by Alicia Rae
I stopped on the side of the path twenty yards ahead and turned to look at Kyle who was shaking with laughter. I had splattered mud up his riding jacket and helmet. I laughed so hard. I loved how we could enjoy the moment together and how normal it felt to be with him.
He shook his head while starting his motor. His body language insinuated retribution. Shit, should I make a run for it? I quickly calculated which way I should go. Taking off and not looking back, I made a hard left and came up to another small hill. Kyle effortlessly kept on my tail as we weaved up and down the paths. It was truly a massive place. After a few miles of speeding through the dirt trail, we came up to the end. It had led us to the lodge area. I slowed my four-wheeler to a stop. I was hoping all had been forgotten.
Kyle stopped next to me and removed his helmet, and it took my breath away to look at him. He had sexy helmet hair and a bit of dirt streaked on his face. He looked sexy as hell.
“Well, well.” I grinned playfully. “It seems that you have decent ATV skills,” I teased, looking over my shoulder at him.
A smile tugged his lips. “As do you. That was great! And I definitely enjoyed riding behind you. You have some skills, Lily.” He laughed. “I’m starved. Let’s eat!”
He quickly grabbed my hand, and we headed for the diner. The man was on a mission for food. The diner was very small and cozy. The staff was exceptionally friendly, and they seated us right away. Kyle motioned for me to sit first, and I quickly chose the side of the booth closest to me. He surprised me by sitting next to me rather than across from me, and I was comforted by his closeness.
Between the hot weather and the use of my muscles, I decided a cheeseburger was exactly what I needed. We both ate our food quickly.
“So, back to the heavy stuff. I had some more questions I wanted to ask you,” he said, his tone serious. “I want to know more about you.”
“You already know more than most people.” I blinked apprehensively at him. His stare was intense, and my eyes immediately dropped nervously to my hands. I sighed worriedly. “What do you want to know?”
“Tell me about your sister.” He tucked a long strand of my hair that looked to have a streak of mud in it behind my ear. “You mention her here and there, and I want to have a clearer image of her,” he said softly.
I sat quietly for a moment. This was so personal and something I did not want to talk about—ever. I hesitated, not knowing where to start. I was scared to talk about her, fearing the pain it would bring, but with Kyle, my mouth just seemed to open, and I decided to push past my uneasiness.
Here goes…again. “Annie was the one who was full of life, and she always had a smile on her face. She could light up a room. Everyone just sort of gravitated toward her. She was beautiful. She was just an inch or so shorter than me, and we both shared the same long blonde hair and blue eyes, but many said we looked very different.”
The bottomless ache in my chest started to burn, and I put my hand over my heart. Kyle grabbed my other hand, helping me to find the strength to continue.
“Annie and I were only one year apart. We were joined at the hip all throughout our childhood. She was the best part of my day. We told each other everything. After she moved away for college, she dated a few times, and she would come home and tell me stories about the guys. Even while apart at different colleges, we managed to talk at least twice a day.”
Kyle continued to stroke my hand with his thumb while listening to me.
“Annie wanted to be a veterinarian. She was extremely book smart and didn’t have to study much. A passion for animals and wanting to help them came naturally to her. She even nursed this one baby bird that had fallen out of its nest in our yard. My dad tried to tell her it was too little to save, but Annie wouldn’t hear any such thing. She was compassionate, kindhearted, and full of so much love.” I frowned. I missed her so much.
“She sounds extraordinary, Lily. I wish I could have met her.”
“I wish she were here,” I whispered.
“Me, too, Lily.”
He pulled me closer to his warm body, and I leaned my head on the side of his chest.
“Have you ever lost anyone close to you?” I asked, my voice still laced with sadness.
“Yes, my cousin passed in a house fire when he was eighteen. My best friend, Drake, helped me through it. It was a tough time for my family and me.”
I was glad that the diner was not busy. We were lost in our conversation, secluded in the booth, our own little bubble. My heart ached for his loss, especially since I had a firsthand experience with it. It was a darkness that could overtake, consume, and swallow a person whole. I fought it almost daily.
I tilted my head to look up into his eyes. “I’m so sorry you lost your cousin.”
“I’m okay, Lily. It’s you I’m worried about. I see your sadness every day, and I wish I could take it away. No one should have to experience that.”
He had such sincerity in his words that I could not stop the tears forming in my eyes. My vision blurred, and I blinked the tears away.
I leaned forward and kissed his cheek. “Thank you, Kyle. Thank you for this date and for being here with me. I’m grateful that you came into my life.”
I smiled up at him as I thought of why I really liked having Kyle in my life. His honesty and kindheartedness shined brightly in everything he did. His powerful, positive energy drew me in deeper. He could let go and live in the moment. Even his protective and overbearing ways showed that he took care of his loved ones. I felt as though I could go on and on with all the things I admired about him. It was a long list for such a short time.
We spent the rest of the afternoon four-wheeling through different paths. The hours seemed to fly by until Kyle mentioned food again, so we decided to call it a day. My arms and shoulders were almost completely numb, which was never a good sign. It meant I was going to be really sore tomorrow.
We changed in the outdoor restroom before heading out in search of a restaurant. We only had to travel a few miles up the road to eat dinner.
I was exhausted by the time we got back on the road to head home, but it had been a great day. I reclined my seat a bit as I settled in for the long drive home.
“Time to wake up, beautiful. We’re back.”
I faintly heard my seat belt unbuckle before strong arms lifted me from the seat. Gathering my arms around the nape of his neck, I tilted my head to nuzzle into the warmth of his skin. My body started humming as I slowly awakened as we made our way to the cottage.
He chuckled slightly. “I can see falling asleep at random times is going to be a habit. You look adorable when you sleep by the way.”
After he opened the door singlehandedly, he carried me down the small hallway to my room and set me gently on my bed.
Kyle turned off the lights, and I could just barely see the outline of his body.
“Thank you for today,” I said quietly. “It was a perfect second date.”
He leaned his head down to kiss my lips gently. “You’re welcome, Lily. It was perfect for me, too.”
I brought my hands to his face and caressed his jaw before I worked my way up to his hair. He closed his eyes and stayed perfectly still while I memorized the feel of him. I tugged his hair softly to bring his mouth back to mine. Emitting a deep growl from his chest, he crawled over my body and took control of the kiss. His tongue stroked mine while his hands held my face.
This man could dominate my body in seconds. Even with all the sensations being somewhat new, my body instantly awakened, ready to be taken by him. I quickly rid him of his shirt. My hands wanted to roam his skin with nothing between us. I felt his muscles firm under my touch as he groaned in my mouth.
“Lily…”
His hands grazed down my throat and across my collarbone before slowly making their way to my stomach. Every spot his hands caressed made my skin hot. He swiftly removed all my clothing until I was bare before his eyes.
“You are so beautiful, Lily. It hurts
to look at you. I could stare at your naked body for hours.” His voice was rough and husky while he admired my body.
He lowered his head and kissed just below my navel, lighting my skin on fire. He slowly licked a small circle around my belly button, teasing me, while he explored the curves of my waist. “You are so sexy, Lily.” He placed his nose on my stomach and then trailed his way up to my breast where he sucked my nipple into his mouth.
I quietly moaned as he kissed his way lower and lower until he reached my side, my hips, and finally, my thighs. My legs trembled slightly with anticipation. His tongue lightly grazed my clit, causing me to take in a sharp breath. Oh…
“You are so wet for me, Lily.” His voice was strained with desire.
He made deliberate light circles over my clit. I writhed at the increasingly powerful sensations in my tummy, making my leg muscles tighten and my toes curl. He shifted on his knees, and I instantly missed his tongue…until I felt it there. His tongue firmly thrust into my sex while his thumb rubbed my clit. Oh shit…
My orgasm hit me hard. I felt the pull all the way to my toes as my body absorbed the new sensations. I groaned and cried out as my spasms pulsated throughout my body.
Kyle gave me a few moments to recover by kissing my inner thighs. I grabbed his shoulders, pulling him up the length of my body, and then I kissed him senseless.
“You are so sweet and soft. You are mine, Lily. No one else’s…only mine,” he said slowly before kissing me.
Too many emotions were surfacing, and I tried to keep them hidden and locked away tight. I gave his lower lip a gentle bite and then leisurely suckled his tongue into my mouth again. He seemed to like it when I did that. His firm fingers wrapped around the side of my neck, cradling the bottom of my jaw to deepen the kiss. His mouth consumed mine as if he could never get enough.
I loved how Kyle could be romantic one minute and an overbearing alpha the next. It was a sexy combination. He had a predatory look in his eyes, and I wanted to be devoured by him. He growled in his chest as he hooked my right leg and flipped us over.
“Your turn, beautiful.” Kyle’s eyes blazed into mine.
I could see that he wanted me as much as I wanted him, and it made me feel desired and sexy. I moved my hands across the curves of his chest and down to his stomach. His happy trail had a light patch of hair, and I ran my fingertips down its path. Kyle helped me get rid of his pants and briefs, and my eyes roamed up and down his bare body. Taking in his gorgeous physique, I licked my suddenly dry lips.
I felt myself dampen at the thought of taking him in my mouth. I wanted to please him the way he had done for me. Feeling bold, I wrapped my fingers around his erection, and he inhaled sharply at the contact. His skin was hard yet so soft. A low, gruff groan left his throat, and his hands surrounded mine as he showed me the way he liked to be touched. He alternated between meeting my gaze and watching me stroke his most intimate part beneath my hands, and it was extremely intimate and erotic.
Kyle’s breathing became unsteady, and I found mine doing the same. By pleasing him, I was becoming just as aroused. Licking my lips, I lowered myself to take him into my mouth. Kyle gripped my shoulders while his head tipped back. With one slow circle, I ran my tongue around the tip, feeling his delicate, smooth skin.
“Shit…Lily.”
I took him farther into my mouth and then back out to the tip in long, even strokes. I repeated the action again and again, taking him deeper each time. Kyle’s hands glided up the nape of my neck and made their way into my hair. His fingers curled, enfolding slightly when I increased the suction of my lips. It was forceful enough to know he was struggling for control but not enough to cause me any pain. My body responded to his reactions, urging me to continue.
Kyle pulled back on a curse. “I don’t want to come in your mouth.” His eyes flared. “I want to be inside you. Now. I can’t wait.”
He hurried to grab a condom, and he handed it to me. I looked at it and glanced up at him with a perplexed expression.
“Here, you just pinch the top, and then you carefully roll it all the way down,” he explained while I observed carefully.
“I don’t know what to do. I mean, being on top…” I felt slightly embarrassed for being so inexperienced.
He caressed my cheek. “Don’t be shy, Lily. I like that you are untouched by anyone but me.”
With his overbearing and protective personality, I could see why he liked my innocence. Surprisingly, it didn’t bother me. It made me feel cherished, and it proved he truly cared about me.
I started to rub my hand along his hips and up his small patch of hair. He grabbed my hips and lifted me up over him. I lowered slowly, adjusting to his thick length stretching me, filling me, and taking me to our heavenly place.
Together, we both let out a satisfied moan.
I braced my weight, pressing my forearms to his chest for balance, while his hands gathered my hips, guiding me in a slow, steady rhythm. I moved up and down, keeping the same delicious pace. I closed my eyes, reveling in the exquisite feeling of him inside my body.
An electrical current swirled in the depths of my stomach, spreading and intensifying over and over, until I was on the brink of exploding. Kyle took control and increased the pace, plunging deep into me. I parted my lips on a cry while my orgasm shattered me, and shortly after, Kyle found his own release.
He tucked me to his side, and I quickly snuggled into him, breathing in his scent as I fell into a profound asleep.
I awoke to a warm body shifting next to me. Kyle’s arms were draped around me. I smiled as memories of the night before and the past week came rushing into my mind. I scooted myself up in bed and turned to face him. I couldn’t help but stare at this stunning man in my bed. I just wanted to reach forward and run my hands through his hair and over those broad shoulders.
I had so many conflicting feelings about this relationship that was so new to me. The most terrifying part was that it was with someone I hardly knew.
Everything about Kyle drew me in. His need and desire for me seemed to match my own. Him being in my bed felt natural and soothing.
A light tap on my front door pulled me out of my thoughts.
I tiptoed to my dresser, pulled on the first T-shirt and PJ pants I could find, and hurried to the door. When I opened the door, I found Luke looking down at me with one of his morning smiles and a bagel in hand.
“Surprise, Lil. I thought you could start your Sunday out right with your favorite bagel.” Luke extended his arm and smiled brightly at me.
I reached for the bagel. “Thank you, Luke. How was your trip? I thought you were going to be out of town with the guys until this evening.”
Luke was just my friend by all means, but I wasn’t sure how to handle this situation. I didn’t mind telling him I was seeing someone, but it felt awkward to have a friend in my home while a man was lying in my bed—a naked man who I wanted to go running back to. Do I let Luke in or casually decline and visit him later?
Luke looked at me, taking in my slight uneasiness, but he didn’t comment. “The trip was great, but we left early this morning. One of the guys needed to head out by dawn, and plus, my parents are coming in this evening, and I have to go out to dinner with them. I was hoping you could go with me?” he asked sounding stressed. “Please?”
I knew how hard it was for Luke to see his parents. “Of course.”
“Thank you,” he said, relieved. “What are you up to today?”
I stood at the door, not moving aside, so he couldn’t enter. “I’m not sure yet. I just woke up. You know that I’m a bit hazy in the morning. My brain doesn’t wake up until at least ten.” I took a bite out of my bagel. Best bagel in the world.
He glanced into my house and then back at me, looking confused. “Can I come in and hang out?” Luke sighed. “I’m so damn nervous to seem them and I was hoping you’d distract me, and then we can ride together? You could fill me in on how your book is coming along or something.”
I could tell his parents had him on edge. “I don’t think that’s a good idea. Maybe we could have a late lunch or something?” I shifted my feet, uncertain of how much to reveal to Luke. I didn’t really feel like it was anyone’s business who I took to my bed, and now didn’t seem like the right time.
“Is something wrong, Lil? Are you okay? You look nervous.” Luke searched my face for any clues.
“I’m perfectly fine. It’s just that…I have company.” Please don’t blush, Lily. Now is not the time for that.
This was one of those conversations I wished I could avoid. Luke was my friend, and I did not want to hurt his feelings. He had been sending me mixed signals ever since Kyle had shown up.
“Company? Who do you have…”
I could see the thoughts churning in his head, and before I could explain, it clicked, and his eyes widened.
“Kyle is here? This early in the morning?” he asked loudly, his face hardening.
Luke had never raised his voice to me. I could tell his wheels were still turning as more thoughts silently fell into place.
“Yes,” I said quietly, not sure of what else to say.
When I heard footsteps behind me, I knew Kyle was making his way toward the door. I was sure Kyle couldn’t see who it was yet, but I assumed he’d heard who was at the door.
“What the hell, Lily?” Luke’s eyes bounced between Kyle and me, confirming his suspicions. “You fucking slept with him, didn’t you?”
He barely got the words out before Kyle broke in.
“Hey! Watch it, man.” Kyle’s tone was hard, and his body was tense. “Or I’m going to teach you some manners,” he threatened. His hand fell on my shoulder in a possessive yet supportive manner.
I stood motionless. I wasn’t sure what to do or say. I did not like confrontation.
“All this time, Lily…” Luke shook his head as sadness glimmered in his eyes. “I thought we had built a solid foundation, a friendship, and you threw it away so quickly…for someone you don’t even know! This dickhead just comes along, and you spread your—”