He arched his brows and closed the truck door, approaching me. “Yeah. Technical rescue is what I teach. It’s what I do. If they do the wrong thing, whoever’s trapped and the rescuers could die. I need to get there and help.”
Our eyes locked for a long second of silence.
“Be careful,” I said.
“Always. I’m good at what I do, so don’t worry about me, okay?”
I nodded and he turned to go.
I’d ignored Aiden all day, and now I was fighting my urge to run to the truck and throw my arms around him.
My stomach clenched into a knot like the one I’d felt seeing him in the road changing that tire. I closed my eyes, trying to banish the worry rising from deep within me.
But I couldn’t. My eyes flew open and I watched Aiden’s truck driving down the gravel campground road, kicking up a cloud of white dust. I followed it until it was just a speck on the horizon. Then I settled into a lawn chair for the long wait ahead.
—
Six hours later, I checked the clock on my cellphone for what had to be the hundredth time. It was almost two A.M. I sighed and clutched the phone tightly.
The campground was dark and silent, other than the rhythmic songs of insects in the nearby woods.
I’d finally stopped crying. Streams of tears had dried on my cheeks. In the hours I’d been sitting here alone, I’d done some thinking, which had turned into feeling.
What I felt for Aiden was unexpected and overpowering. My worry about him digging through a collapsed building made it impossible to fight the truth.
I’d cried for my dad’s death, and the shitty hand I’d been dealt afterward. I’d cried for Colby, and the unfairness of the accident that killed him. And once those feelings were out, I’d been able to cry for Aiden and for me.
We were both broken in our own ways, but the way he looked at me was like nothing I’d ever known. He made me feel warm and full and protected. I was afraid of losing that.
Strength was about being fearless. At least, I’d always thought so. But denying my feelings for Aiden didn’t feel strong. It felt more like a cop-out.
He was a quiet, strong, beautiful man who was alone in this world. My feelings for him ran deep, and he needed to know that. The risk of hurt later was worth it. If something happened to him and he didn’t know how I felt, that would be the worst tragedy of all.
I heard the rumble of tires on gravel and I stood, saying a silent prayer. A couple seconds later a vehicle came into view, but I couldn’t make out any details in the dark.
After taking a few steps into the grass clearing of our campsite, I hugged my arms around myself and waited. Soon I could see it was a truck.
Please, please, please. There probably wasn’t another freak accident, but still. Please.
When the driver slowed and pulled into Aiden’s usual parking spot, I let out the breath I’d been holding. He got out and walked over to me.
“Drew? What the hell are you doing out here?”
I wanted to say something, but I couldn’t get past the tightness in my throat. The campground’s outdoor lights cast a faint glow over our campsite, and I was able to make out streaks of dirt on his face. I’d never been happier to see a sweaty mess of a man in my life.
When I opened my arms and threw myself against him, a sob escaped my throat.
“You’re okay,” I said against his chest. “You’re okay.”
He closed his arms around me. “Of course I am. Have you been waiting out here this whole time?”
I nodded silently, basking in his warmth.
“Drew,” he said in a scolding tone. “You should be asleep.”
I leaned back and looked up at his face. “I couldn’t sleep when I was worried about you.”
“Don’t worry about me.” He rubbed his hands up and down my upper arms.
“It’s too late for that,” I whispered. “I care about you so much, Aiden. So much more than I wanted to admit to myself after that kiss. I’m…afraid of what I feel for you.”
His eyes darkened and he slid his hands down to my waist, holding on tight. “I know, Drew. My feelings for you scare the shit out of me, too. I’ve been a tied-up mess of guilt and longing for you since day one.”
“I don’t deserve you.”
He scoffed and shook his head. “No, I don’t deserve you.”
“I need to be with you tonight. Not just inside the camper, I mean…with you.” I remembered where he’d been all evening and added, “Unless you’re too tired. You must be exhausted.”
“No,” he said quickly. “I’m good. But…are you sure? You’ve been kinda back and forth, and I don’t want us to do something you’ll regret.”
I put a palm on his chest and met his moonlit gaze. “What I regret is trying to pretend I don’t feel anything. I want this, Aiden. Now. Tonight.”
He leaned closer and spoke softly. “I want it, too. But…I’m not sure I’m able to give more than this…even for you.”
Concern and desire mingled in his hazel eyes. I reached for his face and cupped his stubbled cheeks.
“I’m not asking for more. Just right now. Give me everything you can right now.”
The concern faded and all I saw in his eyes was desire. He took my hand and led the way to the camper, opening the door and standing aside so I could walk in first.
When he flipped on a light switch, I found out he was more of a mess than I’d realized. His jeans and boots were caked with mud and his T-shirt had smears of mud across it.
“How’d it go?” I asked.
He went to the refrigerator and got a bottle of water, downing half of it. “Good. Two people inside. We got them both out. One has a completely mashed leg, but he’ll make it.”
I felt a swirl of warmth inside. “I’m really…awed that you did that. And very proud.”
“It wasn’t just me.”
I sat down on his small couch. “What I really mean is I’m proud you went. That you care enough to risk yourself to help people.”
Embarrassment flickered across his face. My heart broke as I realized he didn’t hear words like I’d just spoken very often. His family had been gone for more than a decade and he didn’t have relationships with women.
“I need to go grab a shower,” he said. “It’ll be the fastest shower ever, I promise.”
“I don’t care if you take a shower. I like you as you are right now, Aiden.”
He smiled. “I have to. Less than five minutes, I promise.”
After he grabbed his soap and shampoo and left, I went to the window and peeked through the blinds. He was sprinting across the campground toward the bathrooms. I smiled and went to the bathroom to rinse my face.
My reflection in the mirror wasn’t pretty. My eyes were swollen and red from crying. The eye makeup had been cried off hours ago, so at least I didn’t have it smeared all over my eyes like I had this morning.
Still, I couldn’t help my goofy grin. This was happening. Aiden knew what I looked like right now, and he wanted me anyway.
The knot of worry was gone. Now all I felt was nervous excitement about his return.
True to his word, he was back in less than five minutes, breathing hard when he walked in the camper. I was leaning against the island, and when I looked over, his eyes locked on mine and he moved toward me, tossing his soap and shampoo on the floor.
He cupped my cheeks and leaned down to kiss me. It was deep and warm, seeking and finding all at once.
Our hands were everywhere. Pulling off clothes. Caressing skin. Holding on for dear life.
Aiden slid his hands under my ass and picked me up, carrying me back to the bedroom. He set me on the bed, his eyes roaming my body in the dim light that filtered into the small room. I was down to my bra and panties, and my chest rose and fell as he took me in.
I’d unbuttoned his jeans, and he slid them off. He took his boxer briefs with the pants, and I inhaled sharply as I took in his rigid length.
He put
a knee between my legs and climbed on top of me, wedging my legs farther apart. I moaned from the heat of his knee against me.
“Aiden,” I said softly.
He leaned down and brushed a kiss over my lips.
“You’re the answer to every question I’ve ever had, Drew,” he said, his warm breath dancing over my skin. “The only one I’ve dreamed of for so long.”
“I hope the real thing lives up to the dream.” I slid my hands around his back and over the hard lines of muscle there.
“You could never disappoint me,” he said, kissing me again.
He reached around and unclasped my bra, slipping it off and lowering his mouth to my nipple. I let my head fall back and I panted helplessly, lost in sensation. The physical and emotional pleasure collided so powerfully it brought tears to my eyes.
I wrapped my legs around him and arched my hips against his, trying to relieve the throbbing ache between my thighs.
“I want you inside me,” I said, a whimper escaping my lips. “Aiden, I want you so much.”
A groan vibrated in his chest. He opened a tiny cabinet on the wall and pulled something out. The ripping of a foil wrapper made my thighs shake with anticipation. He kissed me there, up and down both legs, sliding my panties off so slowly I cried out with frustrated longing.
When he lowered his lips to mine for another kiss, he pushed inside me. I gasped deeply, unused to the full sensation that set my body aflame.
I rode a wave of endless bliss as he made love to me. It was deep and warm and crazy, crazy good. When I came, I gripped his back and cried out his name, tears of joy and release slipping from my eyes.
“Oh, Drew. Drew…fuck.”
He buried himself deep inside me, his face dipping down to my neck as he came with a hard shudder.
I held on to him, wanting to draw out the perfection of this moment. Aiden’s reverence for me, flaws and all, was the most precious gift I’d ever been given.
Chapter 18
Drew
I woke up to the loud hum of my camper’s air-conditioning unit, more relaxed than I’d been in a long time. Why, I didn’t know, but it felt damn good.
Then I woke up another fraction, felt the warmth against my chest, and remembered why. My eyes flew open and confirmed it—Drew’s bare back was nestled against my chest.
I kept perfectly still, not ready for her to wake up and leave my arms. I’d made love to Drew last night. I didn’t know if I was more taken aback by the making love part or the Drew part.
Nothing had mattered to me but her last night. Every touch, every word—hell, every breath I’d taken had been about her for those few hours.
And my years of fantasies didn’t compare to the reality of her. I’d worshipped Drew’s body until she came apart in my arms, and I’d come apart with her. I’d kissed her and held her until daylight started filtering in through the slivers of glass around the blinds.
That was usually when I woke up and went for a run. But this morning I’d texted Murph that Drew and I would be staying here today, and then I’d blissfully fallen asleep with her in my arms.
Drew moaned softly and snuggled closer against my back. I tightened my hold around her waist and closed my eyes as my cock hardened against her ass.
Jesus, this had to be heaven. I’d never felt so content.
“Hey,” Drew said softly, moving onto her back. “Feels like you’re ready for more.”
I smiled. “ ’Course I am. I’ve never been this close to such a fine ass.”
“I doubt that,” she said, laughing.
“Don’t. Your body’s incredible.”
“So is yours. Last night was amazing, Aiden.” She sighed happily, filling me with pride. “I wish we didn’t have to get up.”
“We don’t. I told Murph we’re staying here today.”
“Here as in…in bed?”
“I didn’t go into detail, but I imagine they’ll figure it out.”
She yawned and reached for my face, running her fingertips over my cheek. I ran a hand from her smooth, warm thigh up to her bare hip, and then around to her flat stomach.
“Mmm, Aiden,” she murmured. “You give me goosebumps.”
I put my lips on the spot my fingers had just grazed. The ragged breath I felt come out of her stoked the fire burning inside me.
I touched and tasted her, taking my time. Not only couldn’t I get enough, her moans and sighs were fucking hot and I wanted every last one I could get from her.
When she begged, I couldn’t make her wait any longer. I tore open a condom, put it on and buried myself inside her.
“Ah, Drew. Fuck.”
She was wet and so damn responsive, arching her hips up to meet my every thrust. I took it slow again, like last night. Pounding out my lust for Drew wouldn’t satisfy me. I needed to savor every sweet second, because who knew if I’d get this chance again?
I went fast and slow, hard and soft, changing it up when I sensed she was close. But when her moans turned into whimpers, I had to give in. I gave it to her deep and hard, grinding my teeth and holding myself back as she cried out and dug her nails into my back.
But then she said, “Yes, Aiden,” and I was done. I groaned as she tightened the hold of her thighs around my hips and I came hard, pressing my face into the crook of her neck.
I took off the condom and tossed it into the trash can by the bed. When I pulled Drew against me, she hummed with satisfaction and kissed my chest.
This sex had strings for sure. Strong, undeniable strings tying me to the woman who’d once been my fantasy and was now in my arms. I couldn’t help hoping—praying, even—that these strings would never break.
Chapter 19
Drew
It was almost noon when we woke up again. Aiden kissed my neck and got out of bed. I stretched and watched him pull on his pants and slide on a T-shirt. His chest hair was surprisingly sexy. I felt a pull of disappointment as his shirt covered it. His defined abs and the trail of hair that led down past his V were covered next, and I groaned.
“What?” He arched his brows and grinned at me. “You want me to stay?”
“Where are you going?”
“I’m running to the store. Your stomach growling woke me up so I figured I should feed you.”
“Hey,” I protested. “My stomach doesn’t growl that loud.”
He leaned down to pull on his socks and I got up to go to the bathroom.
When I came out he was lacing up one of his boots. He looked up and his eyes widened, his boot forgotten.
“Holy shit, look at you,” he said softly. His gaze roved up and down my naked body. “C’mere.”
I walked over and he put his hands on my hips. His thumbs coasted over my hip bones and he looked up at me, reverence shining in his eyes.
“You’re stunning, Drew. I’ve never seen anyone so beautiful.”
I bit back a sarcastic comment. He was serious. Aiden made me feel like a goddess. I ran my fingers through his hair and he edged closer to my stomach, kissing me there.
I held my breath and closed my eyes as he kissed me slowly, each one a little lower than the last.
By the time he got there, I sucked in a breath, moaning as I let it out. Aiden’s hold on my hips tightened and he lifted me onto the table I stood in front of. He slid from his chair onto his knees, pushing my thighs apart and licking me lightly.
“Oh, God…Aiden.”
I pressed my palms to the table, looking down at his face between my thighs. He hummed his satisfaction and pushed his tongue inside me.
I moaned and let my head fall back. He stopped.
“Watch, baby,” he said softly, his breath tickling my thigh. “Watch me eat your pussy ’til you come on my mouth.”
A jolt of arousal shot through me and I looked down again. It seemed so dirty to watch him sucking my clit and pushing his fingers inside me, but it turned me on. His gaze flicked up to mine as he sucked and finger-fucked me to the edge of orgasm.
“Don’t stop,” I said, panting. “It’s so good, Aiden…so good.”
His tongue worked its magic on me, sending me into a spiral of bliss that made me cry out his name and arch my back so far I collapsed on the table, limp and panting.
Aiden looked up from between my thighs, the corners of his mouth drawn up slightly. “More?”
I laughed and pulled myself back into a sitting position. “I need some recovery time first.”
“I’ll run to the store, then,” he said, leaning down to kiss me. I tasted myself on his lips and felt a possessive pull. “Don’t do anything crazy like get dressed, all right?”
I cupped his bristled cheeks in my hands. “If I do, I promise to be undressed again before you get back.”
After one more kiss, he left. I missed the warmth of his presence immediately.
I got dressed and walked over to Dot’s campsite. She was sitting outside in a lawn chair, a well-worn paperback in her hands.
“Drew,” she said, waving me over. “What’s new? Other than you and G.I. Joe finally getting it on, I mean.”
My lips parted with surprise. “How’d you know?”
She grinned. “You’ve got the glow of a very fulfilled woman.”
“I am,” I admitted. “Aiden is…I don’t even know how to say it. He makes me feel so special. Like the only woman in the world.”
“Maybe to him, you are.”
I shook my head. “Given last night and this morning, and then this morning again, I can tell you he’s quite experienced in the sex department.”
“All right, now you’re making an old lady jealous.” She rolled her eyes dramatically.
“Sorry.”
A tall, older man with just a few white hairs on his bald head walked out of the camper carrying a bunch of golf clubs.
“Herb, this is Drew,” Dot said. “Drew, this is my Herb.”
Herb smiled warmly and offered me his hand. “Good to meet you, Drew.”
“You, too,” I said, shaking his hand.
He leaned down and pecked Dot on the lips. “I’ll be back by six for dinner, dear,” he said. “You sure you don’t want to come with us?”
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