Love Me Tender

by Susan Fox

  She was so sexy, such a generous lover.

  “Not as much as . . .” Strength was returning to his muscles, at least enough so he could sit up. He intended to flip her back on the bed and lavish her with kisses and caresses until she climaxed. But that smiling mouth drew him. He captured her smile with his own lips and slid his tongue into her mouth to do a little dirty dancing with hers.

  She leaned into the kiss eagerly, but this time he was going to take things slow if it killed him. He pulled back and said, “Thank you.”

  Her eyes twinkled. “For the blow job?”

  “Well, yeah, for sure. But mostly, for dragging me out of my cave.” He studied her face, exotic yet familiar, lovely yet genuine and approachable. “Actually, no. For being you.”

  “That’s a very nice compliment, Mr. Cousins.”

  “You’re a very nice woman, Ms. Esperanza.”

  “Having established that, are you now going to be very nice to me, Mr. Cousins?”

  “You bet your sweet ass I am, Ms. Esperanza.” He’d never in his life said the word “ass” to a woman. His parents had trained him to always respect women, and he did. They’d also trained him to be a gentleman. But Cassidy often teased him about being an old-fashioned guy, which, to be honest, made him feel stodgy. She brought out a different side of him. A side that could maybe get a little . . . raunchy. With dancing, and perhaps in bed as well.

  Hmm. That opened up all sorts of possibilities . . .

  Dave woke just before five-thirty. That was normal. What wasn’t normal was the warm body entwined with his and the feeling of satiation that filled him. Man, that had been some night. It hadn’t been just about the orgasms; it had been an ongoing thing—touching and tasting each other whenever they weren’t sleeping.

  He usually looked forward to starting his day by checking in with Sam—or, on Sam’s nights off, with Randy, the alternate night manager. This morning, though, he’d rather have stayed in bed and found a creative way of waking Cassidy. If he hurried, he could be back while she was still asleep.

  He turned off the alarm clock and slid cautiously away from her and out of bed. Collecting boxers, shorts, and a tee, he went to the hall bathroom to take a quick shower.

  In the living room, he glanced at the area rug, all askew. He grinned and left it that way. To his surprise, he had no regrets. A sense of well-being put a spring in his step.

  Merlin, asleep in his basket in the kitchen, woke when Dave entered the room, and jumped to his feet.

  “Yes, let’s go for a run.” Dave collected his leash. “But a short one.” In the time it would take to run around a couple of blocks, he’d have decided how to wake Cassidy.

  He and the dog went down the stairs to the main floor and greeted Sam. While the wannabe writer patted Merlin, Dave asked, “How was your night?”

  “Quiet on the hotel side, productive on the writing side. How was yours?”

  “Uh, good. It was good.” Dave fought to hold back a self-satisfied grin.

  “You don’t say.” Narrow-eyed, Sam studied him, reminding Dave that some folks said his face was an open book. He’d never believed it, but Cassidy had suggested that it was true.

  “We’re going out for a run.”

  “I kinda figured.”

  “When Deepta comes in, tell her to call my cell if she needs me.” Typically, Dave greeted her in person when she came to work at six-thirty. “I have some things to do upstairs.”

  “Uh-huh.”

  Dave hurried for the back door, Merlin trotting at his heels. When they were outside, his steps were as springy as the poodle’s. He could have run for miles, but a sexy naked woman awaited him at home. A friend with benefits. He’d never realized what a great concept that was.

  His feet were still spring-loaded as he raced Merlin up the four flights of stairs. They both arrived at the top panting and grinning. “Shh,” Dave told the dog. “I’ll give you breakfast, then you’re on your own.” But when he opened the door to his suite, something unexpected greeted him: the scent of coffee. A delicious scent, but one he’d rather not have smelled; it meant Cassidy was awake. Merlin, on the other hand, was delighted. He rushed into the kitchen.

  Dave followed, to see Cassidy dressed in last night’s clothes. Bummer. All the same, she looked so pretty and her smile was so wide that he had to smile back. “Good morning, beautiful.”

  “You only say that because I’m cooking breakfast.”

  “I hadn’t even noticed.” He glanced past her to the counter, to see a bowl and a cutting board with a bunch of chopped veggies. “You don’t have to do that.”

  She rolled her eyes. “Jeez, Dave, it’s no big deal.” She wiped her hands on a dish towel and came over to loop her arms around his neck. “Good morning.”

  He put his arms around her. “It sure is. Almost as good as if you’d still been in bed.”

  She tilted her head. “What would you have done?”

  “You’ll never know.”

  “It wouldn’t have gone like this?” She pressed a featherlight kiss on his mouth.

  “Maybe to start with. But it would have turned into this.” He caught her head in one hand, feeling the dampness of freshly washed hair. Then he kissed her thoroughly, trying to put “thank you,” “good morning,” and “let’s go back to bed” all into one kiss. When he finally broke the kiss, he was fully aroused, reinforcing the last message he’d been trying to get across.

  “Hold that thought.” Her eyes laughed at him, but the flush on her cheeks testified to her own arousal. “I have to work this morning, and the boss is a tough taskmaster.”

  “Damn, I forgot you were on day shift.”

  “I need to eat, go home and change, and be back by eight.”

  Quickie sex would take no longer than cooking and eating breakfast. He was about to say that when she yawned. One of those big yawns that seemed to sneak up on her.

  He’d kept her up for most of the night. He knew that she got fatigued easily and that her leg sometimes bothered her. And now she had a full day’s work ahead. The woman needed breakfast more than she needed sex. “Okay, what’s for breakfast? Let me help.” He moved to the counter and saw she’d chopped onion, mushrooms, and green pepper, and beaten some eggs. “Omelet?”

  “Not quite. Frittata. Want to grate some cheddar and mozzarella while I get this going?”

  “Sure. But I can make breakfast. You’re my guest. Why don’t you—”

  “Dave, stop. Are we going to argue over everything?”

  “Only if we can have make-up sex after.”

  That laugh he loved burbled out. “I’ve created a monster. Now, can he grate cheese?”

  Resigned to letting her have her way, he took cheese from the fridge and got to work.

  She melted butter in a cast-iron frying pan, lightly sautéed all the vegetables together, tossed in the egg mixture, and sprinkled the cheese on top. Then she put the frying pan cover on. “That’ll be done in two or three minutes.”

  “Nice. I’ll remember that.” He had fed Merlin and now poured coffee for both of them.

  “I like quick, easy food. And one-dish meals. Sometimes all I’ve had is a hot plate or a microwave. It’s easy to nuke meals or buy fast food, but that’s not healthy.” She turned off the heat and plated the frittata.

  “That looks great.” Putting the cover on the frying pan had made the mixture puff up, kind of like a low soufflé, and the cheese had melted. It smelled mouthwatering. “Juice?”

  At her nod, he poured orange juice, and then they sat down at the kitchen table to eat. “Tastes as good as it looks,” he said. Struck by a wicked thought, he added, “Just like you.”

  “Now there’s an interesting compliment.”

  “How about tonight? Are you free? Can you come here again?”

  “Come here? That’s up to you, isn’t it? But I suspect you’re up to the task.”

  “Joking aside, does tonight work?”

  “Because you want me to
cook breakfast again tomorrow morning?”

  “If you do something that well, of course I’m going to want more of it.” He winked. “And you know I’m not talking about cooking, right?”

  Chapter Fourteen

  Cassidy’s workday on Thursday was a tough one. Though last night had been wonderful and she’d actually seen Dave’s dimple flash at breakfast, her fatigue was back and her leg was acting up. After her shift, she wasn’t too proud to accept a four-block ride home from Madisun. A cool shower and a nap helped reinvigorate her, but she was still dragging when she snuck in the back door of the Wild Rose at seven o’clock and took the elevator to the top floor.

  When she stepped into Dave’s suite, he greeted her with a heart-stopping kiss, then settled her on the couch with her feet up. “What would you like to drink? I have beef and veggie skewers marinating to put on the barbecue. How about I open a bottle of Syrah?”

  “Perfect. Can I do something to help?”

  “You can sit right here and enjoy your wine.”

  How rare and lovely to be waited on. Especially when her server was a hot guy in a white tee and khaki shorts that nicely displayed his physical assets. A few minutes later, he was back with two glasses and a bottle of Road 13 wine. “What kind of music would you like?”

  “Country and western.” She sipped, finding the wine rich and fruity.

  He slipped a CD into the machine, handed her the case, then took his own wineglass back to the kitchen.

  A woman began to sing about silver linings. Kacey Musgraves. Good pick. Cassidy yawned, sipped wine, mused on silver linings. If her teen years hadn’t been so messed up, she likely wouldn’t have discovered the joy of exploring the world. If she hadn’t heard the woman at the hair salon talk about Caribou Crossing, if she hadn’t been so exhausted that she face-planted in the lobby of the Wild Rose, she wouldn’t be here right now.

  Sheer, blissful laziness slid through her body. This was nice, being looked after. Pampered. By her sexy, considerate lover. Last night, Dave had asked what she needed that he could give her. No man had ever asked her that. It made her think of Gramps. He’d treated her and JJ like they were the most important things in his life, and it had felt wonderful.

  A few songs later, Dave came back with two plates of food.

  The meal was simple but tasty and the conversation drifted easily. Dave told stories about Robin, Cassidy mentioned Ms. H, and then they both shared some reminiscences about school days. Dave told her that he’d been captain of the high school basketball team and now served as volunteer coach, with occasional help from Jamal Estevez. Cassidy speculated as to whether Karen and Jamal were checking out the beach in Hawaii or spending all their time in bed. They talked about Riders Boot Camp, and she found out that Dave was on the board of directors.

  When they finished their dinner, Dave insisted on cleaning up. Mellow and sleepy, she didn’t argue. Shortly after, he came back with the dog on his leash. “Taking Merlin out for a minute.” She waved a hand in acknowledgment. This was so nice, vegging on the couch, sipping her third glass of wine as she fought back yawns. When man and dog returned, she didn’t move an inch.

  A minute or two later, Dave stood beside her. “How are you feeling?”

  “Blissed out. I’m not sure I’ll ever move again.”

  “Come to bed.”

  She smiled up at him, so handsome and sexy. “Okay, those words might get me moving.”

  He helped her to her feet. Then he caught her off guard, swooping her up in his arms. Mmm, she liked strong and masterful.

  In the bedroom, he placed her on the bed and removed her clothing. She stretched out, naked, waiting for him to undress. But he didn’t. He rolled her onto her stomach, sat on the side of the bed, and began to massage her. A real massage, with firm, warm hands working the muscles of her shoulders, back, butt, legs, even her feet, paying special attention to her troublesome left leg.

  Her muscles softened and released at the same time that arousal coiled between her legs. “You’re really good at this.”

  “I like touching you. And I feel guilty.”

  “Guilty?”

  “For keeping you awake most of last night, when you had to work a full shift today.”

  How totally sweet. “I thought it was the other way around,” she teased. “That it was me keeping you up all night.”

  “Tonight you’re getting a sound night’s sleep.”

  Arousal was winning over the therapeutic effects of his touch. “That’s a pretty thorough massage you’ve given me, but there’s an important set of muscles you’ve missed.” She rolled onto her back, to see him sitting beside her, gazing quizzically down at her, the usual few unruly locks of hair tumbling over his forehead.

  She reached under the hem of his tee, brushing his flesh with her fingers and feeling his muscles ripple in response. “And believe me, they’re definitely achy and in need of your firm touch.” And firm he was as she undid his shorts and reached inside.

  Smart man, he had the sense not to suggest she might be too tired for sex. Likely he’d noted her wriggles of pleasure and the moisture on her inner thighs.

  He rose, peeled off his clothes, and took a condom from the bedside table. When he was sheathed, he slipped a pillow under her butt. “Lie back and let me do all the work.”

  “You consider this work?” She spread her legs so he could kneel between them.

  “I consider this”—he paused as the tip of his erection brushed her inner thigh—“the nicest thing that’s happened to me in one hell of a long time.” His fingers slicked moisture across her skin, two of them entered her gently, readying her, and then, on an exhale of pleasure, he slipped into her. He leaned forward and they kissed, slow and easy like the movements of their bodies. Sweet and intense.

  The nicest thing that had happened to him. Sex. Such a simple physical act. She’d done it loads of times, with her fair share of guys. Handsome guys and plain ones, rich men and poor ones, talented ones and guys who were struggling to find their way. Straightforward guys and complicated ones. Some had been terrific lovers.

  Dave was complicated. Intriguing. Sweet. But, bottom line, just another guy. So why, with him, did this simple physical act feel so utterly wonderful? Pleasure rippled through her with every slow, controlled stroke, until it crested and shattered in waves that pulsed through her entire body. A moment later, Dave groaned, gripped her tighter, and found his own release.

  She clasped him in her arms, as satisfied as a woman could be.

  A few minutes later, he lifted off her and dealt with the condom. Lying back beside her, he put his arm around her shoulders. She turned on her side, nestling close with her head resting on his chest. Earlier, he’d said he wanted her to get a good night’s sleep, and she was well on her way. Drowsily, she murmured, “All those people are right. You really are the perfect man.”

  “Who are ‘all those people,’ and are you talking about my skill in the sack or what?”

  She gave a lazy chuckle. “Well, yes, but no. I mean . . . never mind.” She yawned. “I’m too tired to make sense.”

  “Go to sleep, Cassidy.”

  She smiled against his firm chest. Yes, perfect.

  Sneaking out of Dave’s apartment early Friday morning, for the second morning in a row, made Cassidy uncomfortable. Like she was doing something clandestine. But she knew Dave hated being gossiped about.

  Her leg felt fine after that wonderful massage and a good sleep, so rather than take the elevator and risk being seen by Sam, she went down the back stairs. She slipped out the inn’s back door and hurried across the parking lot. An impulse made her glance back, and yes, Dave was watching from his bedroom window. When he waved, she blew him a kiss.

  Then she glimpsed another face at a window: Mitch, the chef, gazing curiously from the kitchen. Damn. Pretending she didn’t see him couldn’t undo the fact that he’d seen her. So she gave him a smile and a wave. He’d have no way of knowing it was Dave she’d been w
ith. It could have been a hotel guest. And didn’t that make her look so professional . . .

  After a quick trip to her apartment, she hurried back to work and found that, as luck would have it, she was assigned to wait tables in the restaurant. Mitch took her aside and cautioned her against getting involved with the guests. She bit her lip, then told him he was right.

  Even though Cassidy had vowed not to let her personal relationship with Dave impinge on their work one, she decided he needed to know about this. At coffee break, she found him in the lobby. While he arranged a trail ride for a family of five, she chatted with Deepta at reception. When Dave was free, she said, “Could I have a minute to discuss my work shifts?”

  His brows rose. “Sure. Come on into my office.”

  As they headed down the hall, Merlin, who’d been sleeping in a patch of sun near the front door, picked himself up and came with them. Inside the office, Dave closed the door, gestured her to a chair, and took the chair beside it. “Your schedule?”

  She shook her head. “Mitch saw me leave the hotel this morning. He assumed I’d spent the night with a guest. He gave me a lecture.”

  “Oh man.” He raised a hand and shoved back his unruly hair. “I’m sorry, Cassidy.”

  “It’s okay.” Though really, it wasn’t. While she liked being a fun, free-spirited person, she prided herself on doing a good job. “But it’s going to make it hard, me visiting you at night.”

  He nodded thoughtfully. “I was thinking.”

  “About?”

  “There’s a party Saturday night at Miriam and Wade’s. They own Bly Ranch, just down the road from Boots?”

  “Right. Jess’s parents.” Another of the “sprinkled with magic dust” couples.

  “Yes. Anyhow, it’s Jessie and Evan’s second anniversary. Robin will be there, of course, and I’m invited. I thought maybe you’d like to go.”

  What did this have to do with Mitch? “That sounds nice.” Except . . . Ah, she was beginning to see the connection. “You mean, go as friends like we’ve done in the past? Or . . . ?”