduled early.”

  Dex slipped her shirt off, leaving her just as naked as him in the moonlight. He palmed her breasts and toyed with her nipples. Cayla moaned and almost let it go.

  “Dex.” She pushed the topic.

  “I may have rearranged our schedule…”

  “Dex!” He pulled a taut nipple into his mouth, nipping and sucking. “Mmm, that feels…stop trying to distract me!” Cayla didn’t have the fortitude to push him away.

  “Relax, I didn’t cancel anything. Just moved it all around.” He moved to the next nipple.

  Cayla wanted more of his mouth, but she was not stupid. He waited to bring it up on purpose.

  “I so want to fight you right now,” she moaned. “You’re being…uh…difficult.” He was kissing the valley between her breasts and moving toward her navel. “You’re being overbearing.”

  “No. I’m making improvements.” His fantastic tongue found her wetness, making her briefly forget her protests while he used his magic to give her an electric orgasm.

  “It’s not over yet, Dex,” she panted as she came back down.

  He leaned back, settling on his knees and fisting his impressively hard cock. “I know.” His voice was heavy on the intent.

  “You know what I mean.” Her sassy evil eye failed to make an impact as he moved over her.

  “I’ve traveled more,” he mentioned it like that explained everything.

  “So, you are an adventure snob? You’ve been challenging my itinerary all day.”

  “No, I just happen to know that a sunrise cruise for just the two of us is better than an evening cruise with other passengers.” He pressed into her, stretching her in the most delicious ways and moaned his appreciation. “We’ve already done day time zip lining, so the night run over the lake with glow sticks would be more fun.” He rocked his hips out then inside her again causing her to whimper. “I don’t think you like beer…mmm…but I left the tour in case you’d enjoy the information.”

  “The…um…multiple brewery tour bus?”

  Dex stilled long enough to put an end to the talking. “Hell, no. We’re driving to one brewery and doing the tour. That cuts our time from four hours to forty-five minutes, and we’ll still be sober enough to drive.” He stole a kiss. “AND I cut our drive time for the day down by one hour.”

  “You must be very proud of yourself.” Cayla’s statement possessed a childish flare that she’d punctuated with sticking out her tongue.

  Her body tingled from the vibrations of Dex’s laugh. “No. I’ll be proud when you start screaming my name…” he dressed his words with a hip roll then continued, “and begging me not to stop.”

  Cayla let the issue die. His plan was solid. Plus, he was there with her, treating her like he used to, and making feel the things only he could. Dex locked her into a hot kiss, toying with her tongue thoroughly until she was convinced he could get her off with just a kiss. Their fingers locked and so did their eyes. Cayla was so into the moment and into Dex that they elevated into a level beyond sex. It was an experience for her mind and soul. The tenderness in his eyes broke her in a way she’d never expected.

  She made Dex proud that night.

  Very proud.

  Chapter 31

  “Okay. You were right, Dex.” Dex looked about the cab of his vehicle before checking Cayla for fever. She giggled and swatted his hand away from her forehead.

  “I’m sorry. I must not have heard you correctly. Did you just tell me I’m right?” Cayla rolled her eyes hard enough to shift the earth’s axis.

  “Yes.”

  Phone unlocked, camera on record, Dex asked again, “Could you say that again? I just can’t believe it.”

  “You were right, Dex. Your itinerary was better than mine.” And got it.

  Dex palmed his chest and dropped his head on the rest.

  “What’s wrong?” Cayla’s concern was cute.

  “I think my heart stopped for a second. Wait. I need to make this my new ringtone.”

  A smack of her hand greeted his arm causing a hearty chuckle. “I love how humble you are, Dex,” Cayla mocked.

  Dex pulled her in a quick kiss before donning his seatbelt.

  “Beer mouth,” Cayla frowned.

  “I told you! You don’t like beer. Right again.”

  “Whatever. I honestly tried but I can’t get jiggy.”

  “Okay, Will Smith, let’s go grab some barbeque before it’s sold out.”

  “Picnic at your parents?” she asked hopefully.

  Like the treehouse, the picnic was something she wouldn’t budge on. Due to his supreme planning skills, they had time in the schedule, but that would add almost two hours of drive time.

  “Tomorrow,” he promised with a squeeze of her thigh. “We have to eat, shop, change, and be at the zipline in two and a half to three hours from now.”
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br />   Cayla still looked a little sad but accepted it. Dex wanted nothing but to make her happy. “Not only will we picnic tomorrow, but I promise we will do whatever else you and only you want to do, no matter how impractical it may seem to me.”

  “Really?” Cayla hummed, wheels turning in her pretty head. Dex withheld his sigh though he knew exactly where she was going with his promise.

  “If I wanted to stay in pajamas for the remainder or the day…”

  “Fine. We can have a ‘Lazy Monday’,” Dex said heavy on the air quotes. “I’m not designed to be prone all damn day, but if that’s what you want…”

  “I do.” Cayla’s smile was more brilliant than the Texas sun.

  Dex ignored how his heart skipped several beats. He didn’t want to explore his reaction to the two words that could mean everything and nothing. She’d agreed to spend an entire day with him doing nothing, not a lifetime of commitment. Dex climbed out of his feelings and back into the moment.

  “Okay, but keeping me in bed all day might be more work than you think.” He loved that he could still make her blush after everything they’d done.

  He started his Bentley and aimed it in the direction of the food. He could think about the hard shit later.

  Cayla had officially had the best weekend ever. She’d spent it doing various activities with Dex and learning about things she’d considered fun. The night ziplining tour was epic. It’d taken three hours total due to the hike and ziplining. The glow sticks added an element of simple fun while Dex’s stolen kisses and ass patting brought in the naughty. Zipping at night was something she was willing to do again. Cayla’s body drummed with excitement from the memory. Maybe she had a bit of a thrill seeker in her blood. They had fun with the group in their tour but didn’t hesitate to leave quickly to grab a snack before jumping in bed.

  Monday morning blessed her with the best crepes she’d ever had in her life made by the sexist chef ever wearing nothing but an apron. Plus, she had the added bonus of not having to go to a job she hated with all of her being. Also, thanks to him. She’d also found herself dipping in and out of emotions she couldn’t quite place or name. The strangeness of those moments were usually taken away by Dex’s nearness. He was right. Again. Keeping him in bed was very difficult to do especially when he’d taken the intimacy route preferring to cuddle instead of sex.

  The lazy Monday ended when they got dressed for their picnic. Even in a t-shirt, shorts, and slide-on shoes, Dex was still distractingly sexy. He was walking slightly ahead of her, giving her a run-down of the property and history. Although the 7,800 square foot house resting lakeside on over six acres of land covered with plush trees was impressive, Dex was still the most interesting thing in her line of vision. Lately, she felt a bone deep need to be near him, and if they wandered too far apart, she changed her course back to him. Although they spent a big portion of the morning cuddling, the anticipation to touch him built inside of her again and forced her to act. Speeding up, she grabbed his warm hand and linked her fingers in his.

  His brows noticed the shift and shot up in response, but his lips kept giving her information about the area. They’d never really held hands until that moment. What if she was overstepping or looked needy? Cayla almost let her doubts talk her into removing her hand, but Dex squeezed it reassuringly as they ventured farther into the property. Once they found the perfect view with the proper shade and privacy ratio, they set up their picnic area. The soft blanket protected their legs and food from the small pricks of grass.

  Cayla sat with her legs bent under her body, and her skirt fanned over her knees. She needed to address the main thing that had been weighing on her lately.

  “Dex?

  “Yes?” he acknowledged while sorting the goodies he’d made.

  “I want you to know that while it didn’t seem like it at the time, I am very happy for you. I know this is a HUGE accomplishment and a major opportunity for you to share your passion with the world. You earned it because you are amazing.”

  Dex folded his hands in his lap and smiled sweetly, his face adapting that universal look people have when they’re touched. Cayla guessed the reason he folded his hands was to keep from touching his chest. It wasn’t a rehearsed speech. She spoke from her heart and was happy he was able to see her sincerity. However, Cayla was never one for the mushy or emotional stuff; her ability to navigate it was awkward at best. She looked up at the plush trees to kill the eye contact and pull her emotions back. She didn’t understand the sudden shift in her feelings, but it wasn’t the time to examine it.

  Dex kissed her on the temple and murmured a thank you.

  “How many dates have we been on now?” He aptly changed the subject.

  Cayla chewed on the thought for a moment. “It would depend on the parameters.”

  “Have we hung out enough to offset all the sex?”

  “Not even close.” Cayla laughed. “We would have to be celibate for a few months just to catch up in dates.”

  “Nope. That won’t do. Break it down by hours?” Dex queried.

  “No, I think outfit changes would be the best way to do it.”

  Dex nodded thoughtfully. “I think that would put us right at ten. Which means sailing, touring, eating barbeque was one date.”

  “Wow, we’ve been busy,” Cayla said after swallowing some cantaloupe.

  “If you count nudity as an outfit change then we’ve had many more dates.”

  “Dex! How did you get in the gutter that fast?”

  His eyes gleamed naughtily in the shade. “It’s your fault with the crop top and the skirt you’re wearing.” He humped his shoulders in a casual shrug. “I’m just saying it’s a picnic, and you look edible.”

  “Do you remember how you offered to help me figure out what I like in and out of the bedroom?”

  “Yes.” His eyes now bored into her.

  “I have a few things to try on my list.”

  “Well, get your sexy ass over here and tell me.”

  Cayla swallowed her slice of kiwi then pushed the fruit salad aside. Dex had just taken her from being content living out her picnic fantasies – talking, eating, reading, and cuddling – to hot sex fantasies she’d been too shy to attempt. But, the way Dex looked at her as he finished his strawberry had her closing the distance between them.

  A slight glimmer of surprise flashed in his eye when she straddled him. He accepted her kiss and matched her fervor. Cuddling all morning without sex must have kicked her hormones into overdrive because she was taking risks she’d never taken. Her hands were in his hair and tongue in his mouth, her blood flowed like warm honey. Dex’s fingers were gripping the naked skin of her sides. It wasn’t enough contact for her. Not enough friction. She pressed her covered breasts against his chest and moved her way up his body.

  Cayla whimpered when their bodies lined up exactly the way she wanted. The hard seam of his shorts containing his erection poked her soaked thin cotton barrier. She rolled her hips, and the pleasure of contact had her head falling back. Dex nibbled and sucked on her exposed throat. His hands that traveled underneath her skirt gripped her almost naked ass. He squeezed her cheeks when she rocked against him again. Pleasure shot from his mouth to her clit and from his hands up her spine. She needed Dex, consequences be damned.

  “I’ve never been on top before.” Dex growled against her mouth and his erection twitched underneath her.

  “I’ll be happy to help you with that. What else?” His voice was extra hot.

  Her hands roamed his hard body, greedily touching everything she could. “I would like more blow job practice.”

  “Definitely,” he agreed getting hotter by the second. “And?”

  Cayla was having trouble concentrating because one of his hands was toying with the line of her panties. “Sex outside is at the top of my list.”

  Her hand went to work releasing Dex from his shorts. His erection popped out big, hard, and ready. Dex slid her panties to the side and nudged h
er entrance with his tip.

  “Ride me, baby. Let’s cross two things off your list right now.”

  Chapter 32

  Cayla eyed the tarmac nervously while she awaited take off. She wasn’t a nervous flyer who needed medication or alcohol to fly, but she didn’t feel comfortable until she was in the air. She loved the private jet and its amenities but would not be comfortable enough to explore it fully until she was cruising in the air. Dex appeared next to her, settling in his seat after chatting with the crew and squeezing her hand.

  Those damn butterflies returned. Ever since they’d returned from Austin, she’d been the teenaged girl to his heartthrob. His touches gave her butterflies, and his smiles made her heart flutter. She internet stalked him now – more than usual – often refreshing her feeds in case she missed something. She’d also had to stop herself several times from popping up at his house or calling to beg him to come over. What the fuck? It’s like everything she was supposed to do in high school, she was trying to do now.

  Cayla shook it off, claiming idle time was the reason she was extra infatuated. She’d spent the last week and a half bugging the hell out of her family. Even her own momma was tired of seeing her pop up. She needed the distraction. Cayla even picked up extra sessions with Natalia to work out her frustration and occupy herself with counting Max’s muscles. She didn’t want Max for herself, but he was wonderful eye candy.

  One lunch date with Felix at The Food Lab ended with his extra blunt ass telling her to woman up and admit she was in love with Dex. Cayla balked and called him a liar. His shrug told her he didn’t care about her obvious choice not to face the hard truths. He waved her off with a “fine, learn the hard way.” And moved on to another conversation. His facial expressions reiterated his thoughts when he caught Cayla staring at Dex at least twice. They were becoming even closer even with his strong opinions on…everything.

  The part that kept replaying in her head was the picnic sex.