Can't Fight It (Fair Lakes Book 3)

by Kaylee Ryan

  “Come here.” Placing my hands on her hips, I pull her close. I’m now the one biting down on my bottom lip as her naked body, all that soft, silky skin, presses against mine. “Dance with me,” I murmur.

  “T-There’s no music.”

  She’s right. I’d use my phone, but without power, I need to save my battery in case my parents or Milo needs me. “Of course there is.” My voice is low and husky, and I try to fight off the physical need that’s taking over my body as I hold her tight. “Listen to the fire.”

  Her hands lock behind my neck, her tits showcasing her hard nipples as they mold to my chest. Other than the first moment I held my son, nothing has ever felt this right. I pull her as close as I can get her, our naked bodies aligned perfectly, and with more restraint than I knew I was capable of, we begin to casually sway to the sound of the crackling fire.

  My eyes are closed because I know once I see her, those plump lips, and the shimmer of need in her green eyes, I’m a goner. Instead, I bury my face in her neck, and her smell surrounds me. Just a taste. Just a little nibble to tide me over. My tongue peeks out and traces her skin.

  “Oh, God,” she moans.

  That’s all the green light I need. I nip and suck at her neck, grinding my hard cock into her belly. It was my intention to just sample what the night before us holds, but instead, I’m driving us both crazy.

  When she reaches down and wraps her hand around my cock, all bets are off. “Hollisss,” I hiss. Fuck, I can’t have her hands on me just yet or this is going to be over before we get started. And that is going to be disappointing for both of us. “Lie down.” With Herculean effort, I pull away from her and settle onto the bed of blankets and pillows on the living room floor.

  “Lie back, beautiful,” I say when she takes a seat next to me. She does as I ask, and a shiver races through her body. I’m not sure if it’s the chill in the room or the anticipation, but I’m not willing to risk it. I move to sit on my knees, facing her. Slowly, my hand travels up her silky-smooth thighs. I don’t stop until I reach the promised land. “All this for me?” I ask, and even I can hear the awe in my voice at finding her pussy soaking wet.

  My mouth waters.

  “Open for me.” She doesn’t hesitate to spread her legs apart. I maneuver myself so that I’m resting between her thighs before reaching over and grabbing a blanket. Pulling the blanket over my shoulders, I lower my body and pull it over my head and over her body. Part of me wishes I could see her, that I could watch her as I taste her, but there will be time for that. This isn’t a one and done for me. I already know she’s under my skin, and tonight, that just makes me crave her even more.

  Tired of waiting, I suck her clit into my mouth while my hands travel up her body under the blanket. With a plump breast in each hand, I roll her nipples between my thumb and forefinger, all while my mouth is devouring her. Her legs tighten around my head, which only fuels my desire to devour her. I’m relentless, and when her legs begin to quiver, I get my hands involved. One finger then two, I slide them inside her, gently pumping while taking turns massaging her clit with my tongue and my thumb. My cock painfully presses against the blankets we’re lying on.

  I need to be inside her.

  Now.

  My hand pumps faster, and that’s all it takes. Her legs squeeze me, her back arches off the floor, and she cries out my name. I don’t stop until her legs relax. Pulling away from her, I wipe my mouth on the blanket and move my way up her body, kissing everywhere my lips will reach on my way. When my head pops out of the blanket, her eyes are closed, and she has a small, satisfied smile on her lips. My heart skips not just from how beautiful she looks in this moment, but because I did that.

  Me.

  Colton Callahan.

  “You’re stunning,” I say once again, memorizing everything about this moment.

  Her eyes flutter open, and the small smile grows. Her hand slides between us, and she again has my cock in her hand. I close my eyes as she slowly strokes me. “My turn.”

  “No.” I shake my head as a rough sputter of laughter leaves my chest. “I’m not coming in your mouth. I need to be inside you.”

  “We have all night,” she counters.

  “Exactly.” Snaking my arm out underneath the covers, I grab the box of condoms. I end up having to sit up as I tear open the box and retrieve a small foil packet. I have the pack ripped open and us protected within seconds before pulling the blanket back up over my shoulders and I’m settled between her thighs.

  Elbows resting on the floor on either side of her head, I brush the hair back from her face. My eyes hold hers for four heartbeats before she reaches between us and helps guide my steel length inside her. Slowly, inch after inch, I push forward until I’m fully seated. Eyes closed, I tilt my head back and absorb this feeling. The warmth of her body surrounding mine. I can’t explain it, and I know it sounds crazy as hell, but this feels different. Unlike anytime before her, before this moment. It’s incredible, and I need just a minute to reel it in. Deep even breaths in. Slowly release.

  “I-I wasn’t sure you would fit” is her whispered confession that causes me to open my eyes.

  “Like you were made for me.” I press my lips to hers, taking my time, letting my tongue duel with hers. Her body instantly relaxes, and I slide in a little deeper. Something I didn’t think was possible. Her eyes widen. “You okay?”

  “So okay.” She gives me a shy smile.

  Leisurely, I begin the slow dance of push and pull. Her hands slide under my arms, and her nails dig into my back. I’m taking my time. We’ve got all night, and I plan to take full advantage of the fact.

  “There,” she instructs as I push in deep. Her legs lift, and she locks them behind my back, crossing her ankles.

  Pulling out, I go deep again, causing her to moan. That’s the gratification I’m looking for, so I continue on. Each thrust develops faster and becomes more intense as the walls of her pussy clamp around my cock. Biting down on my bottom lip, I hold off my orgasm. I don’t go until she does.

  Faster and faster, I rock into her until she cries out, something I don’t understand, and like a vise, her pussy squeezes me, and no matter how hard I try to fight it, I lose control, spilling over inside her. Spent, I manage to rest my forehead against hers as I try and catch my breath. Her chest is rapidly rising and falling, mimicking my own.

  When I can finally pull away, I miss the warmth of her being wrapped around me. “I’m just going to go handle this. Don’t move.” Climbing to my feet, I find my legs are a little shaky. Not that the revelation should come as a surprise to me; I’ve never come that hard in my entire life.

  I find my way to the bathroom in the dark and dispose of the condom. At least I think I did. It’s hard to tell, and I didn’t bring my phone with me. This side of the house is chilly, but not freezing. Hopefully, the fire will keep the pipes from freezing. Speaking of pipes, mine is already frozen, missing her warmth. Carefully, I navigate my way back to her and drop to the floor, sliding under the covers. She wastes no time moving into my arms that are waiting to hold her.

  I run my hands through her hair as we lie here by the fire. We’re both quiet, and while I know why I’m lost in my thoughts, I don’t know why she is. “Regrets?” I force the word past my lips. Part of me doesn’t want to know, but then there’s the other part of me that wants nothing more than for her to be happy. The thought of her regretting this night has my stomach in knots.

  “No. No regrets,” she finally answers. “You?”

  “How could I regret something that changed my life?”

  Tilting her head up, she furrows her brow. Reaching over, I soothe it with my thumb.

  “Changed your life? That’s a pretty big statement, Callahan.”

  “I’d say life-altering deserves a big statement, Taylor.” I wink at her.

  “Really, no regrets?”

  “None.” I pull her a little tighter, willing her to believe me. “Tell me something. Anythi
ng.”

  “What do you want to know?”

  “Tell me about you. About your life, your friends, your family. I feel like I barely know anything about you at all.”

  “Well, I was born and raised in Southern California, and I’m an only child.”

  “What made you move here? Why Missouri of all places?”

  “I needed a change. I wanted to experience all four seasons. My best friend, Tina, works crazy hours, so I decided why not. It sounded like an adventure.”

  “An adventure, huh?” Her answer seems too canned for me to not think there is something else lying beneath the surface. I can only hope that one day she’ll trust me enough to let me in. I know we’re virtually strangers who have lived together for a short amount of time, and now we’ve just complicated things by sleeping together. However, I meant what I said. I don’t regret it, and it was life-changing. In so many ways. Not only was it the best sex of my life, but it’s opened my eyes to see what I’ve been missing all these years. A home of my own, a woman to not only keep me warm at night but to share my life with. The hardships of parenting, my hopes, and dreams. I see Chase and Gabby, and I’ve been envious, but tonight, it’s put things in a new perspective for me. If Hollis were not here, I’d be alone in the dark. Sure, I could have gone to my parents’ place, but still, I’d be alone. My bed would be cold, and my heart, still surrounded by self-imposed walls that are there for no reason.

  It’s not some tragic story of having my heart broken. No, when I enlisted and witnessed how upset my mother, father, and brother were when I was thousands of miles away and could hear the worry in their voice over a cracking connection, I knew I could never do that to someone else. I vowed to keep my distance and never get too close. The Army was where I felt I was supposed to be, and I refused to bring that pain and worry onto anyone else.

  The day I found out about Milo, there was no other choice to make. I was a father, and my son wouldn’t have to worry if Daddy was coming home.

  “Why graphic design?”

  “I don’t know really. I took a class my first year of college and enjoyed it. I caught on quickly, and we are living in the digital age. I liked the fact that I could make a living anywhere. I can have clients from all over the world and never have to leave my living room. And I can work in my pajamas all day.”

  “Great. Now all I’m going to think about is what skimpy little number you’re wearing while your door is closed.”

  “All you have to do is knock, and I’ll show you.”

  “Hollis,” I warn. “You can’t tease a man like that. Not after I’ve just been inside you and still have your warm naked body in my arms.”

  “I’m not teasing. I don’t know what happens next. If this was us just… scratching an itch, or what, but I’m keeping an open mind.”

  “And an open door?” I tease.“I’m crazy about you. I want to spend more time with you. Not just between the sheets, but us together, doing couple things. Although there is something that we need to discuss.”

  “I’m listening.”

  “I’m a single dad. I know Milo is still a baby, but he’s getting bigger every single day. He recognizes faces and voices, and well, if that’s too much for you, if being with me and my son is too much, I’d like for you to tell me now. Tell me before I fall any harder for you.” My hand is trailing up and down her back, enjoying the softness of her skin beneath my fingertips.

  Pushing up on her elbow, her hand rests against my cheek. “You’re an amazing man, Colton Callahan. I’ve said that before, and I’ll continue to do so. The fact that you’re a single father and proud of it warms my heart. You love that little boy to the ends of the earth, and that shines through in everything that you do. You’re not just Colton, the retired Army hero, you’re Colton, the brother, the son, and the father. That little boy is the best part of you, and I’m honored you allow me to be a small piece of your lives.”

  Lifting my head, I kiss her. We roll to our sides, and we kiss. Our hands roam each other’s bodies as we explore on an intimate level. I don’t know how long, minutes, hours pass us by, but it’s been one of the best nights of my entire life.

  “I should put more wood on the fire.” It’s starting to fade quickly, and the chill in the room, even under the blankets and with our body heat, is noticeable.

  “Yeah.” She yawns.

  “I’m stoking the fire, and then we’re sleeping.” I kiss the tip of her nose. “I’m sorry for keeping you up.”

  “Don’t apologize. I’ve enjoyed every second of our time together.”

  Nodding, I throw off the covers and yelp. “Fuck, it’s cold.” I rush to the fireplace, thankful I brought in enough wood to get us through the night. “Babe, as bad as I want to hold you skin to skin while we sleep, I think we better get dressed. I don’t want you getting sick.”

  She sighs. “On one condition.”

  “What’s that?” I ask, tossing logs onto the fire.

  “Raincheck?”

  I stop and turn to look at her over my shoulder. “Raincheck?”

  “I want another night that I get to sleep skin to skin with you.”

  “You want that?” I ask, ready to say fuck the fire, douse it with water, and drive through the fucking blizzard outside to the nearest hotel just to make it happen.

  “More than anything.”

  “Done. Now get dressed before I change my mind and we run off to the nearest hotel.”

  “The roads sucked hours ago, and the temperature is only dropping,” she says as if I’m crazy for wanting to leave.

  “I know,” I sigh. “That’s why you need to get dressed, but I promise you we will get our raincheck.” I turn back to the fire and pile as many logs on as I can to keep it going while we sleep. I replace the glass to keep sparks from flying and rush to find my clothes. I forgo the boxer briefs, and slide into my sweats, pulling my T-shirt on over my head. “You good? Need something warmer?”

  “Just you, Colton. Just you.”

  “I’m going to grab a drink of water, you want one?”

  “Yes, that actually would be great.”

  I make my way to the kitchen from memory and the light of the fire, and grab two glasses from the cabinet, filling them with water. I down mine, then fill it again before carrying them both into the living room. Once we’re done, I set them on the end table, so we don’t knock them over while we sleep. Taking my spot on the blankets, I burrow under and pull her into me. It’s noticeably warmer with clothes on. It’s a sacrifice I’ve made, but I would feel terrible if she were to get sick just to appease my desire to be next to her.

  As we lie here next to the warmth and the glow of the fire on our bed of blankets, I realize that I want more than just a raincheck. I want every night she’s willing to give me. I want to learn more about her, what she loves, what she hates. I want to know it all.

  “Hollis?”

  “Yeah?”

  “What’s your favorite color?”

  “Blue.”

  I snuggle in deeper, burying my face in her neck as I make a silent vow to learn it all. I want to get to know all of her, and I won’t stop until I do.

  This night has been more than I ever could have imagined, and we owe it to ourselves to see where this goes. I just pray that she knows what she’s signing up for being with a single father. There will be times when Milo will need all of me. From what I know of her, she’s going to be right there by my side. It’s that image that I see, the three of us together, as I drift off to sleep.

  Chapter 10

  Hollis

  When I wake in the morning, I’m smothered in heat. From head to toe, warmth envelopes me, making it damn near impossible to fully wake up. But I do, and when I open my eyes, I find nothing but smoldering ash in the fireplace, and a big, muscular arm stretched around me.

  Oh. Yeah. Last night.

  I can’t help but smile as I stretch. A delicious soreness tingles my thighs and lady parts. Last night comes back in bright
Technicolor. The sexual tension stretched over the evening, from the moment we got to the gym to the second we pulled in the driveway. It burned with anticipation so thick you could practically cut it with a knife.

  And the makeshift bed in front of a fireplace? Well, that was just the icing on top of the orgasm-laced cake.

  Now, as the sun slowly peeks through the curtains, a bubble of uncertainty lodges in my stomach. Am I supposed to go home? Tell him thanks for the good time and then leave, returning to my side of the wall and to our landlord-renter relationship? Is it still a walk of shame if it’s only a matter of yards, and you’re the only one to see you?

  God, this is why I don’t do this.

  This is why I don’t sleep with random guys, especially ones who I see on practically a daily basis.

  But then his words, his actions come back to me. He told me he was tired of fighting it. He led me to believe this wasn’t just an isolated in-the-moment occasion. The way he held me and touched me felt like it was the start of something. Something new.

  Something great.

  “You’re thinking awfully hard,” he mumbles, adjusting his arms and pulling me even closer. My ass comes in contact with his already hard cock, and I can feel myself getting wet with anticipation.

  “I was just noticing it’s warm in here, even though the fire’s almost out,” I tell him, completely avoiding the “other” thoughts in my head.

  “The power came back on about three, which is good because I let the fire burn too low. I was too nice and warm here with you,” he tells me, nuzzling my neck and rocking his hips.

  A noise croaks from my dry throat, sort of a hum and sort of a moan. Colton seems to take my sound as a positive and runs his lips along the back of my neck as his hand slips up my shirt and splays against my stomach.

  “I have an idea,” he whispers, licking and kissing my skin and basically sending me into a hyper-aware sexual frenzy.

  Pushing back gently and grinding my ass against his erection, I say, “I can’t wait to hear it.”