Chapter Eighteen
A quick prang of guilt shot through her as they approached the lake edge. Didn't he deserve to know what kind of woman he was getting involved with? She knew without a doubt that telling him would ruin everything. What man would want to know that the woman they were about to make love to had been with so many other men and been paid for it. Her heart clenched even though she hated the thought of lying to him she knew she couldn't tell him. Didn't she deserve a little happiness in her life? After everything she had been through why could she not have the one thing she wanted more than anything else.
They reached the bank. Dean climbed out. She smiled as she watched his muscular thighs flex as he heaved himself up onto the bank. He turned, offering her his hand. She hesitated. He was so magnificent. Way too good for the likes of her. Reaching up she placed her hand in his. He pulled her up onto the bank beside him. She flopped down onto the grass unsure if her legs would actually hold her. As much as she was used to being naked she found it a little unnerving now there was nothing for her to hide behind. This was real with was no more pretence. He dropped down beside her and turned to face her. She looked at him through lowered lashes. He smiled, brushing a lock of her hair back behind her shoulder. His eyes told her everything she needed to know. She could still see the carefree young boy she had grown to trust..., and love. Her body quivered, only now he was a man that still wanted her after everything she had put him through. It all felt surreal, like a dream that she would suddenly awaken from.
He brushed his thumb lightly across her lips. A single tear trickled from the corner of her eye and rolled down her cheek. He brushed it away tenderly. A deep crease appeared on his brow.
"Are you sure you want this," he asked softly.
She nodded smiling hesitantly. He leant over and kissed her lightly on the lips then drew back his eyes searching hers. The urge to have her was getting stronger by the minute but he had to be sure she was ready. He trailed his fingers lightly along her collar bone and down between her breasts. She tipped her head back, pushing her breast forward. His fingers brushed across her nipple and it peaked instantly. He gently rolled it between his thumb and forefinger. She let out a soft moan, arching her back, offering herself to him. He lowered his lips sucking her nipple into his mouth, teasing its hardened tip with his tongue. A small whimper escaped her lips as he released the first and gave the second the same attention. He was determined to take his time and savour every tantalising inch of her.
The intensity of his touch sent heat coursing though out her body. Doubt began to creep in. Did she dare give herself to someone so completely and let go of all restraint? He released her nipple and trailed his hand across her stomach and down over her abdomen. Her already sensitive skin flared with heat as he moved his hand in slow tantalizing circles. She drew in a sharp breath as his fingers reached the small narrow strip of neatly trimmed hair. He smiled, moving his finger between her soft folds. She gave a long groan and willingly let her legs drop apart inviting him to delve deeper. He took her lips in his. His erection throbbed with impatience but he was determined to take it slow. Her body trembled under his touch as he teased her to the brink of release. Willingly she gave herself to him as a deep need to be possessed overwhelmed her. He slipped his fingers inside her moving them slowly drawing her upward. Her body reached heights that she had never dared believe existed. Her head rocked from side to side as she gave into the intense sensations now racing through her body. Unable to stand it any longer she began plead with him to fill the desperate urgency growing inside her. Her hands glided down over his chest and abdomen tracing the lines of his hard taut muscles finally closing around his solid erection. He let out a tortured groan. Both of them were now desperate to have what they had both been trying so hard to avoid. She smiled drawing her hand along his length. His body tensed with every stroke of her hand. He was now fighting to maintain control. Flicking her tongue across his hardened nipples he let out a deep groan. He reached down stilling her hand. Rolling her over on her back and with a hurried urgency he pushed her legs apart with his knee and entered her with a quick powerful thrust. She cried out, finally feeling the power and strength that up to now she had only dreamt about. Willingly she accepted everything he had to give as he thrust into her time and time again. She raised her hips meeting every one of his strokes urging him deeper their bodies now moving in perfect harmony. His jaw clenched as another long groan escaped her lips and she felt herself slipping over the edge. Crying out his name she frantically clutched him, her body riding a wave of pure ecstasy. She felt him stiffen as he gripped her hips and thrust into her releasing himself deep inside her.
They lay with their bodies still entwined, chests heaving raggedly. He remained inside her reluctant to leave her feminine warmth. Finally he let out a long sigh and withdrew rolling away from her. He lay back on the grass still unable to believe that after all these years of waiting his dreams had finally come true. She was everything he had ever hoped for and more. Had he finally found what he had been searching for all these years? He rolled onto his side to face her, propping himself up on one elbow. Her eyes were closed. He tensed. She looked relaxed enough and dare he say, contented and she had seemed willingly enough. Her body's rhythm had matched his perfectly, and those soft moans were enough to drive any man crazy. He could still feel where her fingernails had dug into his back. She sensed him looking at her and opened her eyes. There was no need for words the look in her eyes told him everything he needed to know. With a contented sigh she snuggled against him. It had never occurred to her that it could be like that between a man and a woman. He dropped back down on the grass pulling her against him. She took comfort in the steady drumming of his heart. The tension of the past few weeks had finally left their bodies. Carley nuzzled against his neck making a contented little sound which warmed his heart. They stayed locked in each other's arms under the warmth of the afternoon sun.
Carley blinked her eyes against the sun. A smile touched her lips. Finally she knew what it was like to make love and what it was that had been missing in her life. She felt as if nothing else mattered as long as she was with him. Draping her arm across his chest she began to playfully toy with his nipple. He stirred at her touch, instantly aware of her naked body pressed up against his. He opened his eyes to find her propped up on one elbow watching him. He smiled "You okay." She nodded, as she moved her fingers across his chest in slow tantalising circles.
"I was just wondering, do you think there is any chance we might try that again" she said teasingly, almost sure after that marathon of love making he wouldn't yet be ready.
He grinned. "I think that could be arranged."
She raised her eyebrow surprise.
"As I said before I'm here to please."
She laughed. It was like music to his ears. He reached over and took her lips in his feeling a little quiver run up the length of her body. She pressed herself against him.
He drew away momentarily and smiled at her "You know if we carry on like this I can't be responsible for the outcome."
Her eyes glistened in the sunlight "I was sort of counting on it." He rolled his eyes "I can see it's going to be a full time job keeping you satisfied."
She giggled "But I'm so easily pleased."
He smiled drawing her into his arms. "Hmmm..., is that so?"
He stood up and drew her to her feet. Before she knew what was happening he had scooped her up into his arms and was heading towards the house carrying her as if she weighed nothing at all. He nearly dropped her when he tripped up the step. He gave her a cheeky grin as he quickly regained his footing. She reached back and slapped his bare backside.
"Ouch..., what was that for?"
She grinned "For nearly dropping me for starters."
His eyes darkened. "Careful, pay back can be a dangerous game as you well know." He said giving her a decidedly serious look.
An excited quiver to shot through her body "Bring it on."
He stepped through the front door "I hope you're ready for this."
She smiled. "I'm more than ready."
He gave a little groan and headed for the bedroom. Walking up to the
side of bed he threw her down on it. He had often dreamt of her being in his bed her tanned skin now a stark contrast to the pale cream sheets. He liked how her long hair cascaded down over his pillow. Her eyes travelled his body. She bit down on her lip. He stood with no shame at his obvious arousal. Her eyes took in his strong, muscular form, knowing only too well that she would again submit his needs..., and hers. She had never realised that you could actually want someone so badly.
She let out a squeal as he leapt onto the bed nearly bouncing her off the other side as his body landed heavily next to hers. Her hands gripped at the sheets as she tried to avoid falling on the floor. He took hold of her, drawing her against him. She could feel the hungry urgency as he pressed his lips firmly down onto hers. She responded eagerly, grabbing him, pulling him on top of her as her legs spread to accommodate him. The sound of his low raspy breathing and the feel of his heart pounding in his chest had her wet with wanting. Her body was ready and willing to accommodate him as his engorged maleness began to seek her entrance. He pushed himself inside her letting her warmth wrap around him. She let out a loud moan. He liked the fact that she seemed to need him as much as he needed her. Her legs wrapped around him feeling every one of his muscle tense as he drove himself into her without caution. Her hands gripped at the bed sheets as he took what he wanted driving himself into her time and time again. They danced the same dance her moves matching his. Powerful emotions welled up inside her causing every one of her nerve endings to scream. Her body spiralled upward teetering close to release.
Her fingers sunk into his back as she let out a deep moan and slipped into one of the most powerful climaxes she had ever experienced in her life. Her thighs clutched around him drawing him deeper. He thrust into her letting out a long tortured groan as he again released himself inside her.
He could feel her wildly beating heart vibrating against her chest. So many times over the years he had dreamt of having her in his bed and making wild passionate love to her. He smiled. What they had just done had definitely been way beyond any dream he had ever had. She moved beneath him. He reluctantly withdrew rolling off her onto his back. Pushing herself up on one elbow she looked down at him. He reached up and gently tucked her hair back behind her ear.
A smile played at the corners of her mouth, "hmm..., me Jane you Tarzan."
They both laughed.
She fluttered her eyelashes at him, "I suppose I should be thankful I didn't get thrown over your shoulder."
He grinned, "I hadn't thought of that, maybe next time."
"May...be" she said dreamily. A frown creased her brow. Was it possible that fate did exist and she did belong here after all?
He saw her frown. "I'm sorry..., I..., hope I wasn't..., umm, you know, to rough. I should have...."
She lifted her finger and held it up to his lips silencing him, "it was..., fine..., honestly."
He raised an eyebrow "Fine, huh."
She drummed her finger against her lips, "Well actually..., if I was being honest. It was more like...," she grinned. "Amazingly mind blowing."
He smiled drawing her into his arms "Now that's the answer I was searching for."
She rolled her eyes, and snuggled up against him.
About an hour later hunger drove them to leave the comfort of the bed. Carley headed off for a shower while Dean drew on a pair of boxers and went out to the kitchen to get them something to eat. She emerged from the shower feeling refreshed. She could hear Dean out in the kitchen. Choosing the smallest towel she could find she wrapped it around her body. Looking in the mirror she shook out her hair, grinning at her scantily clad image. He turned when she entered the kitchen. His eyes instantly darkened and he let out a long groan as he hungrily took in her attire.
"Surely you could have found a bigger towel than that?"
She gave a twirl, giving him a glimpse of what lay beneath and smiled. "You don't like it?" The light danced in her eyes as they travelled the length of his body. Her lips turned up at the corners ever so slightly as her eyes locked with his.
His body tensed, "Ooh..., I like all right, but I think it might be safer for everyone concerned if you put some clothes on."
She grinned. "I don't seem to have any. They are still out by the lake." He made a move towards the door.
"No need I'll go" she said dropping her towel to the floor and turning to make her way out towards the lake.
He walked to the kitchen doorway to watch her as she moved through the house and out onto the porch, her hips swaying seductively. A smile played on his lips, being with her was certainly going to be entertaining.
He relaxed against the doorframe, thinking about all the lost years that they could have been together. With a shake of his head he pushed them away. She was here now, that was all that mattered. He didn't need to know, he tensed, if there had been other men in her life. He grinned as she bent to retrieve her clothes. Picking them up and flipping them over
her shoulder she turned back towards the house. Taking her time she strolled back into the house stopping just short of him. Her eyes locked on his as she lifted her arms up and drew her fingers through her hair so it lay down her back. A sly smile touched his lips as she slowly began to dress. He shifted position feeling himself harden
"The way you are going you'll wear me out."
Wiggling her bare bottom as she drew her skirt up her legs was nearly his undoing.
"That's the plan" she replied drawing up the zip. Next came the waistcoat, he watched her as she slowly did up the buttons. "There all done." She said brushing up against him as she passed through the doorway into the kitchen. "So what's to eat" she glanced back over her shoulder. "I've worked up quite an appetite." Dean's eyes were drawn to where her skirt hugged the curves of her small toned buttocks and slim hips. He pushed away from the doorframe and walked over to the sofa, picking up her lacy underwear he tucked them in his pocket.
"It's not overly exciting I'm afraid just left over's from lunch" "Mmm..., sound good to me. I've had more than enough excitement for one day." She said blinking her lashes at him.
He smiled "I think I might be inclined to agree with you. We wouldn't want to spoil you now would we?"
Her fingers ran lightly down his bare chest she felt his body tense under her touch.
"A little spoiling now and again doesn't do anyone any harm."
He grinned, "Eat..., you need a little more beef on your bones. I'm sure you've lost weight. I don't like my woman skinny."
She smiled, "you don't huh, well I'll better make sure to eat then hadn't I but just so you know it's not much fun eating alone." "Well I'm sure we can remedy that. How about from now on you come out here and eat with me." His eyes darkened "and anything else that might take your fancy."
She fanned her face with her hand. "Well now sir, that's one mighty fine offer. How could a lady possibly refuse? There is one condition however."
He raised his eyebrows "Ooh, there is, is there, and what might that be."
Her eyelashes fluttered. "If I do come out for dinner I get to stay the night."
He held his hands up in front of him. "You won't get any argument from me." What she was suggesting was better than he had expected. He would agree to anything right now just to be with her. He smiled. "Can we shake on it, you know, to seal the deal." She reached up and lightly brushed her lips across his "Consider it signed sealed and delivered."
His eyes scanned her face. "You have just made me the happiest man alive."
She blushed. "Ditto, except for the man thing but I have to say you are very easily pleased."
He grinned, "What can I say I'm a man that likes the simple pleasures in life." He took her hand and led her out onto the balcony. "Now eat, you'll need your strength..., for later.
Chapter Nineteen
She couldn't believe that a month had passed already. Their relationship had become even more passionate and intense over the past few weeks if that was at all possible. She hadn't realised that life could be so wonderful. Everything, if she dare say it, seemed perfect. After three weeks she had finally given into his subtle hints and abandoned her motel room to move in with him. Her house was now finished and ready for sale. Everything in it had gone to the homeless shelter. The few small items she had kept were now safely packed away in a suitcase in the spare room. Dean had arranged all the contractors most of which he knew personally to help finish the house. The painting and decorating was finished and the gardens were looking spectacular. He had also been good enough to clear out her old room for her.
A smile crept onto her lips as she strolled up the drive. Today she was meeting with the Estate agent. Finally, after weeks of sweat and tears, she could finally put it up for sale and with any luck rid herself of the last connection to her past. The sale would give her the chance to re-coop some of the money she had sunk into it. Her stomach tightened as she approached the house. A woman stood at the gate. She waved at Carley it was obvious she already knew who she was.
"Hi" Carley called as she neared.
The woman walked up with her hand held out, "Hi, Carley isn't it?"
"That's me, hey, thanks for coming."
"My pleasure, my name is Sandra."
Carley took her hand and shook it "Hi Sandra, have you had a chance to look around."
"No I thought it best if I waited for you..., shall we," she said pointing towards the front porch. They walked up the front steps together.
"So what's the market like at the moment? Do you think I'll have any trouble selling it?"
"You shouldn't do. It looks great on the outside, and it is in a good street. Shall we go inside and have a look."
"Sure'" Carley unlocked the door motioning for Sandra to enter. "Take your time, have a good look around. I'll wait out here if that's okay with you."
Sandra stepped through the door "That's fine," she replied as she disappeared inside.
Carley sighed, as she sat down on the step. She had seen enough of this damn house to last her a life time. All she wanted now was to get it sold. There was a time when she thought that doing it up like her mother had always wanted would have somehow helped her overcome the pain. It hadn't. Now she hated the house and wanted to be rid of it as quickly as possible.
She rose to her feet as Sandra reappeared through the front door. "So what do you think?"
"Excellent from what I've seen. I'll just have a quick look around the back."
Carley followed her around stopping at the edge of the house to watch as Sandra walked around the boundary.
"Very nice" she called back over her shoulder. Luckily, the grass had grown back and the burnt patch was no longer visible. The damaged shed had been cleared away and the contractors had trimmed all the trees and tidied the gardens. Carley face creased into a smile as she thought back to the day of the fire when she had first laid eyes on him. Sandra walked back over to her and Carley's thoughts quickly returned to the present.
"Well it all looks great and honestly, I don't think you will have any trouble selling it."
Carley smiled "That's what I wanted to hear and what about the price? How much do you think it might fetch?"
They walked back to the front gate. Sandra started searching through her handbag. "I'll have to go back to the office and check the prices of other properties in the area. I can get back to you tomorrow if that's all right and we can decide on a price."
Carley nodded "Sure, no problem, whatever it takes." Sandra looked up at her "Have you got a contact number I can call you on?"
"Sure" she recited her number as Sandra wrote it down on her pad. "Are you going to be living in the house?"
"No..., I'm not, I'm staying down in a cottage by the lake" Carley replied pointing in the direction of Dean's house.
"Ooh!" Sandra replied looking a little stunned "Dean's place?" "That's the one."
"I..., I didn't realise that..., he."
Carley's eye's narrowed "that he what?"
Sandra looked away avoiding Carley's intense stare. "It's nothing forget I said anything."
Carley sensed her discomfort. She asked again her voice a little grittier
this time "Look, if there's a problem..., I need to know."
"It's nothing honestly..., it's just..., Dean and I..."
Carley tensed, "Dean and you what?"
"Well we were sort of seeing each other for a while."
Carley felt a sudden prang of jealousy "Seeing as in relationship seeing."
Sandra nodded.
Carley's mood darkened. Why hadn't he told her? Now faced with it she hated the thought of him being with another woman. A little hypocritical considering her past but she couldn't help it. "So how long ago are we talking?" She asked taking the time to study the woman in front of her. Sandra was a beautiful looking woman, blonde hair, green eyes and smooth fair skin. She had a tidy little figure although she was a little shorter than Carley she was quite stunning. Carley felt a little intimidated by her, as she took in her expensive well tailored suit and perfectly styled hair. Her face was tastefully adorned with just enough makeup. The woman was obviously talented and a successful business woman to boot. Comparing herself to the woman in front of her Carley felt a little inadequate. What did she have to offer? She had no skills to speak of, well none she could openly talk about and she certainly didn't have any job prospects.
"So how long ago are we talking?"
Sandra hesitated "About four months."
"So what happened?"
Sandra fidgeted with the clasp on her case "Look I'm not entirely sure we should be discussing this under the circumstances. Let's just say he's a hard man to get a commitment from so I wish you luck in that aspect."
Carley heard the resentment in her voice. "How long had you been going together for?"
Sandra turned her eyes to Carley's. She could see the sadness in them.
"Almost two years" she replied softly. "Now I'm sorry but if you want
to know more you'll have to ask Dean. It's not my place." Sandra started to move away, "I'll call you when I have a price sorted," she said as she headed towards her car.
"Great and thanks," Carley watched her go. So he had been dating and quite recently. She thought back to what Sandra had said and couldn't really understand it. As far as she could see he didn't have commitment issues, or did he? Was she making a mistake? Would she end up getting hurt like he had obviously hurt Sandra? Did he love her..., he hadn't actually said it, but then neither had she. Were they both holding back, him with his commitment issues and her in fear of being hurt?
She glanced down at her watch, he would be home soon. A smile creased her lips as she tossed any thought of Sandra aside. It was sometimes hard for her to accept how truly happy she was. Finally she had the one thing she had always longed for but had felt out of her reach. They had made love most nights and the most wonderful thing about that she got to fall asleep in his arms. Their lovemaking was always exciting and spontaneous, bordering on turbulent yet at other times it would be soft and tender. In the past, she would never have believed life could be so good. At times it almost felt too good. In the beginning she had expected it to all fall apart but as time slipped by her barriers slowly began to break down. She felt safe with him like nothing could ever hurt her again. That was the part she was finding hard to accept. Her happiness now depended on him and in the past she had always been let down by the males in her life.
She arrived back at the house in plenty of time to shower and change. The minutes slowly ticked by as she repeatedly checked the drive for his truck. With a deep sigh she wandered out to the lake edge. How idyllic her life now seemed. Her body tensed, it was almost too good to be true. Over the past couple of weeks she had been feeling a random uneasiness, a foreboding like something terrible was about to happen. In the back of her mind she knew that if the truth came out everything could be taken away just as easily as it had been given. He had given her the life she had only ever dreamed of and what had she given him in return..., nothing but lies. Tears trickled down her cheeks. How could she have ever thought she could hide her past? There was no way she could risk telling him now the opportunity had long since passed. A light drizzle began to fall but she was so preoccupied with her thoughts she failed to notice. Her heart clenched. Was it wrong of her to except his love? She wrapped her arms around herself. Was it too much to ask of him?
Dean pulled up in front of the house and turned off the ignition. His brow creased when he saw she wasn't waiting on the porch for him. He stepped out of the truck. His body stiffened when he spied her at the edge of the lake. Like her he had been waiting for it to all fall apart. At times she seemed distant and troubled. He had tried to get her to talk about it but whatever it was, she obviously wasn't ready to share it with him. His heart rate quickened. She looked so vulnerable standing there all alone. The strong need to protect her washed over him. Yet somehow her vulnerability made her look all the more desirable to him. He couldn't help but notice how her wet dress clung enticingly to her body hinting at her nakedness beneath. He closed the truck door quietly so as not to disturb her. The rain had eased but the temperature had turned decidedly cool. He approached slowly. Why was she out here in the rain?
She startled when she heard him approaching. All her insecurities instantly vanished the moment she looked into his eyes. He had given her the strength she had needed to deal with her past. "What on earth are you doing out here?"
She smiled dropping her hands to her sides, thankful that it had been
raining so at least now he wouldn't see that she had been crying. Her
body gave a quick little shiver.
"Waiting for you." She needed him to make everything all right again to push away the dark thoughts of the past. His eyes travelled her body. Her wet dress clung invitingly against her curves. He moved closer and smiled when he heard her sharp intake of breath. He brushed the back of his hand across her peaked nipples which were now clearly visible through the wet fabric. He hardened, pulling her against him. His hands ran down over her buttocks. A small moan escaped her lips as he held her against him, his erection pressing impatiently into her abdomen. She wrapped her arms around his neck needing the warmth and security. The throbbing in his groin intensified as she willingly surrendered herself to him. His hands travelled her body with a sudden urgency. He needed reassurance that she was still his. Taking a good firm grip of her buttocks he ground himself against her. Her hands pulled at his shirt tearing at the buttons. His body tensed as her cool skin met with the warmth of his. Yanking his shirt off she tossed it to the ground. Her tongue sought his small peaked nipples she nipped at them playfully between her teeth. He drew in a sharp ragged breath as her fingers released the button on the waistband of his jeans. She slowly began to draw down the zip. Her hand slipped inside his jeans. He felt hot and hard as she released him from the confines of his clothing. He let out another long groan as her hands expertly drew him to the brink of control. He pushed her dress up her thighs hoisting it up over her hips. His fingers slipped between her legs, delving into her soft moist folds. A moan escaped her as he lowered his lips to hers. His fingers continued to work their magic drawing her upward.
"Ooh... please..., she moaned, struggling against his grip.
He held her firmly. Her body was now quivering with wanting. He slipped his fingers from inside her and grabbed hold of the thin fabric of her dress and tore it open. Her eyes widened as she arched herself towards him. Grasping her around the waist he lifted her off her feet. Her arms slipped around his neck and her thighs instinctively wrapped around his waist. He took a few steps forward. She let out a little yelp as her back came up against the trunk of a nearby tree. Gripping her thighs tighter she secured herself against him. His engorged manhood was already nudging at her entrance. He pressed his body against hers wedging her firmly between the hard trunk of the tree and his muscular frame. She let out a small whimper as the bark dug into the soft flesh of her back, heightening her feeling of vulnerability. He entered her in one swift powerful thrust, driving himself into her with little regard to her comfort. Waves of ecstasy tore through her body as she felt the intensity of his need. The bark of the tree pressed painfully into her skin. Now lost in the moment, she was at his mercy and he had no intention of showing her any. He continued to thrust into her as she gripped tightly riding him. Her thighs tensed with every powerful stoke. She called out his name as her body convulsed into a deep spiralling climax. A feeling of pure unadulterated pleasure rocketed through her body. He let out a long deep groan, his body tensed. He gripped her buttocks firmly holding her against him as he drove into her again and again filling her with his seed.
She clung to him, her body spent. Slowly he relaxed his grip and his breathing eased. Tears began to trickle down her cheeks. He glanced down at her and almost dropped her.
"Carley. I didn't mean... to hurt you."
She gave him a shy smile, "You didn't..., apart from a few little cuts and a bit of bruising,"
His eyes widened, "what!"
"From the bark..., on the tree..." she felt him relax. "I'm fine..." He raised an eyebrow.
"Actually..., I'm more than fine" she looked up at him through half closed dreamy lids. The corners of her mouth turned up seductively "What was not to like."
"Jezzus..., woman don't do that to me." He lowered his lips to hers. Sex with Carley was always exciting and passionate and he loved every minute of it. She was like a drug to him and he was well and truly addicted. He released her lips and leaned down to whisper in her ear. "You know Carley I've never wanted a woman the way I want you, I just can't seem to get enough of you."
She smiled "Ditto... except a man not a woman" Finally she was ridding herself of all her past demons and it was all because of him. She put her lips to his and kissed him long and hard. Slowly they slid to the ground. Contented, she nestled against his chest. He rested his back against the tree. Both of them happy to be wrapped in each other's arms as they sat watching the sun slowly slip below the horizon.
He felt her give a little shiver "You know as much as I like being here with you a man's got to eat and I'm sure you must be getting a little cold."
She gave him a contented little smile. "Hmm..., well..., I suppose..., we should make a move.
You do need to eat..., to keep up your strength."
He kissed her forehead "For what, may I ask." He slid his arm from around her and stood up to refasten his jeans.
She looked up at him coyly "I have a few things in mind."
"I'm sure you do," he replied reaching down and gently pulling her to her feet. What remained of her dress fell to the ground. Slipping his arm around her waist he guided her towards the house. Together they walked towards the bedroom. He stopped at the door and lifted his robe off the hook and placed it around her. Her bottom lip pushed out as he guided her arms up the sleeves.
"All in good time baby" he said laying a soft kiss on her forehead. She giggled when her hands didn't appear through the end of the sleeves. He rolled them back for her then tied the tie firmly around her waist. The robe engulfed her slender frame.
"Hmm, very sexy" she teased.
He bent down and kissed her lightly on the lips, "you look damn sexy
no matter what you are wearing. Nothing is certainly better but I can
live with this." A naughty twinkle appeared in his eye "For now." Taking hold of her hand he led her from the room.
They worked side by side preparing the evening meal. She didn't know her way around a kitchen. Most of her meals had been eaten in restaurants or through room service. He turned to her. "You can slice the carrots if you like."
She picked up a knife and waved it about in front of her. "Are you sure you trust me with this?"
He moved in behind her, taking her hands in his, guiding her as they sliced the carrots into thin strips.
"See, nothing to it."
They talked and laughed as the meal slowly began to take shape. She leant back against the counter and watched him work.
"By the way, I met someone today that you might know."
Dean looked across at her curiously "Who?"
"She... says she knows you..., quite intimately."
His jaw tightened, his hand stilled. She bit down on her lip as she tried to stifle a smile. His brow creased. There was only one woman she could mean. Was that why she had been standing out at the lake? Carley let a few seconds pass "What was her name again, umm...."
He tensed.
"Sandra I think" she caught his eye "Yes that's it... San...dra." The room fell silent as he looked away from her.
Carley's back stiffened. Maybe she did have cause to be jealous. "Dean..., do you care to explain."
He glanced across at her, the uncertainty was now clearly visible his face.
She suddenly felt cruel. She smiled. "I'm just teasing. I know you only have eyes for me, and any way, when would you get the time or energy for another woman."
He narrowed his eyes. "That wasn't funny."
She grinned. "I thought it was."
"Oh you did, did you?" His eyes narrowed "Well I suppose it was my
own fault. I should have come clean in the beginning."
Carley placed her hands on her hips "Yes you should have."
He grinned, "Well there is no time like the present."
Her body tensed. Did she really want to hear this "Dean, its fine you don't...."
"Oh but I insist..., let's see..., we dated for nearly two years, but things just weren't working out. Granted, she's sexy..., talented..., successful..., and if my memory serves me correctly." He grinned. "She's great in bed and she has this amazing way of...." He quickly side stepped as a loaf of bread sailed past his head. He laughed. "Is that what I get for being honest? Now you know why I didn't tell you." He reached out and quickly gathered her into his arms before she had a chance to find something else to throw. She melted into his embrace. They both began to laugh. He leant forward and whispered into her ear. "Just for the record she wasn't all that great in bed... No more secrets..., I promise." Her heart clenched, knowing she couldn't promise the same."
i~@t