by Vella Day
“You look like shit, you know.” Not really, but he hadn’t shaven, and it seemed as if he’d slept in his clothes. She was merely trying to lighten the mood.
A slight smile lifted his lips. “Believe it or not, I feel worse than I look.” His shoulder sagged as he walked with her over to the sofa. They both sat down and he twisted to face her. “How are you feeling? I’m sorry I didn’t call.”
She waited to see if he’d explain, but he didn’t. “I’m sore, but I’ll heal.”
He nodded. “I need to apologize.”
She’d expected him to say that, but she didn’t want to hear it. “What’s done is done. It was stupid of me to follow you, but I was worried. You know why?” Having secrets between them after all they’d been through wouldn’t do either of them any good.
“Because you care?”
At least he wasn’t oblivious to her feelings. Charlotte set down her water and clasped his hand in hers. “I more than care. It’s probably stupid of me to open my heart because everyone says I should play hard to get, but that’s not who I am. In the beginning, I was drawn to the fact that you were this hot, sexy protector.”
“Charlotte, you don’t understand.” He glanced to the side as if he couldn’t handle the compliment.
She wasn’t going to give him a chance to respond further until after she said her piece. “I do understand. Your job means everything to you, and that’s very commendable, but there will come a time in your life when you need someone to hold and care for you. Perhaps your father didn’t provide the love you expected, and I know your mother was taken from you at an early age, but I want you to know that I love you for who you are, and have no intention of changing you.” She held up her other hand. “Before you go and say that you don’t want to put my life in danger, or that you can’t promise you’ll be there when I need you, I want to tell you that I’ll take what I can get. It’s because you are so noble that I love you. I want to make this work between us.”
Her heart was pounding so fast that she let go of his hand and took a drink to wet her mouth and try to calm her nerves a bit. She certainly didn’t expect him to say he loved her back, but she hoped he’d at least give them a chance.
“I don’t know what to say.”
That might be a first. “You don’t have to say anything. I’d like to spend the night here and not have to worry if you’re drinking yourself to death, or if the person who shot at you and knocked me down is going to come after me.”
Trent cupped her face and his pupils dilated. “You are such a loving and giving person, I don’t deserve you.”
That was the nicest thing anyone had ever said to her. “How about you let me worry about that?” His green eyes shimmered with what she hoped was akin to love—or at least lust.
“I can do that. Would you like me to light a fire?”
She was already burning hot inside with need for him, but a fire would create a nice romantic setting. “I’d love one.”
“I like your outfit, by the way. You look hot.” He winked then stepped over to the small stack of wood. His mood had almost turned cheerful.
“I was hoping you’d appreciate it.”
“Hold that thought. I’ll appreciate it more in a moment.”
Yes!
He stacked a few pieces inside the fireplace, wadded up some newspaper, and shoved it under the logs then lit it. Once the papers caught, the flames licked the logs. He turned off all but one light in the living room and sat next to her—closer this time. “If you’re going to pursue this crazy notion that you can handle my job, you must realize that I can’t always be around.”
“I know.”
“For my peace of mind, I’ll need to insist you take shooting lessons at least twice a week for a few months. You said you were willing to practice, but I want to be assured that you know how to use a gun should the need arise.”
Excitement sizzled inside her. “Does that mean I can stay around?”
Trent wrapped an arm around her shoulder. “If you’re good and do everything I say, you can.”
“Oh, I can be good.” Doing everything he said was a totally different matter.
“Show me.”
* * *
Trent’s head swam. He never expected Charlotte to drive up to the cabin, nor did he think she’d ever say she loved him. He should have taken her home right away and explained that she could do so much better than a cop, but stubborn Charlotte would never have listened. No woman had told him she loved him since before his mother died. He’d always pushed people away because he feared there was something wrong with him and that he was unlovable.
Now, he realized he’d had it all wrong. Cade seemed happy and able to balance his job with his family. Even his stoic boss said that a man could learn to do both. Trent wanted to take a chance on Charlotte, but he was afraid he’d mess it up.
Somehow, though, he had the sense that no matter how many times he failed, Charlotte would be there to help him up.
At least for tonight, Trent wanted to forget everything about the case. He was with a woman who had turned his life upside down, and who was willing to take him as he was.
“Would you like to sit by the fire?” He wasn’t certain how long they’d actually be sitting, but he thought his idea was a good segue into making love with her.
“It will probably be a little hot. I hope you don’t mind if I kick off my boots.”
“I’m hoping I can convince you to take off more than that.”
A huge grin spread across Charlotte’s face, and his pulse ticked up a notch. “What are you waiting for?” she asked.
He laughed, stood, and then held out his hand. When she grabbed hold, he pulled her to her feet. If he kissed her right now, he might not be able to stop. “Grab a couple of pillows and bring them over to the fireplace.”
He lifted two, and as he stepped near the hearth, he flicked off the remaining light. The flames cast a yellow glow over the entire room, entombing them in romance.
They arranged their pillows side by side, and then she dropped down in front of the fire. Trent took a moment to admire her pretty features, her lush curves, and her gold spun hair. He hoped he could be the man she wanted him to be.
After he removed his shoes, he dropped trou, leaving on his briefs and his shirt. He’d let Charlotte do the final honors.
She looked up at him. “If I’d known that a fireplace made you undress, I would’ve looked for an apartment with one.”
Her openness excited him. Game playing and secrets were a turn off. “It’s being with you that makes me want to be naked.”
He dropped next to her and slowly lifted her sweater over her head. The sight of the purple push-up bra made his cock peek out over the elastic waistband. “I didn’t stand a chance, did I?”
She grinned. “Nope.”
“How about stretching out on these pillows so I can enjoy everything you have to offer?”
“It’s only fair to let you know that I plan to tease you way past your limit.”
“You can try.” He loved how she wasn’t timid when it came to making love. He spread out on the cushions and guided her alongside him.
She flipped onto her side, supported her head with her hand, and dragged a finger down his chest until she banged into his cock. “I’ll more than try. I’ll succeed.”
He believed her. “I guess I’m about to fall into some serious trouble.”
Before Charlotte had the chance to do real damage to his control, he unhooked her bra and dragged down the straps. When her breasts bounced free, his hormones shot to life. Lust, desire, and need soared through him, and as much as he wanted to impale her right there, he wanted to taste her first.
Trent slid down on the cushions until his mouth was level with her delicious tits. He cupped both of them then lightly licked each nipple.
“That tickles,” she said.
“Better get used to it, because I plan to be here a long time.”
Wanting bett
er access to her, he rolled her onto her back, and then straddled her. Pressing his face into her breasts, he inhaled her delicious scent that reminded him of the flowers his mom used to grow.
He swirled his tongue around her right nipple while he strummed the left with his thumb. Charlotte grabbed his head and tugged on his hair. Her breaths came out rapid and his cock ached to take her. He’d purposely not removed her skirt to prevent him from losing his cool, but he was slowly sinking into the abyss of desire.
He nipped and tugged on each nipple, loving how the perfect tip turned taut.
“How about getting me naked?” She slipped her hands under his shirt and dragged her nails down his back.
“Don’t you like what I’m doing to you?”
“That’s the problem. I like it too much.”
The moment she was naked, he’d have to have her. “You asked for it.” In one quick tug, he whipped off her skirt and panties, and his breath caught at the sight of her, the light from the fire shimmering over her skin. “You are so beautiful.”
“I bet you’re more beautiful, but I can’t tell because you have on too many clothes.”
Trent laughed. “Subtlety is not your strong suit tonight.”
“I thought I made it clear that I always speak my mind. I want you. I need your body, and I long for you to possess me.”
Her words caressed his heart and stole his soul. He’d give her anything she wanted. While part of making love was the sensual nature of undressing each other, he couldn’t wait any longer to have her. He lifted off his shirt and dragged down his briefs. “Did someone say something about trying to push me to my limit?”
He wouldn’t have allowed such torment if he didn’t want to give her everything she desired.
“You are so going down, Trent Lawson.”
Chapter Twenty-Five
Charlotte had never been more excited in her life. Not only was this amazing eye candy overwhelming her senses, her heart was near to exploding. She’d told Trent that she loved him and to her amazement, he hadn’t turned her away. He was even giving her the chance to show him that he rocked her world.
“How about you get on your back so that I can enjoy you?” she asked, stroking his face and loving the roughness of his beard. He was all man, and all hers.
Touching and rubbing more than he probably needed to, Trent exchanged positions with her then wrapped his hands behind his head.
“I have to control myself. If I put my hands on you, I could go all he-man on you, and I’m not sure you’re ready for that,” he said.
Sure she was. She could handle anything Trent doled out. “I’ll be careful.” Careful to stay out of his reach, that was. She planned to use every trick in the book to drive him wild.
She scooted onto her belly and slid between his legs. When she grabbed his thick shaft, her mind spun with possibilities. Even thinking about his cock had her inner walls clenching with desire and need. Using her forefinger and thumb, she lightly stroked his dick. He lasted all of five seconds before he growled, but she wasn’t worried. Charlotte could tell how far to push him.
Before she tasted him, though, she rose onto her knees and dragged her breasts across his cock.
“That’s not fair,” he said.
“It is by my rules.” She squeezed the sides of her tits, sandwiching his thick shaft, then rubbed her breasts up and down his length.
“You’ve got ten seconds to put it in your mouth or I’m going to git you.”
He was so full of it, and his accent was just as phony. In case he was serious, she slipped down onto her belly again, and encased his cock with her mouth. He groaned louder and she didn’t know how this was any better, but she wanted to make him regret asking her to change her seduction routine. Slowly swiveling her tongue around his dick, she lightly pumped her fist up and down.
He unfolded his arms and threaded his fingers through her hair and tugged hard. “Times almost up.”
She hadn’t thought his limit would be so low, but perhaps all of the day’s tension had caught up to him. She sucked hard and then lifted off. “You are so easy.”
As if she’d pushed him too far, he sat up, deposited her onto the cushions, and then loomed over her. “I will make you regret those words.”
His mouth was on hers in a flash and his palms gripped her shoulders.
The dizzying and erotic nature of the kiss had her swooning. Their tongues twisted and entwined as if they desperately wanted to become one. She couldn’t get enough of him so she dragged her palms up his back, pressing on his bulging muscles.
His cock notched open her slit, and bolts of electricity chased up her spine. She tried to scoot lower for more penetration, but he held her tight.
Trent broke the kiss then licked his lips. “I love the way you taste.”
“I have someplace else you might like to lick.”
He laughed. “I know my way around. Just give me some time. I plan to enjoy all of you.”
She loved his sentiment, but her climax was about to take hold and she needed him now. He slid lower and captured her breasts with his hands, lifting, squeezing, and massaging them, sending blissful lust straight to her core. Charlotte pressed her hips upward hoping he’d impale her, but he seemed too intent on making her nipples tender and rigid.
Each swirl of this tongue heated her insides, causing lustful sparks to skitter across her skin, and she wasn’t sure how much longer she could last. “Lick me now, please.” Trent had more willpower than she did, so she didn’t mind admitting defeat.
He slowly shook his head and a smile formed. The light from the flickering flames made his green eyes shine. “Now who’s easy?”
This wasn’t a competition. “Me.”
He grinned and slid lower. When he opened her folds and licked her slit, she grabbed the edges of the pillow below her and sucked in a deep breath. Streaks of pleasure engulfed her as he rolled his tongue and slid partway into her wetness. The nubby texture sent sparks of need deep inside her, but she wanted more—so much more. Her breaths came out faster as her pulse raced. He must have sensed her urgency, because he replaced his mouth with two fingers. When he curled them and hit her G-spot, she could no longer contain herself.
Her inner walls tightened and she let loose a feral sounding scream. Her orgasm descended and swamped her with overwhelming lust.
Trent sat up and slowly crawled on top of her, balancing on his elbows. “I can’t wait any longer,” he whispered. His eyelids half closed and his mouth opened.
The fire crackled and the flames danced. All thoughts left her head as she focused on the marvelous man in front of her. “Love me.”
He could take her comment anyway he wanted, but all she could think of was becoming one with him.
As if she’d pressed some inner button of need, he forged into her, driving his cock to the hilt. His wide girth stretched her, but it only served to turn her on even more. Her inner walls coiled and tightened, gripping him hard.
Trent let out a strangled cry. “Don’t. Please. I’m so close.”
His plea sent her soaring. He slowly withdrew his cock and kissed her with more passion than she’d ever experienced before. It was as if he was trying to gain some control before he plowed back in. Not wanting him to use any restraint, she grabbed his hips and thrust upward.
Her pussy convulsed as erotic bliss infused her body, and goose bumps sped up her spine. Trent held her tight and pummeled into her over and over again. It was as if they were on a runaway train and couldn’t stop. His hands roamed everywhere, touching and rubbing while she dug and scraped her nails across his skin. Their breaths merged as their bodies joined, and she nearly came apart at the seams.
When he gently bit down on her bottom lip, his loving nature pushed her over the edge and her climax consumed her again. Stars burst in the back of her lids as her breath caught in her chest.
As she grunted out his name, his hot seed filled her and his cock pulsed and expanded to the beat of his h
eart. Somehow he managed to roll them over while keeping them joined.
Only after the fire began to die, did he slip out and wipe her clean.
Trent kissed her forehead and then her nose. “Remind me to thank Dan.”
It took her a second to understand what he meant. If it hadn’t been for Dan taking him off the case, Trent wouldn’t have come to the cabin, and she wouldn’t have had the chance to plot her seduction. “Perhaps in the future, you should consider more vacations.”
“If you promise to come along, I just might.”
She had never heard more wonderful words.
* * *
After having accomplished her mission, Charlotte was willing to head back to Rock Hard with Trent the next day. As they neared town, Trent glanced over at her. “Given someone took pot shots at me and failed, he might try again.”
Shivers ripple of her arms. Why was he trying to scare her? Perhaps she hadn’t been aware how much danger he and her dad were in on a daily basis. “If that’s the case, you should hole up in your house. You said you can’t go into work for a few more days anyway.”
“I was thinking about you, that you should stay sequestered until we find the killer.”
If he hadn’t looked so serious, she might have laughed. “What are you talking about?”
“Someone was angry at your dad, and instead of attacking him directly, they came after you and your mom. The same thing could happen to you now that we’re together.”
She was pleased he considered them a couple, but he was missing the point. “No one knows we’re together. Besides, you do remember I have a shop to run, right?”
“I’m not so worried about you during the day, but what if he comes after you or Harmon at night?”
Either he was being overly protective, or he was having second thoughts. “Remember, I agreed to take shooting lessons.”
“I appreciate that, but it doesn’t mean they can’t harm you first.”
She twisted in her seat and tucked a leg under her. She’d had enough of his excuses. “No one can remain safe all the time no matter the precaution. Someone could pull out of a street and ram into your car. A bolt of lightning could strike you, or you could have an allergic reaction to a bee sting and die. That’s life.”