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Amber Quill Press
www.amberquill.com
Copyright ©2008 by Caitlyn Willows
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NOTICE: This work is copyrighted. It is licensed only for use by the original purchaser. Making copies of this work or distributing it to any unauthorized person by any means, including without limit email, floppy disk, file transfer, paper print out, or any other method constitutes a violation of International copyright law and subjects the violator to severe fines or imprisonment.
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CONTENTS
Also By Caitlyn Willows
CHAPTER 1
CHAPTER 2
CHAPTER 3
CHAPTER 4
CHAPTER 5
CHAPTER 6
CHAPTER 7
Caitlyn Willows
Amber Quill's Rewards Program
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A CORNER OF MY SOUL
By
CAITLYN WILLOWS
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Amber Quill Press, LLC
www.amberquill.com
Also By Caitlyn Willows
All Four One
Bad Seed
Bend Me, Shape Me
Body Double
The Boys Are Back
Bring Me To Life
Caitlyn's Kisses, Volumes I-III
The Dating Pool
Do Or Die
Forbidden Fruit
Graduation Day
Gypsy Fire
The Heir
Her Bounty
High Roller
Hired Hand
Hotel California
I Am For You
Inside Man
Just Partners
Laying Low
A Little D.A.B.
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CHAPTER 1
Doug Carlyle reeled his fishing line across the water, hoping to entice a bluegill into grabbing the fly. It was all about patience. He'd learned that from the cradle up, right here at the family cabin each summer. The lesson had served him well in life, and so had the hours perched on his dad's knee—or grandfather's or uncle's. When work was especially tough, Doug wrapped himself in the love of his family, if only in his mind. Here on the lip of this beautiful freshwater lake, he could recharge from the horrors his work thrust his way. Sunlight glinted off the blue-green surface like a million stars at night. The breeze shifted through the towering trees and calmed his soul.
It was especially nice to be here when summer heat melted a person to nothing in the city and all the crazies came out. Although, with late afternoon thunderstorms starting to move into the mountains, it might wind up being colder than Doug preferred. If the rain got too bad, he'd not only be stuck inside the cabin, but stranded when the roads washed out. Just him and the thoughts and voices of others that crept into his mind.
He sighed and cast his line again. He had books, beer, supplies, blankets, and extra jackets in the closet if the walls closed in and he needed to walk it off. He'd manage. He always did.
Doug couldn't remember when he'd realized he was different from other children. In his family, his ability was a given. Doug was glad for that. They had the “sight,” as his grandmother called it. They'd shown him how to use it wisely, how to deal with some of the things he saw that weren't so nice, how to protect himself. Still, no one was happy when he'd decided to go into profiling. The discipline involved with that work helped him hone his gift, have it mean something.
The family respected his need to make a difference, but they worried. He'd seen it in their minds. They helped him stay grounded despite their concerns, giving him distance when he needed, wrapping him in love when he needed that, too. Without that he risked overload. It had happened to his older cousin with near lethal results—another reason the family didn't want Doug involved in police work of any kind. At that point it was a little too late. Doug had made the commitment and wouldn't back away from it. He monitored himself daily, sometimes hourly, to keep in check and notice the internal signals telling him it was time to clear his head of the garbage collected from other people.
So he lounged in one of the two Adirondack chairs on the dock built by his maternal grandfather, cold beer and bottled water in a cooler by his side, the cabin, with the wooden steps Doug and his father had built the year before, a mere stone's throw away. The motorboat tied next to him bobbed as if begging to be taken out for a spin. His family had left the day before, giving Doug a few days to cleanse his mind before heading back to work. He missed them, but he also treasured this quiet time. No one's thoughts to intrude on his. No having to put up his blocks. At least no one in his general vicinity.
People occasionally occupied other cabins dotting the lakeshore. The closest at the moment was at the farthest end a mile down, and Doug could tune the honeymooners out. It wasn't easy when their passion poured his way. With his family gone, and with the distraction they'd provided, sexuality from the couple seeped into Doug's head, adding to the agony of being away from the woman of his dreams. He felt like a voyeur beating off each time to give himself relief, imagining himself sliding into Natalie Gray while he did so.
Oh, well ... what they don't know...
Smiling, he cast his line again. That's when he felt the presence of another drift into his head, and not just any other person. Natalie was coming up the road.
He parked his fishing rod in the bracket and stretched to his feet to face the arrival. Nothing the honeymooners could project would equal the feeling of seeing Natalie pull her Ford Taurus to a stop before the cabin, right behind his Jeep Cherokee. She'd lived in a corner of his soul from the first time they'd met the previous year. At the time they'd both been involved with other people. He'd known the instant he saw her that she was the one ... and he hadn't been able to do a thing about it, except be patient and wait until the time was right.
He'd ended his own relationship right away. Doug couldn't continue being with Bette when he knew she was out there. It wasn't fair. He liked Bette too much to use her. Two months later, Bette met the love of her life. Now they were married with a baby on the way. It didn't take long for Natalie to be single once more either. Still he waited for that perfect moment, wanting her more than anything else, yet content to get to know one another better.
He'd felt a nudge from the universe that last time they'd had coffee. It wasn't the most opportune time since he was leaving for the cabin within hours. Once she was finally in his arms, Doug knew he'd never want to let her go. All he could do was sow a seed for when he returned—a subtle touch up her arm, along with a promise to see her when he got back. The warmth that had pulsed from her when he'd done so had made it doubly hard to leave. He'd missed her like crazy every day since, took her image with him to bed each night in the crowded cabin. No wonder he'd caved so quickly from the honeymooners. Now Natalie was here, firing up his libido, wiggling into his heart all the more.
Doug opened his mind and probed hers. She was here on business, but he also felt joy overlaid on the dark news she had to deliver. Happiness rippled through her when she lifted a wave and a smile his way. He waved and smiled back, heartbeat racing in time with hers. His erection rivaled the size of the pine trees around them. He shoved the tips of his fingers in the pocket of his jeans and watched her pick her way down the wooden steps toward him, wanting her more with every inch that brought her closer.
She'd gone casual for her visit: jeans, sneakers, and a dark green T-shirt that came a hair shy of clinging to her torso. Her long brown hair was pulled up in a ponytail that dangled to her shoulders. Sunlight filtering through the treetops and dark clouds glinted off the red highlights. When left loose, her hair shone like treasure. Doug knew it would feel like thick strands
of silk running through his fingers. He wanted to drown in the smell of her, that combination of scents unique to Natalie alone.
"I should have known better than to try to sneak up on you."
Who needed the sun when there was a smile like that beaming on him?
"When did you know I was here?"
Doug shrugged. “Probably when you turned down the road. It's hard to tell. I was fishing, pondering the lint in my navel, and wondering when the newlyweds on the other side of the lake were going to go at it again."
Natalie laughed. “Hard life."
He grinned. “Very hard when they're hot and heavy.” And I want you so bad I can taste it.
She'd reached the bottom step. Her brown eyes sparkled with humor. She was genuinely glad to see him, despite her original reason for seeking him out. Doug wanted to delay that discussion as long as possible.
"It was a long drive for you. Would you like a beer or a bottle of water?” He reached for the small cooler between the chairs, already knowing her selection.
"Sure.” Obviously she knew he knew. Doug liked that. Natalie had always accepted him for what he was. Not once had she questioned anything.
Her long fingers brushed his as she took the water. A tingle zipped up his arm and he felt the jolt of impact in her head. Perhaps putting up some walls would be polite.
"I would have called, but someone's cell phone seems to be off.” Natalie twisted the cap off and took a long drink.
Doug's gaze locked onto the slender column of her neck as she swallowed. The image of her lips wrapped his cock, sucking him down doubled his agony. “What can I say?” He shrugged a shoulder and motioned her to one of the chairs. “Spotty service. Forgot to bring the charger. I'm on vacation."
"The dog ate my homework. The sun was in my eyes. My shoelace was untied.” Natalie eased into the low-slung chair with a contented sigh. “God, it's beautiful up here. I haven't been to the mountains in ages. I could fall asleep right here, right now."
"Go ahead. I'll wake you in an hour ... if the storm doesn't open up first."
They eyed the darkening sky.
"It looks like the clouds might win that race."
"You realize if it starts to rain we'll be stuck here for a bit. You don't want to dare those roads in a storm. Flash floods, mudslides..."
Natalie took another sip of water and stared at the lake, now turned gray-green and choppy from the approaching storm. “I can think of worse fates than being stuck in a mountain cabin with you."
Doug grinned like he'd hit the jackpot. As a matter of fact, maybe he had.
She glanced at him from the corner of her eye. “Your pole's bent."
Thinking of the erection swelling his jeans, Doug started to glance down.
"Your fishing pole,” she said with a snicker.
Doug laughed at himself. “Sorry."
"No, you're not.” She gave him a wink and polished off the water.
"You caught me.” He pulled the rod from its brace and reeled in a bluegill. “Looks like you're my good luck charm. This is my first bite since I've been here."
"Always happy to help."
"Stay the night, and I'll be happy to cook you dinner as your reward."
Natalie eyed the sky, then cast him another sidelong glance. “Now that's an offer I can't refuse."
"Great.” He unhooked the fish and placed it in the second cooler of ice. As much as Doug wanted her, there was that nasty business that had brought her here. “Now that we've had foreplay, want to tell me why you're really here?"
All trace of humor faded. Doug was damn glad he'd put his walls up. He didn't want to see the darkness in her mind; she was going to share it soon enough.
Natalie closed her eyes, rested her head against the back of the chair, and folded her fingers over her stomach. “Give me a bit. I'd like to soak up a few more minutes of peace."
"Take as long as you need.” Doug tossed out his line. Anything to keep the darkness in the world at bay. Anything to keep her with him as long as possible.
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CHAPTER 2
Natalie wanted to freeze the moments before their “foreplay” had ended. No man on Earth got her pulse racing the way Doug Carlyle did. He'd had the effect on her since the first time their gazes clicked and they'd clasped hands in a greeting that sent waves of heat racing over her body. In the year since, she'd seen him suited up and dressed down, at work and in play. Everything about the man made her want to scream out, Take me, take me now, take me hard, take me often.
He was the fantasy she'd taken to bed with her as her previous relationship breathed its last gasp. Any guilt she felt over having used her attraction to Doug to try to fix her relationship with Tom had faded long ago. She hadn't done anything wrong. No one need know what was in her head on those rare moments she and Tom had sex. But Doug might? After all, wasn't that part of who he was?
If he knew how Natalie felt, he'd never said or acted on it. They'd both been seeing others when they met. She supposed it said a lot about her and Doug that they remained faithful to those relationships to the very end. It said a lot more that neither of them had made a leap for each other since then.
Natalie wondered if he was being polite in not probing her mind. Or if he had read how she felt and wasn't interested. Neither stopped her from wanting him. He was still her fantasy lover each night. But not knowing either way also made her hesitant to make a move toward him. And yet every second they'd ever worked together, every cup of coffee they'd talked over, was a joy. Hadn't he brushed his fingers over her arm that last afternoon before he left on vacation?
Tingles had hardened her nipples and dampened her crotch. Just as the memory did now—his smile as he leaned closer over the bistro table, the way his brown eyes gleamed with what she wanted to believe was affection, how he traced his fingers over her knuckles and up her arm saying, “I'll see you when I get back."
No wonder her hand had snapped up fast when they needed a volunteer to come up here.
Natalie tucked her arms tighter over her chest, trying to contain the emotions pooling there. More than want for the man brought her here. The instant she'd heard someone was killing all those involved in the Stephen Harcourt conviction, all she'd wanted to do was get to Doug and protect him. It didn't matter that he was fully capable of protecting himself—in more ways than Natalie could. Somehow, since that pivotal meeting one year ago, she'd fallen hopelessly in love with Doug. No one could protect him more voraciously than she could. Besides, she would have lost her mind with worry if she wasn't by his side right now.
All this without knowing if her feelings were reciprocated. Why didn't she simply crawl astride his lap and plaster a big wet one on his lips? She could face down criminals without blinking and yet she couldn't go after the man she craved. If only he'd given her some sign, other than that heated touch at the coffee house. If only he'd continued the verbal foreplay instead of shifting into work. If only...
Shadow blocked the light behind Natalie's closed eyes. More clouds moving in. Then she felt warmth edging closer, the shimmer of breath over her face. She peeled her eyes open to Doug's sparkling brown eyes.
"Yeah ... I want you, too."
He brought his lips to hers, swallowing her gasp. Natalie curled her hand around his neck and twined her tongue with his. He tasted of beer and sunlight, raw man and desire. He kneaded her lips like he was fucking her pussy, with slow deliberation. Liquid warmth seeped into her veins, his kiss as potent as a glass of fine wine. If one kiss had this affect on her, what would it feel like when they were skin to skin and joined?
Natalie couldn't wait to find out, but she also wanted to bask in the sensations building.
Doug peeled his lips away and pressed his forehead against hers. “I think it will be like heaven, too. I want it now, but I also want to draw it out to a thread so slender it mirrors the tension preceding our climax."
She inhaled his every breath, letting it become
one with her own. “I should thunk you for crawling inside my head."
He smiled and dusted his thumb over her cheek. “It's hard not to do when all I want is to crawl inside of you."
Natalie's heart skipped a beat. She imagined that first thrust of his cock into her, the claiming. His emotions poured into her head. The hunger in his eyes made her pussy scream for possession. That's exactly what Doug would do—possess her, love her until she melted from...
"Yes, sweetheart, that's exactly what I'm going to do,” he whispered against her ear.
Natalie closed her eyes on a groan and arched her neck to his lips. He nibbled his way down the column. Sun-warmed fingers closed over her breast.
"I've wanted this for so long.” He wedged his knee between hers, nudging them gently apart.
She shamelessly splayed them as far as they could go. On impulse she locked her legs around his calves to pull him nearer. His knee slid to her crotch. Throbbing pulses radiated from the point of contact. Welding us together.
Doug snaked his arm around her waist and pulled her up. One hand cupped her bottom as he shifted places until he was sitting in the chair and she was astride him. The heat of his erection called to her. It throbbed in a ridge down his thigh. Gaze locked to hers, he readjusted his penis until it was behind his zipper. Wrapping his fingers around her hips, Doug then urged her closer.
Natalie slid her legs under the chair arms and eased her crotch against his. A satisfied groan brought lips together. Only their clothing separated them, and she had a feeling that obstacle would be gone soon.
He slid his hands under her T-shirt. One flick of his thumb released the hooks on her bra. Still he took his time seizing the prize he'd uncovered, rubbing slow circles forward with his thumbs while his mouth plundered hers.
Natalie's nipples ached for contact. She rubbed them over his chest, rocked her pelvis into the ridge beneath her. Doug groaned into her mouth and deepened the kiss as he palmed her breasts. She whimpered and clutched his shoulders. She'd wanted him for what had felt like an eternity, loved him for too long and now...
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