by Nicole Vidal
“They already were.”
Oh my! “Thank you. What time do I need to be ready for our date?”
A sly smile appears on his face. He’s up to something. I can’t wait either.
Chapter Twenty Four
Connor
Mere minutes after I shoo Calliope out the door for her trip to the salon, reinforcements arrive. Jake’s siblings Jill and Cameron sist me in setting up for our date. Aside from the location being perfect, my condo has a rooftop patio. It’s the only reason I bought this unit rather than a house.
“Hey, guys! Thanks for the assist.”
“Anytime,” they reply in unison. Cameron is average height, stocky build, and brown eyes. He’s a Crescent Bay firefighter. Jillian is slender and petite with gorgeous blonde hair down to her waist. She teaches elementary-age students with severe developmental conditions. Jill’s passion hobby is cooking.
The patio is awesome as it normally is, but when I asked for help, Jill felt it needed a bit more ambiance. I’m stringing lights around the pergola with Cam while Jill sets the table.
“She must be special if you’re going to all this trouble, Connor.”
She’s everything I ever wanted. I don’t know how to deal with feeling that way already. “She is.”
“What about you? Any ladies last more than a first date?”
Cameron laughs. “No, the dating pool around here is scarce.”
He’s absolutely correct. Neither Laila, my high school girlfriend nor Shea, my most recent friend with benefits are from Crescent Bay. Shea lives about an hour away.
I look down at Jill who is purposefully ignoring us. “What about you, Jill? Any dates I need to run a check on?”
“No, no one to worry about.”
She’s hiding something.
“We know you’re lying, Jill.”
“Shut up, Cam!”
He snickers and hops down off the stool. “Let us do our job as your big brothers.”
Jill sighs. “That is precisely the reason I won’t share who I’m interested in. You’ll run him off. Besides, he doesn’t know I exist.”
“Considering you’re here to set up for my date, Jill, you should tell him. It’s the only way to find out if he’s interested too.” Jill knows I haven’t been on a date in too long. If I can do it, so can she.
“I’ll think about it.”
We finish adding the lights, Cam checks the firepit, and Jill puts the last touches on the table settings. My phone vibrates in my pocket.
Norah: Are you ready for her to come back?
Me: Not yet. I need another half hour or so.
Norah: No problem.
Me: Thanks, Norah.
Norah: You’re welcome. I’m happy for both of you.
I hurry Cam out the door and get my instructions from Jill on what needs to be done for dinner. Once she’s finished explaining, she hands me a note card with everything she told me.
“Why do you think I need this? You told me everything on here.”
“You’re nervous. I want it to be perfect for you.”
I hug her tight. “I am. Thanks, Jilly.” She hates when I call her that.
She rolls her eyes. “I set the flowers you ordered downstairs right inside the gym door. I put a vase in the cabinet above the fridge.”
“I can’t thank you enough.”
“None are necessary. I like adding more women to our family.”
“Me too.”
Jill scampers down the stairs. I tuck her instructions into the drawer near the stove and take a quick shower. I check my phone and answer a text from Calliope. They should be here soon.
She arrives with a few bags of groceries, freshly painted fingers and toenails, and a huge smile on her face.
“What time do I need to be ready?”
It’s near four now. “Depends, how hungry are you?”
She smirks. “I could eat in the near future.”
“Okay, let’s get ready now.” I follow her to my bedroom and change. As she moves around the room, she’s singing something softly. I can’t make out the song this time though. Watching her during her shows and now are completely different. During her shows, she’s laser focused and overly prepared. Now, she’s light and, dare I say, happy. I change into dress pants and a button-down shirt and slip out of the bedroom.
I’ll admit it, Jill was right. I’m nervous. I’m literally pacing in my kitchen. I check the instructions while I wait for Calliope. After I verify everything is set inside, I turn on the oven before grabbing my phone and sending a message to Jill.
Me: Thanks for the instructions.
Jill: Happy to help. Have a good time.
Me: You’re the best bonus sister ever.
Jill: Thanks.
I smile, pocket my phone, and climb downstairs to scoop up the flowers. I have no idea what her favorite is. This bouquet is colorful and contains pink expression roses, purple mini calla lilies, Texas bluebells, which are actually pink, and delphinium, which has an intense blue color. When I climb the stairs, Calliope is entering the kitchen.
Damn, she’s beautiful! She’s wearing a purple sheath dress and medium peep-toe heels. It fits like it was tailored specifically for her curves. Her hair, which was braided earlier, is now pinned to her head. Mara would know what the style it’s called. I crest the stairs.
“You look beautiful.”
“Thanks, you look hot yourself.”
I hand her the flowers.
She lifts them to her nose. “Thank you. These are gorgeous. Do you have a vase?”
I shake my head and pull it down from above the fridge.
“What’s with the head shaking?”
“Jill brought it over earlier. Somehow she knew I didn’t have one for you.”
Calliope prepares the flowers, puts them in the vase, and sets them on the island.
I offer her my arm. “Calliope, would you do me the honor of being my date tonight?” For now, I leave off that I want her as my forever date despite the short amount of time I’ve known her.
She giggles softly. “Yes, Connor. I would love to.”
I lead her down the back hall to the stairs that lead to the roof. I open the door at the top and follow her through.
“Wow, this is amazing.”
“It’s my favorite part of my home.”
“It might be mine too.”
We settle on the couch near the far wall. I cover her legs with a throw blanket while I turn on the firepit.
“You didn’t want to go out?”
I sit beside her once the heat starts wafting in our direction. I thought I might get this question. “I wanted to be alone with you. The closest restaurant worth the drive is in Baltimore. Plus, Jill is a kickass cook.”
“I’m not upset. I was curious.”
“Would you tell me if you were?” I almost don’t want to ask.
“Yes, I would. I respect you too much to lie to you. Plus, I really love it up here.”
I press a kiss to her temple.
“What happens when this is over?” She gestures between us.
“Do you mean when your tour is over?”
“No. Yes.”
I take her hands in mine. “Please tell me.”
“Let’s start smaller. How does this work tomorrow with your family around?”
“Same as it is now.”
She wrinkles her cute nose. “No restrictions?”
“I realize it’s soon, but I care about you. Do you want restrictions?”
Calliope pinches the bridge of her nose. “Not necessarily. I need to know—”
The timer on my phone interrupts us. I hang my head briefly. “That’s for dinner. I’ll be right back.”
“Can I help?”
Surprised, I look at her. “Sure.” I shut off the firepit and offer her my hand. We gather our dinner, and I follow her back upstairs. Watching the sway of her hips right in front of me is torture, especially considering my hands are full. Once I pl
ace my dish down, I round the table and pull out her chair.
“Thank you.” We both take a bite of the meal Jill prepared. She made chicken with some type of cream sauce, asparagus with almonds, and roasted red potatoes. “Wow, Jill truly has skills!”
“She does. You can tell her tomorrow.”
She shrugs.
I set down my fork, take her hand in mind, and rub circles with my thumb. “What are you worried about?”
“Everyone knowing my story. The real me.”
“I know the real you. You’re incredible.”
She exhales sharply before speaking. “That’s exactly it. You’re the only person who knows the real me, the whole story, and I would like to keep it that way.”
The fact that she doesn’t want to share the real her with anyone else makes my chest tighten, not only for me but for what it means for us. “What does that mean to you? Jake and Christoph know what’s in your file. They know about your parents and that you were a ward of the state until you became an adult. What about Norah and Maia? Did you share anything with them?”
She sighs. “I had a wonderful time with them earlier. I haven’t had anyone to be normal with in such a long time. They are both amazing in different ways. I told them about my parents and that I was a ward of the state. I didn’t share anything about the Millers, Tristan, or any of the other families. Norah mentioned her mom died of cancer, so that eased talking about my parents a bit more. Talking with someone who has lost a close family member is more comfortable than with a person who hasn’t.”
I nod but don’t say anything, hoping she’ll continue sharing.
“I don’t want anyone else to know more than what my file says. Is that awful?”
“No, not at all. You don’t have to share.”
“Just like that?”
I lift her hand to my lips. “I would never share with anyone unless it has to do with your safety. I highly doubt there’s a connection between the threats to you and the Millers or any of the other foster families.”
“Thank you.”
“Always.”
She points to my plate. “You should eat before it’s ice-cold. We seem to have a knack for talking instead of eating our meals.”
I smile, release her hand, and dig back into my food. We eat in silence until she polishes off every bite Jill prepared. Normally, I finish before everyone else, but Calliope beats me most meals.
“Tell me something almost no one knows about you,” she asks.
I have very little that I keep close. I share freely with the people I care about. “I want a large family. Partially influenced by my mom’s profession, I want both biological and adopted children.”
Calliope freezes in her seat with her glass halfway to her lips. She attempts to speak more than once. Setting it down, she stares at me. Her eyes are wide with surprise.
“Do you want children?” My voice comes out barely audible. It would be near impossible to be in a long-term relationship if she doesn’t want children at all.
A single tear falls down her cheek. I rise from my chair and pull her against me. I want this. I want her to be mine. Inviting Calliope here was for us to learn more about one another. I may have ended our budding relationship with a single statement and question. I’m already falling for this beautiful, emotionally scarred powerhouse, and I may have to let her go after spending the next few months with her every waking moment of the day.
Chapter Twenty Five
Calliope
When I asked the open-ended question, I wasn’t expecting that answer. Certainly not one that completely dovetails with my own answer to the same question. If I didn’t already believe in my heart and soul that I was meant to meet Connor, that would have sealed it.
Here in his comforting safe embrace, I know we can handle anything together.
“Ask me again,” I murmur against his chest before lifting my gaze to his.
He takes a deep breath and briefly closes his eyes. “Calliope, do you want children?”
I rise on my toes and brush my lips across his. “Yes. My answer is the same as yours word for word, except for the mom social worker part.”
“Really?”
“Absolutely.”
Relief washes over him as he lowers his lips to mine and kisses me breathless. This kiss is different from the rest. It’s all-consuming and possessive. He’s in as deep as I am. The sensations coursing through me from his lips on mine warms me from head to toe.
What we did in the kitchen this morning was… indescribable. What will actually being with him do to me?
As if he can read my mind, he kisses over my chin and outward toward my jaw. Tugging at his shirt, I untuck it and slip my hands beneath the fabric, dragging my fingernails down the sinew of his back. I feel his goose bumps as I make each pass. Knowing I can make him squirm is a heady feeling. After one more pass over his warm skin, I start to unbutton his shirt.
His hands stop mine after the first two. I look up at him. The desire and lust in his blue eyes is intense. He’s wrestling with something in his head.
“Do you want me—”
“Yes, more than I should given the amount of time I’ve known you.”
That wasn’t my whole question. Fear tightens my chest. “But?”
“No but. Just not up here.”
The knot in my chest loosens. I take his hand in mine and step toward the stairs. He doesn’t move. I’ll only be able to move him if he lets me. I want to read his mind right now. I grip his hand tighter and wait.
“Are you sure about this?” he murmurs without budging, leveling his gaze with mine.
“About you? About us? I’ve never been more confident about any decision since choosing to sing.”
It’s as if I shoved open the door to his heart with my words. We’re halfway down the stairs before I can finish my sentence. With the door to the patio locked behind us, Connor turns me toward the door and tugs the zipper of my dress down from my neck to the small of my back ever so slowly. The press of his mouth against my skin makes my heart rate tick up. My dress pools at my feet. I take a step back, bringing Connor flush against me, and there’s no mistaking his impressive arousal. His hand curls around my side, splaying on my abdomen. His hot mouth blazes a path on the top of my shoulder.
I turn to face him. “You have too many clothes on.” I continue unfastening the column of buttons and the cuffs. This time he doesn’t stop me. We take a step closer to the bedroom as I move up the row. When I reach the top, he shrugs it off and it floats to the hardwood floor.
Leaning forward, I set my mouth to his chest while working his belt. Almost as quickly as my dress, his pants fall around his feet. I skim my hands up the front of his thighs before drawing both hands over his length. I noticed when we were dancing in the kitchen, but now there is no doubt in my mind—Connor is well-endowed. The notion makes tingles run over my entire body. Before I can dip my hand beneath the waistband, he lifts me into his arms, and I hook my ankles around his waist. In a few long strides, Connor guides me to the center of his bed and hovers over me.
The sensations coursing through me from his tongue teasing my taut nipples pales in comparison to my hand wrapped around his thick length. Even more wetness pools between my thighs as I stroke him.
He climbs up and presses his lips to mine. “How long, gorgeous?”
It takes me a minute to process why he wants to know. “Years. You?”
“Almost a year.”
I raise an eyebrow at that. How is that even possible?
“I’m very selective.”
How does he do that?
He turns us onto our sides and slides his hand down to cup my sex. “Baby you’re so—”
I interrupt his words by swirling my tongue around his lips. He plunges two fingers into my wet core and starts to move, the heel of his hand rubbing against my pulsing nub. My lower belly spirals into a tight coil. The instant he curls his fingers inside me, I writhe against him. My inner walls
clench around him as a hard orgasm shudders through me.
When the lusty fog clears, I focus on his eyes. I could get lost in them every day for the rest of my life without hesitation. With all the strength I can muster, I push him flat onto his back. Thank goodness his bed is huge!
“Nope, not happening that way.” He shakes his head. “Not right now anyway.”
“Why not?”
“Aside from how smoking hot you will look riding me, I would like our first time to last much longer than my first time ever.”
I smirk. With that, he flips us back over, grabs a condom from the bedside table, and rolls it on. He hovers over me before kissing me again. This kiss is possessive, like he’s claiming me. I’m right there with him. I claim him too. He nudges my thighs wider, the tip of his length grazing my heated center. My eyes flutter closed.
“Calliope, look at me.”
I look up at him. Resisting the urge to close them again as he slowly pushes forward proves difficult. I relax and breathe to accommodate him. Touching and stroking him are vastly different than how he feels pushing inside me. Connor moves slowly until he’s fully buried to the hilt.
“Are you okay? You’re so tight.”
I exhale deeply again.
“Calli—”
After a moment to fully appreciate him filling me, I declare, “I need you to move.”
Threading the fingers of one hand above my head, Connor withdraws and plunges forward. Holy hell! He feels so good. He’s deliberate as he slides in and out of my core. Each thrust sends spikes of pleasure tumbling through my entire body. The beginning of my release swirls at the base of my spine. Connor’s abs tighten as he moves inside me. I clench my fingers around his as my orgasm ripples through me. I contract my inner muscles to extend the feeling of ecstasy from Connor. He follows me over the edge, exploding in hot bursts. When our panting decreases to measured breaths, Connor moves to dispose of the condom.
When he returns, he gathers me against him. I realize it’s been a while, but it didn’t feel like that before, not ever. I’m completely sated in my body, mind, and heart, at least for the moment. To say that was mind-blowing might be an epic understatement. I knew before, but now I’m sure, I want Connor. Making that happen is something entirely different.