Chapter 5
CHAPTER 5
CASIMIR
It's midnight. Valentine's Day is officially over. But Blaze and I still have our own celebrating to do, and it's just about to begin.
Up before dawn, I should be exhausted, but anticipation sparks through me, tiny flashes lighting me up with every step I take along the carpeted hallway of his building. The strap of my overnight bag digs into one shoulder, and two canvas bags stuffed with supplies and Blaze's gift dig into the other. Laden as I am, I look like I'm moving in for a week rather than simply staying overnight.
Adjusting my hold on the bags, I knock on his door. It's been a long day, busy with work, and filled with longing to finally get here.
The locks click, the door opens, and there he is. Gorgeous. Smiling. And holding his arms open. "Hey there."
"Hi." I press onto my toes and brush my lips over his. He's warm and there's a hint of mint and something deeper. A lingering kiss doesn't last, thanks to the bags tugging me off balance.
After steadying me, he lifts my overnight bag off my shoulder and sets it beside the coat tree. The sleeves of his black tee are pushed up, exposing his corded forearms. I drink in the way it fits over his torso like a second skin and how his jeans hug his thighs. Tall, dark, and handsome.
Ooh, I need to make a Blaze-inspired cookie. Tall… maybe a stacked sandwich cookie. Dark… maybe incorporate a stout, and dark chocolate. Handsome… stellar decorating. And add in something sweet or unexpected.
He tips his head to the side and smiles. "What?"
"Inspiration struck." Heat flooding my cheeks, I place the bags on the chair and shrug out of my coat. "I was thinking about what you'd be in cookie form."
"Well, if you need to taste me so you can figure that out," he stretches out his arms, "I'll donate myself to the cause."
My gaze dips to his muscled chest, then to the bulge in his jeans, and my cock throbs. "Gotta do thorough research."
Fire banked in his gaze, he shifts forward, until he's standing close enough to slide his hands over my shoulders and into my hair. With the gentlest of nudges, he tilts my head back, then leans down and watches me as he closes the distance.
This kiss is slower, a skating of his lips over mine, back and forth, teasing. Then his tongue traces the seam and I open for him.
My heartbeat flutters and my hands curl into his shirt. There's so much power in him. Yet, he's so careful with me. Like I'm something special.
Someone special.
I hope my kiss is showing him how special he is to me.
When breathing becomes necessary, I lean back and smooth my hand over his chest. "Want your present?"
His brows raise. "You got me something?"
"I hope you like them."
"Them?" That sexy, slightly uneven tip to his smile gets me every time. Keeping his arm around me, he turns us toward the bags on the chair.
"It's not all the bags. Just this one." I grab the one with his gifts and hand it over, then follow him to the couch and sink into the cushion beside him.
He peels the heart-covered paper off of the thick book filled with a vast variety of trivia tidbits. He flips through it and his eyes light up. "This is great. We're guaranteed to win every trivia night with this. Think we can both finish reading this before the next quiz night?"
I eye the hefty book. "Maybe if we each start at the opposite end and work our way to the middle."
Blaze sets the book on the coffee table, then reaches into the bag and pulls out the silver cookie tin. He glances at me. "You made me cookies?"
The fact that he still sounds surprised by me, a cookie maker, bringing him cookies, tickles me. "I used the baking sheets, the rolling pin, and the cookie cutters from your gift to make them."
"Not the edible underwear?" he jokes.
I smirk. "Not this time. I'm sure I can melt it into a jam or jelly or something. Coming soon to a cookie near you."
Chuckling, he opens the lid and then grins at the neat lines of heart-shaped treats. "I recognize the strawberry cheesecake cookies, but what are the other ones?"
"My take on Mexican hot chocolate. So, cocoa, cinnamon, and a bit of cayenne pepper."
He grabs one of the chocolate cookies and takes a bite. His eyes close with his groan, and the pleasure on his face only makes me want to give him more. When he opens them, he extends his hand and brings the cookie to my lips.
I take a bite, keeping my eyes on him and my hand on this thigh. Cocoa and cinnamon, and a trace of heat from the cayenne pepper. "I'm happy with how they turned out. Do you like them?"
The flash of a smile quirks his lips. "You're the best thing I've tasted tonight, but these are a close second."
Laughing, I push the rest of the cookie his way. "Flattery like that will get you more cookies."
Those chocolate eyes turn serious and hold me captive. "As long as it gets me more of you."
Something in my chest warms, and I just want to melt into him. For as long as he'll have me. "Blaze."
He presses closer. "Yes, Casimir?"
I slowly draw in a breath. My heartbeat quickens like it knows we're on the verge of something important. This is taking another leap. But I'm ready. No worrying if I'm too much or not enough. He seems to like me, just as I am, anxieties and sensitivities, quirks, and all. "You can have as much as you want."
His expression shifts from surprise to happiness in a blink. He drops the rest of the cookie in the tin and sets it on the coffee table. Gaze on mine, he strokes his strong fingers along my cheek, then my neck, then my chest, coming to a rest over my heart. He opens his mouth, then closes it, then opens it again. "So can you."
We're talking about more than tonight. Much more.
I cover his hand with mine, holding it there. "Kiss me?"
He hauls me onto his lap. I straddle his thighs, my cock pressing against my jeans, and my hands roaming his chest. Hard planes, sculpted muscles, so sexy and strong. The difference between us is marked. I'm softer, no bulging biceps or six-pack, but I'm strong too. I love the way I look, and Blaze's hands roam over me, stroking and caressing like he can't get enough.
His gaze devours me. "As amazing as you look in this sweater, I really want to see you out of it."
I glance at the heathered pink and red chunky knit. We both reach for the hem, and as soon as I'm free of the fabric, Blaze's hands slide over my tee, then under it, and I yank the shirt off. Sitting back, I suck in a breath at the feel of his hot hands on my skin. It's intoxicating and I could luxuriate in this feeling forever.
But I want to touch him too. I push his shirt higher, exposing the happy trail that disappears into his jeans. "This needs to go."
With a smile that's far too sexy, he whips off his shirt one-handed. A move that's surprisingly hot as hell. He takes my hands and presses them to his chest. Then groans. "I've thought about your hands on me. Mine on you."
I flex my fingers. His chest hair is soft, so is his skin. Skating over his pecs, I pause at his nipples, rubbing them as our mouths meet. The touch of his hands skimming along my stomach shatters my concentration.
He moans against my lips. "Love how soft you are. You're so sexy. Alabaster skin and eyes that melt from brown to rings of green."
"That sounded almost poetic." My voice is as whisper-soft as his.
"What can I say? You bring out things in me." He pulls back so I can fully see his face. Shades of desire simmer in his eyes, but there's a slight crease forming between his brows as he studies me, and my breath catches at the wonder dawning across his features. "Things I didn't know were there. Things I didn't know I needed."
"Same." There's a lightness in my limbs, a shimmering, tingling sensation that expands through my entire body. He makes things fun, brings out a playfulness, and I love how safe I feel with him. That I bring out things in him, that I, Casimir Costas, give him things he needs, humbles and astounds me. "Somehow, we've shifted into serious territory again."
The right side of his mouth quirks in a half smile. He strokes his hands up my back. "Sorry."
"Don't be, I'm not. I like that we can flow from one thing to another." Cupping his stubbled cheek, I trace the tip of my thumb beneath his lower lip. "We can always flow right back again."
His hands fall to my ass and squeeze, bringing me closer to him. Groaning at the feel of him, I grind down, rolling my hips slowly, then faster. Those brown eyes darken as his pupils grow larger and our breaths mingle over lips brushing together.
My skin feels too hot and too tight. I need more clothes gone and more skin on skin. Breaking the kiss, I steady myself by holding onto his shoulders. "I brought some of the stuff from this morning."
His right brow raises, and he rubs circles on my waist with his thumbs. "Whatever you want to use, I'm in."
My body thrumming, I shift off his lap then grasp hold of his hand and pull him to standing. "All I'm sure of is that I want you ."
A vulnerability lights his eyes and Blaze tugs me against him. "You have no idea how much I want you, too."
I like that I can rest my head against his chest. And press a kiss over his heart. So I do. His hand smooths over my hair and he gives a pleased rumble that weakens my knees.
Keeping my gaze on him, I step backward, trusting him to guide me. We make it to the bags. He lifts one and peers inside. "Flour, chocolate chips, coffee, and an insulated bag?"
"That's for tomorrow. I brought stuff for breakfast. I'm going to make you the best chocolate chip pancakes you've ever had."
He presses his lips to my neck, and a shiver shoots through me when he traces his tongue along the sensitive spot below my ear. "I never knew how much I like sweet things until you."
"There's butter and eggs in the insulated bag. They need to go in the refrigerator." Keeping one hand on the solid wall of his muscled chest, I grab the remaining bag. "This one has the, well, bag o' sex."
Huffing a laugh, he slides his arm around me. "I still can't believe that happened today."
"Imagine the look on the face of the person who got baking equipment when they were expecting handcuffs and a dildo." The image of them pulling out baking sheets, flour, and cookie cutters springs into my mind. "What if it was a romantic getaway? They need lube, and all they have is flour and fancy vanilla extract."
We both laugh, and Blaze shakes his head as we stop in the kitchen to stow away the ingredients. "Fortunately, the baking box hadn't gone out yet."
"Too bad. Maybe it would have inspired a love of baking in them." I entwine my hand with his and let him lead me into his bedroom. "And maybe this bag will inspire us."
" You inspire me already." He tucks his fingers under my chin and lifts my face toward his. Warmth washes into my chest at the tenderness in his expression.
"Blaze…" My voice is soft and catches in my throat. "I feel the same."
He taps a switch and bathes the room in a dim, golden light. There's a large bed with navy blue sheets and duvet. His furniture is dark wood and the room is tidy. But for as interested as I am to explore his space, all I want right now is to touch Blaze.
We spill the contents of the box on the bed. Thinking of how much he likes the strawberry cheesecake cookies, I select the bottle of strawberry-flavored lube. "This one."
He tucks the pineapple and cotton candy flavors back in the bag. "Okay. Next?"
Using the bottle, I nudge the massive dildo. The fuchsia shade is so vibrant, I wouldn't be surprised if it glowed in the dark. "I'm intrigued…"
"Me too." He runs a finger along its length.
With a touch to his hand, I wait until he looks at me. My insides are trembling, and as much as everything in this bag would be fun to try out, my body yearns for just one thing. "But tonight, I only want you."
"Then it goes back in the bag." He slips it inside. "Beads too?"
I nod. But I set the mask and cuffs on the bedside table closest to me. "Maybe we can play with these later."
"You looked sexy in that mask." His voice a low rumble that shoots to my balls, he traces his fingertip along my cheek. "But right now, I want to see all of you."
"See and feel. You, nothing else." I pause, then glance at the ribbed condoms. "Besides those."
Maybe if this thing between us goes the way I hope it will, we can have a different conversation. Because feeling him bare inside of me is something my body craves. Like it's necessary. And I've never considered that with anyone else.
He moves the bag to a chair in the corner. When he turns to me, the light playing off his skin is stunning. Blaze strides closer, his gaze intent on me. "Casimir. I've dreamed of having you here."
I close the distance, dragging him against me, and kiss him with the longing I've carried all day. All week, if I'm honest. I'm a tempest of anticipation and desire for this man.
No kiss is long enough or deep enough. No amount of questing hands over sensitive skin can quench my thirst. My hands fall to his jeans, wrestling with the button, then slide the zipper down. Blaze pushes into my hand, his cock covered by black boxer briefs that are so soft, I could stroke him for hours.
With a groan, he drags his hands from my ass to the front of my jeans, stroking me through the fabric. Impatience forces me to get my jeans open, and I push them down, grumbling when they settle just above my knees.
His hands on my shoulders, Blaze pushes me to sit on the bed. "I'll get them."
First, he shucks off his jeans and boxers. Then, gloriously naked, he sinks to his knees in front of me. My shoes and socks go first, then he pushes the denim and my underwear to the floor. He frees my right leg, then my left, then tosses the clothes on top of his.
I'm throbbing at his nearness. He slides his hands up my thighs like fiery brands and settles between them before stroking my cock. The feel of his hand around me, I moan and thrust into his fist.
"That's it." He leans in and catches my mouth in a kiss. I grab onto his shoulders, riding this jagged road of pleasure, not sure where the dips and curves will appear.
Every second that passes ratchets my need for him until I'm certain I'll explode. I feel around the mattress until my hand slaps over the lube, and I drag it over and flick the cap open. "Want to touch you."
Blaze opens his palm and lets me pour some into his hand. I do the same to mine and remember to close the bottle before abandoning it to wherever it may roll.
The scent of strawberry fills the air. Then the slick slide of Blaze's hand shuttling over my cock overtakes my senses. I push forward, widening my legs, and finally get my hand on him. He's bigger than me, thicker too, and I can't wait to feel him inside me.
We work each other slowly, learning what brings out the moans and gasps and catches of breath.
Then Blaze dips down and takes me in his mouth, surrounding me with wet heat. I can't help thrusting, wanting to be deeper, and he lets me. Encourages me. Sliding his hands up and down my thighs, bobbing his head until I'm about to explode. With a broken moan, I ease him off. "I don't want to come until you're inside me."
His smile turns wicked, and with the way I've disheveled his hair, he reminds me of a pirate or a fantasy prince who is both hero and villain.
He stands, tall and toned, with his cock jutting out, and before he can climb onto the bed, I grab hold of his hips. "I want to taste you."
"Fuck, yes." Fisting his cock, he brings it to my lips.
I lick the head, taking my time drawing it into my mouth, savoring the way he sucks in his breath and how he clenches his fist at his side. Teasing the underside with my tongue, I wait for him to tremble before sucking him deeper. Then wrap my hand over his at the base of his cock, and glance up at him. Connection crackles between us like lightning.
He curses again and cups his free hand on the back of my head. The lube tastes like strawberry, but it's blocking Blaze's own flavor. I can't wait to do this again and get my mouth on him bare.
His hand tightens in my hair and his thighs tense. He slowly backs off, sliding himself from my mouth. "Too close."
Scooting backward, I find the lube again, and grab a condom. Blaze puts the others on the table beside the cuffs, then crawls between my legs.
He smiles as he flicks the lube open. "I knew you'd look good in my bed."
I slide my hand over the duvet and sink deeper into the pillow. It smells like his shampoo and is as soft as a cloud. "I like being here."
"Let's see if we can keep making that happen." He pours lube onto his fingers. The first touch of his finger circling my rim steals my breath.
Leaning his weight on the hand he places by my shoulder, Blaze kisses me as he works me open. One finger, two, then three, capturing all of my gasps and moans. He whispers how gorgeous I am, how well I'm taking him, and those words surge my arousal higher. I do my best to tease and stroke—his cock, his balls, the enticing path of his happy trail—and drive him higher and higher with desire.
Finally, he tears the condom open and rolls it down his length. Fire burns in his eyes, so intent on mine, as he slowly sinks inside.
I trace my fingers along the side of his face, needing this connection with him. The sheer pleasure twisting his features is stunning. Needing him deeper, I press my heels into his ass and pull him in.
His balls slap against my ass, and his breath ghosts across my lips. He's fully seated inside me, gazing at me like he can see into my soul. Laid bare and vulnerable, I've never felt closer to another person in my entire life.
We trade kiss after kiss, and the thrust of his hips grows from shallow and slow to deeper, harder, and faster. I meet each one, chasing the pleasure that's been promised since the first moment our lips met tonight.
The bed creaks and squeaks, and the room fills with our pants and sighs and groans. Faster and faster, higher and higher, until sensation shatters me into a million pieces.
Through it all, there's only Blaze and pleasure, Blaze and pleasure, until the two intertwine and become one.
Clinging to Blaze, I slowly come down to a soundtrack of slapping skin, racing breaths and pants of my name, and the feel of him, grinding his hips into mine as he finds his release.
Muted heat fills the condom. He collapses on top of me with a kiss that slides across my lips and cheek.
We lay together, sweaty, breathless, sated, and I'm so happy I'm almost giddy. Smiling, I hug Blaze tight. And the shape of his smile, pressing into my cheek, only makes mine bigger.
With a groan, Blaze pushes onto his forearms and gazes down at me. "I'll get a towel to clean up."
"Thanks."
He deals with the condom, then strides to the bathroom. I stretch out, still riding high, still smiling.
Blaze returns with a damp washcloth and gives it to me. He warmed it, and I smile bigger at his thoughtfulness, and at him also bringing a dry cloth. At this rate, I'll be grinning forever.
While he puts those in the laundry hamper, I tug down the duvet and sheet, then we climb in and Blaze pulls the covers over us. We mutually gravitate toward the center of the bed and he slips his arm around me. I rest my head on his shoulder and my arm over his chest, and it's perfect.
It really is. How much so hits me. Blaze is wonderful, and we came into each other's orbit via a fluke.
"If it wasn't for the order mixup, I don't know if I ever would've met you." Snuggling closer, breathing in his scent, I'm content to be locked in his embrace and have him entwined in mine. "I know it hasn't been long, but we talk every day and I love the time we've spent together… and I can't imagine not having you around."
The brush of his hand up and down my back is soothing. "I like to think we would've met anyway. Seth and Devonte would've brought you around at some point. My rugby club mates are not subtle when it comes to matchmaking."
"They're nice guys. Greer and Aspen texted me this afternoon, inviting me to brunch with them and Apollo and a couple other guys."
"They've adopted you. No getting out now." Smiling, he presses a kiss to my forehead. "They're fiercely protective, so if you get overwhelmed, if it's too loud or crowded, they'll look out for you."
"Like you do."
"Not exactly like I do." He rolls on top of me, lining us up, and swoops in for a lingering kiss. When he raises his head, we're both breathing hard, and he smiles. "Right?"
"Right." My fingertips travel along his sides, and he stretches into me as I wrap my arms around him. "Not exactly like you. There's no one like you."
"I hope that's a good thing."
"Of course it is." Tracing random patterns on his skin turns into tracing heart shapes over and over. "I'm tempted to keep pinching myself to make sure I'm not dreaming."
"I know what you mean." His voice is softer and raspy. He cuddles me closer. "Instead of pinching, we could do a lot of other, more pleasurable options."
I grin. "Such as?"
"Fuzzy handcuffs, for a start. And a lot of orgasms."
My body tingles at the promise in his voice. "I like the way you think."