Must Be Love

by Baker, Tory

  “That would work better,” I tell her as I lean in towards her, wanting her lips on mine.

  When we break apart from our kiss, she asks, “Let me know what you want for dinner, I can cook it here and bring it out to your place.”

  “I’ll leave you a key or drop it off by the office on my way out in the morning. You can cook at my place. Pack a bag, babe. You can stay at my place,” I tell her. I’m not sure she’ll agree. I know she’s a virgin, it’s one of the things we talked about. I told her we’d take it at her pace, but I still want her with me. I don’t care if it’s just sleeping and having her wrapped in my arms all night long. I need her that much.

  “Oh, okay. Are you sure?” she questions.

  “More than sure. I’ll call you tomorrow. See you soon, babe.” I give her another quick kiss and head towards the door.

  “Don’t forget to lock the door.”

  “I won’t,” she mutters.

  I head to my truck and don’t back out of the parking space until I see her front door is shut. Once it is, I make my way back home and get ready for another busy week.

  Chapter 14

  Aubrey

  Monday flew by, the office was packed with animals in and out all day long. I barely got a lunch break. When I finally got to look at my phone after closing time, Cade texted me and asked how my day was. I texted him back letting him know I was on my way home and would call as soon as I got there.

  I was ready to hop in the shower and rinse off my day, cook a frozen dinner, and chat with Cade. He ended up talking to me the whole way back to his house Sunday and we didn’t get off the phone until it was time for us to go to sleep.

  Now, it’s Tuesday. Cade mentioned last night that he’d be stopping by the clinic to drop off a key to his house and I know that will stir up quite the fuss around town. I can’t say that I care, but I know Trisha and Brittany will be the ring leaders.

  I’ve learned my lesson, and while they have somewhat good intentions, I know they aren’t the friends that I need in life.

  I take Mrs. Johnson back with her poodle, Mo, who hasn’t been feeling like himself lately and ask the questions that are needed for Dr. Smith. “He’ll be right with you. I hope Mo feels better, Mrs. Johnson.”

  “Oh, thank you, dear. I heard you and Cade are quite the couple these days,” she has a smile on her face as she says this.

  I can’t help but smile back, “That we are.” I wink as I go to leave. That didn’t take long. Seventy-two hours and everyone is gossiping. At least they aren’t talking about the way he carried me out of the bar. I chuckle to myself as I head back to the front receptionist desk to see who else we have for the day before Dr. Smith needs me to help assist with Mo.

  I stop in my tracks when I see Cade walk through the front door. He’s in his signature jeans and flannel top with a hat on his head. My heart flutters every time I see him, not to mention when I hear his voice on the phone. I blush, because last night we did something I never thought I would with him. I was instantly screaming out his name as we both came together over the phone.

  His voice sets my world on fire and the looks he gives me when no one else is watching, it turns my world upside down.

  “Hey you,” Cade says as he comes up to me.

  “Trish, I’m taking a five-minute break,” I tell her as Cade’s hand finds mine and I guide him to my back office. It’s not much, but each tech has a small office to do paperwork in.

  Once we’re inside, he tells me, “I can’t stay long either. We’re heading out to a new property. Wanted to stop by and give you the key. You remember how to get there?” he questions.

  “I do. Be safe, please,” I tell him. I know there’s a lot of danger driving the narrow roads with all of the logging semi trucks coming and going along these parts.

  “Promise, baby. I’ll see you tomorrow night, but I’ll call you tonight, too.” With that, he kisses me. No, he doesn’t kiss me. He devours me. When we break apart, both of us are breathing heavy.

  “See you soon, Cade,” I call out to his retreating back. I watch until he’s gone and then I go and see where Dr. Smith is.

  Chapter 15

  Cade

  Thank god, it’s finally Wednesday. If I had it my way, I’d move Aubrey into my house tonight. Some may think it’s too soon, but when you know, you fucking know. I talked to my dad about Aubrey and he had a sparkle in his eye that I haven’t seen since before Mom passed.

  Aubrey texted when she got to my place, letting me know she was in and she was cooking dinner and feeding Axe.

  I smiled and told Dad I was leaving early. His only response was, “I’m getting old, I’m ready for some grand babies.”

  Walking away, I was laughing at what he said, but I can’t help but think what Aubrey would look like round with our child. Coming home to her every night with little ones running around in the yard, or hearing their laughter as she watches them while cooking dinner…

  Fuck, I want that now more than ever.

  When I pull up in the driveway and park next to Aubrey’s SUV, that’s parked in the second stall, it puts another cheesy ass grin on my face. One that I hope never leaves.

  Axe greets me as I get out of the truck. I’m sure he’s getting a lot more use out of the doggy door, now that Aubs is in the house.

  “Let’s go see where Aubrey is, huh boy?” I talk to him. He doesn’t answer, but he barks his response.

  I walk in and take off my shoes, so I don’t track shit all through the house. Thankful, I was only scouting areas again today and didn’t get filthy. I’m sure Aubrey isn’t ready to see me walk through the house naked, quite yet.

  What I do see stops me in my tracks, as I make my way upstairs. She’s sitting on the couch, curled up, with a throw blanket on, and has the flames roaring in the open fireplace.

  She looks up at me, smiles, and then all but runs up to me. I pick her up as soon as her arms are wrapped around my neck and I kiss her. It’s a kiss with so much need, it’s not even funny. I’m not sure I’ll ever have enough of Aubrey. Her hair is in some kind of bun contraption thing. I want it down and falling around us, allowing us to be isolated in just our own little world. I bring us to the couch and have her straddle my lap as I take her hair down.

  “I missed you so much,” she moans into my mouth, our lips never leaving each other’s.

  “I’m not going anywhere. I promise you that, right here, and now. I want you with me forever,” I grunt out as I take her lips again.

  We stay on the couch, making out until the buzzer goes off on the stove. I pull away from her as she gets up.

  “Dinner’s ready,” she says as she reaches for my hand. I’d follow her to the ends of this earth to see a smile on her face.

  Chapter 16

  Aubrey

  I made my mom’s recipe of winter oven beef stew. When I called and asked for her recipe, she knew something was up. I told her the whole story, and she laughed the whole freaking time. It brought a smile to my face. Dad cut in asking when he could meet Cade and I said next time he’s in Washington. I think they’ll be looking for airplane tickets from Atlanta anytime now.

  Before we ended the call, Dad took the phone from Mom and said, “Love you, baby girl. You’re my heart. We’ll be up soon to meet your new man.” It brought tears to my eyes and Mom was blubbering in the background.

  Making my way into the kitchen, I turn the timer and oven off and take out the Dutch oven I brought over just in case Cade didn’t have one. I made the stew with a side of homemade biscuits and I can’t wait to dive in.

  “Dinner smells delicious, babe,” Cade says as he joins me in the kitchen.

  “It’s not much, but with the temperatures dropping this week I figured it would be good and you’d have leftovers for the week, too,” I tell him as I stir our dinner.

  “You didn’t have to go to this much work, but I’m more than thankful,” he sighs out.

  “Is everything okay?” The Cade I’ve seen
usually has more energy and isn’t as tired. It makes me feel bad, because we’ve been staying up till ten o’clock at night chatting on the phone.

  “Yeah, just tired and worried this deal will fall through. We don’t really need the money, but it would be nice to help some of the locals keep a job through the winter and not get laid off,” he admits.

  “I love that about you,” I tell him, not really meaning to say “the L word” so soon, but it just kind of word vomited out of my mouth.

  He smiles and although I can still see the weariness in his eyes. I know he liked what I said too.

  “I don’t like layoffs this close to the holidays. I try to keep the men on as long as possible, even if it’s doing work at the yard. It’s why dad and I bid on it,” he tells me as I plate our food.

  “Oh, that reminds me. My parents are planning to come into town soon. Would you be opposed to meeting them?” I question him.

  He takes the bowls out of my hands and puts them on the counter where the bar stools are, before he grasps my neck and has me look up into his eyes and says, “I’d love nothing more than to meet your parents but be aware, — you’ll probably meet my dad here soon.”

  “If he’s anything like his son, I can’t wait.” We both take a seat at the kitchen island and tuck into our meal.

  Chapter 17

  Cade

  Aubrey is in my shower, naked. That’s all I can think about as I strip out of my socks, flannel, and under shirt, deciding to keep my jeans on. It’s hard as hell not to finish stripping and getting in the shower with her, but I refrain. Barely. I sit on the bench in front of the bed and take in everything that’s been built so far.

  I really fucking hope Aubs likes this place when I finish building it. I built it with the intent of it being my forever home. There’s not much in the way of décor. Just a king-sized bed, nightstands, two dressers, and the bench I’m sitting on. The comforter isn’t much either. I just grabbed one of those beds in a bag wanting to get the hell out of the store.

  I hear the shower turn off as I wait. I wonder what she’s wearing. Part of me wants her to be wearing my shirt with nothing on underneath, but I know that will lead into way too much temptation. Is she a short and old tee shirt or a nightgown person?

  The door opens up and her hair is in that top knot thing that she loves to throw it in. She has on a tank top that holds her breasts up high where it’s tight and then flows out. Her shorts. Fuck, they shouldn’t even be called that. I see a lot of leg and where it’s going to lead my wandering hands.

  “It’s all yours.” She grabs her lotion out of her bag and starts applying it. It takes everything I have to get up and walk to the bathroom. I see her eyes slowly wander over my body. I can’t wait to have her wrapped up in my arms.

  “I’ll be out in just a few minutes. The house is all locked up and Axe is downstairs. Get in bed for me when you’re done?” I ask.

  She nods her head as I kiss her forehead before darting into the bathroom to relieve the pressure of my aching cock. Not knowing how I’m going to hide it from her, even in loose shorts.

  I turn the shower to cold, trying to make my cock stand down. It’s too late though, he knows who’s going to be in bed tonight and there’s no making the ache stop. I wash up and get out of the shower. I dry off in record time and make my way to the side of the bed Aubs isn’t on.

  She has the light on her nightstand off, but the one that’s on my side of the bed is on and illuminates her features. She’s already asleep. I get under the covers and bring her into my side with my arm under her neck.

  “Cade,” she whimpers out into the night.

  “Aubs,” I groan as I feel the palm of her hand glide up and down my stomach.

  She gets closer and hitches her leg on mine. My hand grasps her thigh and I bring her so she’s straddling my lap. Fuck, this woman is beautiful.

  Chapter 18

  Aubrey

  I’m not sure where I summoned up all this courage from, but when he brought me closer into his warmth, my body was put on high alert. Any chance of sleeping was gone. I want Cade. More than I’ve wanted anything in my life. He makes me feel cherished.

  I take my hair out of its bun and let it fall down my shoulders and back. Cade’s eyes turn into molten lava and I know he wants this as much as I do.

  “Are you sure you’re ready for this, Aubs? We can wait. I’m not in any hurry,” he tells me.

  I nod my head yes and whip my shirt over my head as a way to give him the knowledge that I want him.

  “I want you, Cade. Only you.” His eyes are looking into mine and then I’m flipped over onto my back as he kisses me. He claims my mouth with his and I thrust my hips up into his. Cade doesn’t allow me to grasp what I need most. Instead, he holds my hips down as he leaves my lips and kisses his way down my neck until his lips land on my nipple, only then does he take one of his hands off my hip.

  He tortures and pleasures both of my nipples at the same time. “Cade,” I moan out. Sure, I’ve given myself orgasms by hand but there is nothing that compares when Cade’s hands and mouth are on me. He leaves one nipple to torture the other. I thread my hands through his thick, dark chocolate hair. This time, he doesn’t stop me from thrusting up.

  “I’m going to taste every inch of you, Aubrey. By the time I’m done, I’ll know everything there is to know about your body and how our bodies feel together,” he rasps out and then he’s moving down my body.

  My shorts are pulled down and I’m bare to him. My whole body is bare, and it’s all for Cade.

  “Look at you, spread out on my bed, aching and needy. And it’s all fucking mine,” he grumbles and then he’s laying between my legs as he licks his way down my body. My hips rock on their own needing him to give me the pleasure only he can.

  “Cade, please. Don’t tease me,” I beg out loud.

  His lips find the lips of my pussy, as he licks and laps me up. Licking everywhere but where I need him most. I feel his thumb barely applying pressure in my center.

  My hair is tossing back and forth. I grind down on his thumb as his mouth sucks on my clit.

  When he bites down, I explode. I’m seeing more than stars, fireworks are shooting off. I don’t even give him a chance. I’m crawling on top of him. My lips seek his, not caring that I’m tasting myself on him. I need him that much.

  Chapter 19

  Cade

  Tasting Aubrey for the first time, she was sweet as hell. I could have feasted on her for hours, but she wants more. The proof how she’s on my lap and the only thing holding us back is the shorts I’m wearing.

  My hand tangles in her hair, moving her where I want as I kiss her with every ounce of my being.

  Her hips keep grinding down on me. I hold her in place as I ask, “You sure you want more, babe? We can wait. You know I want you for you, not just sex. This is so much more for me.”

  “I need you, Cade. You were meant for me,” she whimpers out.

  I toss her back on the bed again and whip my shorts off, her eyes immediately landing on my cock. My hand is wrapped around its girth as I stroke it up and down. Her eyes never waver.

  When her hand glides down her stomach and she plays with her sweet pussy, I growl, “Enough!” and crawl my way in-between her legs.

  I take my cock and saturate it in her wetness. At the last minute I pull back, “Are you on birth control?”

  “Yes, my periods are horrible without it,” she says with a hint of shyness. With that last thought, I slowly slide inside her cunt. It’s grasping my shaft. When she whimpers out in pain, I pull out abruptly.

  I lie on my back and bring her on top of me, her legs straddling me. Right where she belongs, “I’ll hold my cock, babe. You take your time sliding down.”

  She puts her hands on my legs behind her, her tits are up and her nipples are upturned. It takes everything I have not to lean up and latch onto one of them. If I did that though, fuck it would hurt her even worse.

  She glid
es down inch by devastating inch, taking her time. It’s taking everything I have not to push up into her. She feels so fucking good. I can’t wait until she’s accustomed to my length, so I can take her any place, at any time.

  I’m at her barrier as she stops and says, “Will you help me?” I know exactly what she wants. I move my thumb down to her clit and manipulate it as she starts to go up and then down. She’s on the verge of coming and I bring her down to me, our bodies are joined everywhere. I kiss her deeply and thrust up into her, breaking that barrier that was always meant to be mine.

  “Shit!” she screams out.

  I shush her as I hold her, letting her get accustomed to me.

  “I know it hurts, babe. I’m so fucking sorry. Stay right here, let your body lay on me, and let me hold you while the pain lessens,” I whisper into her ear.

  She moves her head and our lips find each other’s. It only takes a few minutes of making out and then she’s slowly moving her hips back and forth. I know she’s seeking her orgasm, but with this position it’ll be hard. I move us so we’re both lying on our sides and drape her leg over my hip.

  Our eyes meet each other as I piston my hips back and forth. I bring my thumb back to her clit and her cunt clenches down on my cock. It takes everything I have not to come before she does.

  “Come for me, Aubs. Come all over my cock,” I demand.

  When I grind my thumb down applying more pressure, that’s when she comes.

  “Cade,” she moans and that’s all it takes, two more thrusts and I’m painting the inside of her cunt with my essence. Hating like fuck she’s protected but understanding it at the same time.