On our way back to the hotel, we found the streets were already busier. People walked down the middle of the usually busy street, but now there was not a car in sight. When I mentioned it to Carmon, he said that when late evening came, vehicles were no longer permitted to drive down the roads on the main strip, unless it was an emergency. I was in awe of the change, and after seeing all the cute shops on our way to and from the restaurant, Carmon had a hard time dragging me back to the hotel, even though I was almost asleep on my feet.
When we arrived at our room, I grabbed my old bag that had my new pajamas in it, and went straight to the bathroom. I changed quickly, brushed my teeth, and then crawled into my soft bed. I gave a small moan as I burrowed into my pillow. The bed sunk a little on my mate’s side and I looked over at him.
“Aren’t you going to get under the covers?” I asked since he was again on the top of the comforter.
“Only as long as I can turn the air conditioner on. I get hot when I sleep.”
“As long as you keep me warm, I’ll okay the air conditioner.”
I chewed on my lip as he went to turn on the air conditioner. I was nervous. I had never spent the night with a man before, and even though we had shared a bed earlier for our nap, and had slept beside each other in the forest and at Bard’s, something about being under the covers together in a bed at night, without supervision, with a man who now liked me, seemed very intimate.
“Did I meet your requirement with Archer tonight?” Carmon asked when he came back to the bed and crawled under the covers with me. He stayed on his side, waiting for his invitation to move closer.
“Yeah, you did. I look forward to our night on the town together,” I smiled at him. It was dark, but I knew from experience with him that he saw better at night than I did. I knew he would see my smile.
“Good.” I heard the smile in his voice. It was a sound I could grow used to hearing.
Silence passed between us for a long time.
“Love?”
“Yes, Carmon?”
“May I keep you warm tonight? I promise to be a gentleman, but you are going to freeze with how cold the room is getting. You are already starting to shiver.”
I knew he would ask, and it was taking every ounce of courage in me not to bury my face in my pillow from embarrassment. He was the epitome of steamy, hot men, and I was nowhere near that level in the female category. I knew I was pretty, but that’s where it stopped. I was not gorgeous or enviable. How did I rate sharing a bed with the hottest elemental to ever walk the planet?
I must have taken too long to answer because he started talking again. “What’s wrong, Love? I don’t want you to feel like I’m pushing you, but you were the one who said I needed to keep you warm. If you’ve changed your mind, that’s okay. Just talk to me. You were right when you said I have no idea about women or relationships. I need you to help me learn, so talk to me, please.”
I had never heard him ask for help before. At least, I did not remember a time he had been weak enough to need it. I took a deep breath before answering his quiet plea to help him understand what I was feeling.
“I’m nervous. I shared a bed with you at Bard’s and the ground in the forest, but I’ve never been alone with you while I’ve slept by you. It seems like such an adult thing to do, and I feel more like a child than I do an adult. I’m still a teenager, even. Most women wouldn’t think twice about jumping into a bed with their half-dressed mate who is hotter than any other man on the planet, but me, I push him away because of nerves.” Way to go and run away with yourself, mouth. Now he’ll really want to run from you after dumping that on him, but it had all been the truth.
“Oh, Love, you are anything but a child. You are a beautiful, strong woman. I have never met a woman who could make me obey her like you did when you ordered me to retrieve Isla when she was scared.” He slid closer to me, and I felt him run his fingers through my hair. “The first thing I noticed about you was the way you held yourself with such strength and determination. You gave me so much grief, and I deserved it. I noticed your beauty briefly, but I ignored it. I wanted nothing to do with a mate, so beauty meant nothing to me, but your eyes kept catching my focus. They are such a lovely shade of brown. Eventually, I began to admire the rest of you as well. It was inevitable really. You are the most beautiful woman I have ever met.” His hand had moved down my long hair to start rubbing my back and side. A shiver ran through me at his touch. “If my being shirtless bothers you, I’m willing to put a shirt on if it means I can hold you tonight.”
He started to pull back to leave the bed, but I would not have that. Not anymore. He was right. I was a strong woman. I stopped him with a touch of my hand to his chest. “Hold me,” I ordered quietly. I still trembled a bit from nerves, but I would face my fears head on and learn to trust my mate.
He lay on his back and snaked a hand under my body to pull me to him. I placed my head on his shoulder and my hand found its place on his chest. “Mate, my heart has opened. Do not break it,” I told him.
Before I drifted fully into slumber, I heard him whisper into my hair, “I pray I don’t.”
******
After a wonderful night sleep, I woke up feeling fantastic for the first time in so long. I could not remember the last good sleep I had. It was so good to again wake up in a bed. I would not take that for granted for a very long time.
“Good morning,” my mate’s husky voice greeted me. I looked up at him. His eyes looked tired still, but there was a happiness in them I had not witnessed yet. “Did you sleep well?”
“Yes, I did. Did you?”
He nodded, but the huge yawn he gave during the middle of the nod said otherwise.
“Why don’t you sleep more, Carmon, while I get ready?” I leaned up on my elbow to look at him better. He must not have slept. He looked exhausted.
“I think that’s a great idea, Love.” His eyes were already drooping. “One more thing,” he grabbed my hand before I could completely leave the bed. “Please call me Cal.” Then he was asleep.
Cal. The witch had used that name for him back in the woods. I figured it was another name Carmon had, but hadn’t had the nerve to ask him, and then I was kidnapped and couldn’t ask. It had left my mind since being reunited with him.
I leaned over him and placed a small kiss on his forehead. “Goodnight, Cal.”
When I was done in the bathroom, I came out to find Carmon in the same state I’d left him. I did not have the heart to wake him. I remembered the room number my parents were in and called their phone. My father answered and after a quick hello, he put my mom on as I had requested. We made our plans and then I let myself out of my room and walked the short distance to my parent’s room. There was a happiness to my step I hadn’t felt since before I met my mate.
My mom, Adam, and Chris met me outside the room and we were on our way. Jeff was going to keep an eye on Carmon for me until I got back. Dalton and Drew were with my siblings who were taking the opportunity to sleep.
Outside, the sun shone and I raised my face to soak as much of it in as I could. Chris laughed at me, and I punched his arm. He pretended that I hurt him, but I knew better. Anyone who was related to my mate wasn’t a wimp.
We headed toward the shops I’d seen last night. I wanted to hit a specific one before my outing with Carmon later. Could I call it a date? Is that what it was? My heart’s rhythm picked up at the thought of going on an official date with Carmon. I almost skipped down the sidewalk with excitement, and Adam laughed at my peppy mood. I knew we were still far from safe, but I decided to leave that worry to the boys today. I was going on a very anticipated date tonight.
When we made it to the shop, I saw it was full of different style clothes and jewelry. I found what I was looking for quickly, but my mom made me try other items on as well. She loved to shop. Finally, I pulled her out of the store so we could go back to the hotel. I had planned to be back before Carmon woke up, but I probably wouldn’t be that lucky
now. Oh well.
I walked into my hotel room to find it empty. It was just as well. I did not want Carmon to see what I had purchased yet. I placed it in the bathroom for later and walked back to my parent’s room. Carmon opened the door before I could even knock.
“Hey,” I greeted him. “You’re looking more rested now.”
“I feel more rested.” He pulled me gently into the room, and closed the door. “Jeff said you went shopping this morning.”
I couldn’t read his face or what he was getting at with his words, so I didn’t know if he was hurt I went without him, or if he was just stating a fact.
“I wanted to get something for tonight when we go out. We are still going out tonight, right?”
“Yes, Love.” He kissed the top of my head. “We are.”
“Wonderful.” I beamed up at him, and I felt shocked still that this man was the same man who had hurt me so many times. At that thought, my smile wavered, but I tried to keep it strong. I would not judge him on his past. He was doing the best he could to move beyond those memories. He did not need me reminding him of what he had done.
As if he could read my mind, and sometimes I swore he could, he pulled me to him. “I’m so sorry I messed up so much.”
“I forgive you, Cal.” His nickname would take a little while to get used to, but it seemed important to him that I use it, so I would.
He smiled at me and pulled me in for another hug. When he released me, I turned to face the room. Oh goodie, we had an audience. I wanted to hide my face in Carmon’s shirt. My mom was beaming. I knew she was so happy things were finally working out for Cal and I. Dad looked pleased, but I knew it would take him a long time to forgive my mate for his treatment of me.
“So, lunch,” Archer said from where he was standing beside the door to the adjoining room where my brothers and two of Carmon’s brothers slept. “I was thinking something spicy.”
Everyone started throwing in their opinions, and we were on our way to another meal. Afterwards, we stopped at a few random shops. Then, it was back to the hotel so I could take a short nap and get ready for my first date with my mate.
My nap was wonderful, and I was starting to feel like myself again afterwards. If I never had to sleep on the ground again it would be too soon.
I pulled the knee length dress from its hanger after my shower. It was a light, silky material that would breathe well in the summer air. There were multiple shades of purple, my favorite color, swirling around. I loved it when I laid eyes on it. I hoped Cal would like it too. I quickly did my makeup and hair.
Jeff and Adam were waiting for me when I left the bathroom. I did a little twirl for them and they gave their approvals of my outfit. I looked at the clock. I had finished just in time. Carmon was due to pick me up any moment. My siblings had insisted Carmon pick me up like a traditional first date required. He had relented quickly. It was his first date ever, and he wanted to get it right.
I started bouncing and my protectors tried to hide their smiles. I couldn’t believe I was nervous. I’d already slept in the same bed with him. Why was I nervous for a date?
A knock at the door startled a small squeal from me, and Adam had to go into the bathroom to hide his laughter. I was beginning to see that my mate held a lot of the control over his brothers. Their moods had improved with his. Even Drew was less grumpy than before.
Jeff opened the door for me, and I smiled at my mate who stood on the other side. This was the first time I’d seen him not wearing his usual black. He wore faded blue jeans and a pale blue button up shirt. The blues brought out the color in his eyes. He looked amazing.
He seemed to be just as into what I wore. His eyes kept sweeping up and down my body. I could not help but blush from the look in his eyes. “Dang, you’re beautiful.”
I blushed more and looked down at my dress. I was glad I went out with Mom that morning to find an outfit for my date. His complement was well worth the excursion.
“Thanks, Cal. You look pretty amazing yourself.”
He held out his hand to me and we were off on our first official date! Most of me was jumping for joy, but a small part was still reserved and unsure of my mate’s new attitude. I wanted to trust him with every part of my being, but until the small part of me that hadn’t moved on was vanquished, I feared trusting him wholly wasn’t going to be a possibility. How I wished it was possible. I loved who this man had become.
Chapter Nine
Carmon
That dress was created for her. The way it moved with the sway of her hips made me want to burn it to memory forever. That way I could go back to my memory file and retrieve it after I inevitably put my foot in my mouth, or hurt her, and she’d make me leave.
I would hurt her. I knew I would. A man like me didn’t deserve a woman as wonderful as her after all the unspeakable things he had done. I could tell she was trying to be completely open to me, but there was a part of her that still feared me. I frowned as I remembered seeing it in her eyes while we were in her parents’ room before lunch. I did not blame her for her doubts. I had doubts about myself, too.
Sylee wore low heels, but consented to taking the stairs with me so I wouldn’t have to ride in the elevator again. When we entered the stairwell, I surprised her by picking her up and carrying her down the flight of stairs to the main floor. She fit perfectly into my arms and I never wanted her to leave them. It was almost torture setting her down before entering the lobby.
I still couldn’t believe she agreed to let me hold her all night last night. She’d slept soundly, but I had not. I thought I would wake up and it would all be over. I needn’t have feared. My mate awoke and again showed me great kindness. I was displeased when I woke the second time to find Jeff in the room and my mate missing, but he had assured me she was safe with Adam and Chris, shopping for our date, with her mother.
Now, it was late afternoon and she and I had hours to spend together. I pleaded with myself to not mess this up. “Take it slow” was the mantra running through my head, on repeat. If it was up to me I would be kissing those soft lips tonight, but I would not push her. I had promised her to take it slowly until she trusted me, but every time I saw her lips I wanted nothing more than to break that promise. I’d never wanted to kiss a woman before, but my brain had pulled out all the stops and I had thought of things that used to make me cringe.
I wanted a family with her. I wanted to watch her govern our children with the same nurturing care that Ruby possessed. I would love to hear our children run around calling her “Mom”, and snuggling with her when they didn’t feel well.
“Are you still with me?” Sylee asked from beside me. I hadn’t realized I’d zoned out for so long.
“Yeah, I’m sorry. Just thinking.” I tried to recall if she’d asked me anything after we left the hotel, but nothing came to mind.
“What were you thinking about?” I wasn’t sure she was ready to hear all that, but then last night’s conversation came back to me, and I remembered all that Sylee had shared with me. She had told me of her insecurities. The least I could do was give her a straight answer.
“I’m worried I will mess up. Part of you fears that, too. I can see it sometimes. You try to hide it, and you do well most of the time, but it’s there. It may always exist, and I deserve it. What I do not deserve is you. If it were possible to break the bond with you it would be decent of me to do it, and give you the chance to have a family with a nice man, but I’m not sure I could give you up now. In fact, I know I couldn’t. You are forever stuck with me,” I said, and then I decided to share the rest. “I was also thinking that it may be nice to have children someday. If you want to have children with me. I will understand if you don’t, and I will not pressure you.”
I shook my head. I shouldn’t have shared everything. She did not need more stress to deal with, and my words certainly would bring her more. I couldn’t look at her after admitting my thoughts. I was never afraid of judgements from others, but I feared wha
t this woman thought of me.
I felt her hand on my arm. “Thank you for sharing with me, Cal. Let’s have fun tonight, and save worry for a different time.”
“That sounds like a plan,” I relaxed and took her hand in mine.
We wandered the streets for hours. My mate’s eyes took everything in. We stopped at so many shops I lost count. Dinner was food from multiple street vendors. It was all delicious. I was so full by the time Sylee decided she had had enough. She had wanted to try everything, so she took a couple bites of the food, and passed the rest to me. I’d eaten enough food for ten people.
I had to laugh at her when she wanted to try pickled carrots. The look on her face was priceless. When she handed me the carrots after one bite, I didn’t even question what to do with them. They went straight to the trash bin. I made some offhand comment about not kissing her after she bit into the carrots and she got a pleasant blush to her face. I loved making her blush.
Just when things in most cities started to slow down, Cambria came to life. Late evening the streets closed to cars, and the tourists and locals came out to enjoy themselves. Sylee watched the artists, musicians, and magicians with wonder in her eyes. They were all very good. I had never taken the time to slow down and admire half the entertainment around me. I was always onto the next mission. That was always my life. It was nice to not have anywhere pressing to be. Until the Harbor Witch found us, we were going to be remaining in Cambria. I could get used to the slower pace.
The dancing began a little before midnight. We found a bench along the street to sit on while my date rested her tired feet. It was enjoyable watching the dancers. Many didn’t have great skills, but still had a fun time. Others danced with almost professional technique. It made me wonder how much dancing my mate had done. Only one way to find out, I thought to myself. I would let her rest a few more minutes, though. We still had time before the sun rose and the party died down.
Life and Water: The Elementals: Book One Page 14