The Way Home (Chasing #3)

by Linda Oaks

  “Miley,” I whispered, and her blue eyes met mine. She was more than ready.

  Slowly, I pushed forward, easing inch by inch into bliss until I was seated to the hilt. If ever there was a heaven on earth, it lay spread beneath me, open and receptive to my every touch and every stroke. Her mouth met mine, greedy and seeking. The urge to gorge on all of her sweetness had the nerves at the base of my spine tingling. I moved my hips while gauging her reaction. She was tight, and met me thrust for thrust until her muscles began to clench uncontrollably.

  It was only then I had no choice. I had to let go. She gasped in my ear. Her body bowed against mine. My name spilling uncontrollably from her lips. Over and over, she called my name as I fell head first into her, forgetting everything except her taste on my tongue, the chaotic calm of release, and the insatiable craving only she could inspire.

  Hell, I’d only just had her and I was more than ready to go again.

  CHAPTER NINE

  THE FIRES OF hell were slowly roasting me alive. With a yawn, I opened my eyes. One of my arms was stretched over my head and it was numb. I lay on my side with Miley tucked against my chest. My hand holding the weight of one of her firm breasts. A groan escaped my lips. I wanted to hold her tighter. Now that I’d had her, all I could think about was getting back inside of her once again. Her round bottom made the perfect cushion for my morning erection. I was so hard; I could hammer nails with my dick. I looked down at the woman in my arms. Even asleep, she was flat out gorgeous. I twisted my head to the side already knowing exactly whose furry hide lay fused against my back. No wonder I was burning up alive, I was wearing a fur coat in the middle of summer. Hank’s head was turned at a rather awkward angle. He appeared dead; his mouth stretched open and wide and his tongue hanging out. His eyes were rolled back in his head.

  “Hank,” I hissed, trying not to wake Miley since I’d kept her up most of the night, but lying here squashed between the two of them had me feeling like a sardine sandwich. I couldn’t take it. One brown eye lazily popped open regarding me with disinterest. The other soon followed.

  “Move.” I nudged him, but he refused to cooperate and continued to lie there looking back at me with big sad eyes. He acted as if I’d never even spoken to him.

  There was no other way around this, and it had to be done. I eased my hips carefully away from Miley’s and then suddenly pushed hard. Hank ended up moving at least a half of an inch. It was progress. The next time, though, I really let him have it. Cool air rushed along my back. I heard his paws land on the hardwood floor. He was just like a cat, I thought with a smile, as I eased my arm from underneath Miley’s head.

  “No,” I ordered, keeping my voice low as I tried to quickly untangle myself from her hair and from the sheets. Hank, that bastard, already had his front paws up on the bed. If he tried to climb back in, he was a dead dog. I moved to the edge of the mattress and stood looking around the room for my underwear. It was mission impossible. Who knew where in the hell I’d slung them last night? I pulled a new pair from one of the dresser drawers and quickly slid them up my thighs. All the time, Hank sat quietly watching.

  There was never any privacy with him around. The freaking word didn’t exist.

  In the early morning hours before dawn, I’d thrown Hank out of the bedroom and woke Miley for round two. She’d been just as receptive as the first time. She was amazing, and I was one lucky son of a bitch. A wave of self-doubt and guilt reared its ugly ass head and I shoved it aside, determined not to let anything ruin my good mood for the day — not even that damn dream I’d had of Ryder Blade. My gran would have called it a premonition. It was just a stupid dream. It didn’t mean anything. If he so much as showed his face around here, I’d gladly detach it from his body. With Hank hot on my heels, I headed downstairs and let him outside before I made my way in to the kitchen.

  As I waited on the coffee, I thought of how we could spend the rest of the day. Miley wasn’t supposed to pick Sierra up until later this evening. This meant we still had the entire day to ourselves. Carrying two mugs of coffee, I climbed the stairs, recalling Miley’s words; the ones she’d spoken last night that had led to the both of us ending up naked, hot, and sweaty… She’d fight for me, but could I let go of my guilt and fight for her and Sierra also?

  I couldn’t shake the way her words had made me feel. No one had ever fought for me, well, except for Gran and Natalie. Hell, my own parents hadn’t wanted me. Could I be the man that Miley and Sierra needed? The thought of greedily accepting everything she offered was beyond tempting. It would be so easy to just take and take, but I didn’t want to hurt her, nor did I want to hurt Sierra either.

  I cared, but could I allow myself to love Miley… love her the way that she truly deserved to be loved… whole heartedly and without reservations? The thought of being a father absolutely scared me shitless. What if I couldn’t protect Sierra? What if something happened to her? Worse, what if something happened to Miley? Then what? My head was filled with all of those “what if’s” and it was pissing me the fuck off.

  Over the last eight years, when had I ever thought of anyone besides myself?

  The sight greeting me when I walked into the bedroom had my heart rate accelerating and made me rock hard. Miley lay on the bed stretched out on her stomach. Her slender back bare. The sheet was dipped low and draped along her curvy hips. She was breathtaking. Padding softly across the floor, I set our coffee mugs on the nightstand by the bed and stood staring down at her. When I couldn’t stand it another second, I leaned in to place a soft kiss in between her shoulder blades. Her skin was warm and smelled delicious. There was also a trace of something manly.

  The scent of myself on her skin made me feel possessive. Hell, I was ready to go all fucking caveman on her. I needed to get a grip. I’d never taken the time to pay any attention to all of those tiny details, at least not with anyone else besides Natalie. It had been a long time since I had truly noticed… until now.

  Miley rolled over half-asleep baring herself to me. My stomach muscles clenched. Heat rushed to my dick like a rocket. Every single inch of her was absolute perfection. I wanted her, but there were still all of those nagging doubts plaguing me since I’d woke this morning with her in my arms, and it was those doubts that had me standing frozen in place beside my bed staring down at her.

  “Nate.” Her sleepy tone soft and cute.

  She raised her arms beckoning me closer. There was a smile on her lips. Damn, it felt good to hold her, but it felt amazing to be held by her. Her chin nestled into the crook of my neck. Her warm breath caressed my skin. This felt right… her in my arms… me here with her.

  “Good morning, beautiful.” I nuzzled her ear, and squeezed her tighter. Her breasts pressed flush against my chest, and when I moved to lay back against the mattress, I took her with me. She giggled, lying sprawled on top of me. My own lips curved into a grin at hearing that sound. I fucking loved hearing her laugh. “I made you coffee.”

  “Thank you,” she said, her gaze holding mine. “About last night,” she began, and I slid my hands into her hair quietening those words. She smiled against my lips. She was becoming an addiction. I was hooked on Miley. When I tried to pull away, her lips clung tenaciously to mine. It would be so easy to get used to waking up with her in my bed each and every morning.

  It would be one hell of a way to start the day.

  When we were both gasping for air, she moved away from me, tugging the sheet over her breasts. Her gaze drifted down my chest, and she giggled out loud. She must have noticed the massive tent in my boxers. She arched one sassy dark blonde eyebrow at me and I winked at her, unable to deny the huge shit eating grin residing on my face. She reached for the coffee mug atop the night stand. “Since I’m off today and we still have a few hours before we have to pick up Sierra, what are your plans for us?”

  I ran a hand through my hair then scratched my beard. I was stalling. I acted as if I were lost in thought, as if we had all day. Her eyes nar
rowed, zeroing in on me. Oh, I knew exactly what I wanted to do. It was a no brainer. “You’ll just have to wait and see what I have planned, but I’ve had this fantasy that involves you and me and my shower?”

  Her grin widened. There was mischief written all over her beautiful face. She set the mug down then turned toward me with a teasing gleam in her big blue eyes. Without saying a word, she let the sheet fall.

  Damn!

  “It must be your lucky day, Nate, since I’m all about fulfilling your fantasies.”

  She climbed over me, her breasts bouncing as she straddled my hips. The air rushed from my lungs. My heart kicked into overdrive. Her lips hung poised over mine. She was teasing me, but still, I didn’t move. I could play her game. My hands griped her waist. I couldn’t help myself and flexed my fingers. I loved the feel of her. She stared down at me, smiling.

  “I’m a lucky man, indeed,” I whispered, right before her lips covered mine.

  THE IMAGE OF Miley kneeling before me, and the feel of her lush lips wrapped around me cut my shower fantasy a little short. It would have to wait until later, when I had more control around her. With both of us soaking wet and panting, I’d carried her quickly from the bathroom and back to my bed. She’d tasted like sun ripened peaches and fresh cream, and she was just what I’d wanted for breakfast. While her cries echoed in my room, I licked my lips, still tasting her sweetness and slid back to kneel on the floor. Her skin was flushed; a blushing rosy pink. Her chest heaved, and I trailed a finger down the inside of her thigh noting the trembling of her muscles. She jerked away, and burst out laughing.

  “Don’t touch me!”

  “You mean like this,” I teased, reaching for her again, and she screamed while scrambling up in the bed, away from me and out of my reach. Laughter shook my chest. I laughed so hard my sides began to hurt.

  “It’s not funny,” she said as she sat reclining against the headboard and hugging a pillow to her chest. “Seriously, I can’t take anymore. People can actually die from having too much sex.”

  What the hell?

  “Who told you that old wives tale? That’s about as original as I have a headache.”

  Before I could blink, a pillow smacked me right in the face.

  This meant war.

  After I made Miley beg for mercy, which also ended up with me doing a little begging of my own, we were both dressed and on the road headed toward Fred’s. As she spoke with Sierra on the phone, I listened in on their conversation. I’d never thought it would be humanly possible to ever feel this content again. I’d promised Miley breakfast, and since we were both starving and it was after one in the afternoon, we’d decided on Fred’s; it was the only place where you could order breakfast anytime. Miley sat in the middle of the seat, right beside me, with her hand resting on my knee. We were both having a hard time keeping our hands to ourselves, but hey, I wasn’t complaining. I actually loved it when she touched me. The need to distance myself from her never occurred. She was unlike any other woman I’d ever known.

  “I’m starving,” she said with a big smile.

  We held hands as we walked side by side across the parking lot to Fred’s. The bell over the door jingled when we stepped inside. As usual, Fred was behind the counter wearing a friendly smile. The man hadn’t changed much since the last time I’d seen him which had been nine years to the day. He didn’t recognize me, but I’d changed from the boy who had left so many years ago. The last time I’d eaten here had been with Natalie… the day before her birthday.

  “What’s the matter?” Miley asked, her eyes searching mine. She could sense the sudden change in my mood. Sometimes she was too damn perceptive. I halfway smiled and squeezed her hand, not wanting her to worry.

  “Nothing, babe,” I said, focusing my attention entirely on her. “Is this okay?”

  “The booth’s fine, Nate,” she said, and when I didn’t say anything else, she huffed, giving up and slid into the seat.

  I sat down and reached for her hand on the table, but she pulled away at the first brush of my fingertips. She leaned forward. Her expression curious as she stared at me. “Something up?” she asked, refusing to let it go.

  “Just thinking.” I didn’t want to talk about it right now. I didn’t want to ruin our day. I glanced away looking around the restaurant. Like Fred, it hadn’t changed much over the years. Familiar hazel eyes peered back at me. Fucking hell, it was Myra and Calvin Hayes, Natalie’s parents. They were sitting in one of the booths in the back. I don’t know how I’d missed them when we came in. The expression on Myra’s face was absolutely priceless, and it had Calvin peering over his shoulder to stare in my direction. I nodded at him then chose to ignore Myra. She hated the ground I walked on. Her resentment could eat her alive for all I cared.

  “I saw her when we came in,” Miley said, interrupting my thoughts. “They’re usually here every Sunday after church.”

  What the Hell?

  It was on the tip of my tongue to thank her for the warning, but I kept my sarcastic comment to myself. My lips flattened into a thin line. Miley was more than well aware of what she’d done. A young girl walked up to our table. She smiled at us both then pulled a pen and pad from her apron pocket. “You guys decided what you want to eat yet?”

  The menu hadn’t changed, either. We both ordered the breakfast platters, which consisted of a side order of pancakes, eggs, sausage, and buttered toast. When Miley ordered chocolate milk, my lips twitched and curved into a grin despite my current shitty mood. “It’s a habit,” she said with a small smile defending her choice. “When Sierra and I eat here, we always order chocolate milk.”

  “You can be a grown up today. You’re with me,” I teased, and in reply, she stuck out her tongue at me. Her eyes grew wide, and when I started to turn in my seat, her hand covered mine, causing me to pause.

  “Don’t turn around. Do not look over your shoulder. Myra Hayes and her husband are headed this way.”

  “Fuck,” I muttered, every muscle in my body tightening. “If this gets ugly…”

  “It’s okay, Nate,” she said, giving me a small smile at my concern for her. “I’m a big girl, and believe you me, I’m well acquainted with ugly.” Miley’s expression grew solemn at those words. Her eyes turned from mine to whomever was now more than likely standing directly behind me.

  Would Myra have the courage to approach me herself, or would it be Calvin?

  A hand settled onto my shoulder. My fingers curled into a fist beneath the table. Miley’s hand gripped mine. Her touch was reassuring, but I fought against the urge to pull my hand away from hers. I had nothing to be ashamed of. It wasn’t shame if I were being completely honest… it was guilt. I wasn’t ashamed of Miley.

  “It’s good to see you back, son.” I heard a familiar voice state.

  I turned to face the man who’d always been nothing but kind to me until that day; the day I’d lost my heart and nearly lost my mind. “Thank you, Calvin.” He hadn’t changed except for the gray hair and a few more wrinkles around his eyes. Myra’s attention stayed focused on her husband. She stood silently by his side.

  I’d never forget her words or what had happened that day in the driveway outside their house. As long as I lived, it would haunt me. The rain had been pouring down when I’d pulled in. I didn’t even have the chance to knock on the front door. Myra had met me in the driveway. The fact that she wasn’t carrying an umbrella should have clued me in. I’d never even been given the opportunity to speak. She’d started in, screaming at me, accusing me. This was how I’d learned of my child. It was all my fault she had screamed over and over. She wished it were me instead of Natalie. Calvin must have finally heard Myra’s screams. He’d come running out of the house and had convinced her to go back inside. He’d asked me to wait so we could talk. In the end, he’d sided with his wife. The people I’d grown to think of as family had turned their back on me just like everyone else.

  “Do you mind if we have a word with you?” Calvin ask
ed.

  Miley squeezed my hand reassuringly. I would have loved nothing better than to tell them both to fuck off, but I didn’t. My gran had taught me to respect my elders even if they were assholes. My gaze shifted to Myra, but she glanced away; her lips tightening.

  I had a feeling this wasn’t going to go well.

  “All right,” I finally agreed, shrugging my shoulders. Maybe, after they’d had their say, they’d finally leave me the hell alone.

  “Outside,” Calvin requested, and I nodded in agreement then looked across the table at Miley.

  Her concern was hard to miss. “I’ll be right back,” I told her, and slipped my hand from hers as I rose to stand. Myra and Calvin were already walking out the door. “It will be okay,” I said, but she shook her head no.

  “I’m coming with you,” she insisted. She sounded as fierce as a mama bear protecting her cub, but I could more than take care of myself. I didn’t need to hide behind her apron strings.

  “I can handle it. Stay put,” I said without giving her a chance to argue. Stubborn ass woman. I walked up the aisle heading straight for the exit.

  “We’ll be right back,” Miley said, and I glanced over my shoulder to find her right behind me. She didn’t listen worth shit. She was worse than Hank. She smiled at Fred as if somehow reassuring that we weren’t going to skip out on the bill, then she shot me a look. It was as if she were silently daring me to argue with her on this. I’d already taken a pillow to the face so I knew she had a pretty good aim. It was no use.

  “Behave,” I muttered and held the door open for her.

  Calvin and Myra stood waiting. “We’re sorry for the interruption. This won’t take long. Do you mind if we walk over to the picnic tables?”