Chapter 6
six
December
“Let me see if I’ve got these right,” Dane says after picking up and examining some of my crystals. He points to a deep purple stone. “This one is easy. Amethyst. And this one is citrine. The pink is rose quartz. This dark one is obsidian.”
He continues until he’s correctly identified every single one. “Wow. Are you sure you haven’t studied crystals before? You get an A plus.”
“Rather have a kiss.”
I beckon him closer and give him a chaste kiss on the cheek.
“Guess I should have been more specific.” He gathers my crystals and the damp bag and stands. “I’ll put these on the mantle until the bag dries, if that’s okay.”
“Perfect. You know, you really did surprise me with your recall ability.”
While arranging the crystals, he shrugs. “I’ve got a knack for remembering things. Once I have a visual in my mind, it’s easy for me to remember information about that visual.”
“You must be good at trivia contests.”
He faces me and grins. “I have collected a lot of useless facts that are stored in my brain. Sometimes I even surprise myself.”
Now is a good time to let him know what I discovered while he was gone. “Surprises can be a good thing. Now, I have one for you. You’re going to want to sit down for this one.”
His smile fades. “Okay.”
“No, I don’t mean sit down in the bad news kind of way. You need to sit next to me so I can show you on the laptop.”
After angling the bench, he sits and lifts my foot back to the pillow cushion. “You need to keep this elevated. I should probably get you an ice bag. Hold on.”
I want to argue that my ankle is fine and I don’t need ice, but I also really enjoy having someone take care of me.
Especially someone oh so easy on the eyes.
I’ve never put another person or a relationship on my manifestation list until today.
Makes me feel a bit silly and a lot guilty to ask for such a personal thing.
Dane. I want him in my life. I’m not going to examine my feelings toward him any deeper right now. I glance at where my obsidian sphere sits on the mantle. The protection offered by the stone probably can’t protect my heart if my feelings are exposed too soon.
The chill of the ice startles me and Dane chuckles. The deep, rich sound washes over me, seeping into my soul. There’s life and love in the sound. I wish those were for me.
He gives the bag a light pat. “There. That should be good for a while. Looks like the swelling is down some so we’re heading in the right direction. Now, you have something to tell me?”
“Yes, and a couple questions. I glanced over the files and did some online research. Look here.” Drawing his attention to the printed ledger sheets, I point to an entry. “Even though the document isn’t labeled, I’m assuming this has to do with the White Fir Lodge. Do you work there?”
“Worse than that. I’m the owner.”
I bite back my surprise. I never would have guessed he owned such a fabulous property. That means… oh my god, he’s undoubtedly well off. Did I just make a rich man go out and find a bag of stones? What… how do I act now?
He rests his palm over my shaking hand. “December, yes, I’ve got money.
No, don’t argue with me. I see the realization in your eyes.
But I’m no different than I was ten seconds ago.
Please don’t let my net worth come between us.
Too many people have sought me out, planning to benefit from my wealth.
You’re not like them. I know you’re not. Can’t we just be Dane and Deca?
“Were you ever going to tell me?” That’s the question I ask? What am I, an idiot?
“I… umm… yes. At first I didn’t think about it because you needed help and I assumed as soon as you were able, you’d be gone. There would be no need to expose myself. Then I wanted to get to know you. And let you know me. However, this isn’t a great way for you to find out.”
“I promise you, I’m not ever going to use your financial status against you. But, it does explain some of the entries in the ledger.”
“We’re okay then?”
He looks so hopeful I can’t help myself. I lean forward to kiss him. “We’re just fine. Now, take a look at these two highlighted entries.”
“I’ve practically memorized these documents. Nothing stands out to me.”
Guess it’s time to tell him my hidden super power.
“Working with numbers has always been difficult for me. Adding, subtracting, algebra, all that is hard to nearly incomprehensible to me. However, I see patterns in numbers and identifying codes. Not sure how or why, it’s just always been part of me.
So, the first entry is payment to a construction company. ”
“Yes, a local developer who’s worked on a majority of our construction projects. He’s legit.”
“I know. Looked the company up online. Now see this second entry?”
He leans closer then eases back with a shrug. “Same company. So?”
“Is it though? Check the spelling.”
“Hmm. There’s an e instead of an a.”
“I searched for that spelling. There’s a website. For a construction company. In Belize. But no contact information.”
“You’re saying money’s been paid to a fake business? An offshore account?”
“Good chance. What you need is a forensic accountant to take a look at all this.”
“How did you get to be so smart?”
What’s he really asking? Or is he making fun of me like my siblings do? “Just because I’m interested in crystals and esoteric, mystical topics doesn’t mean I don’t have a grasp of what others consider the real world.”
“Whoa, hold on, babe. I didn’t mean anything that deep.
I’d ask the same question of anyone who gave me that information.
It’s something I didn’t… couldn’t see. I think you’re marvelously intelligent.
Just because your focus is different than mine doesn’t make you stupid.
Or wrong. Or any of those other words I have a feeling others have used to describe you. ”
“Now who’s being the smart one? I’m sorry. I get touchy when someone doubts my abilities. Woo woo or otherwise.”
“Everyone has a sore spot or two.”
The tightness in my shoulders eases. “Thank you.”
His smile is tender. “You’re welcome.” Then he leans back and is the business man once again. “So you think our next step is the accountant?”
“You suspect this is more than just a one time fake invoice, don’t you? Do you have a suspect?”
“A guy I brought on as a partner for operations a few years back.” He goes on to tell me about his suspicions and his so-called partner.
As he speaks, he holds my hand, stroking the back with his thumb, making it difficult for me to concentrate.
I don’t realize he’s fallen silent until the caresses stop.
When I lift my gaze to his, he clears his throat. “Babe?”
There’s something happening between us right at this moment. “What?” I whisper.
“I shouldn’t want… December, I want to make love with you.”
My heart leaps in joy and I offer a silent thank you to the universe. But I have to make sure. “This isn’t just because I helped uncover that financial stuff, is it? Or because I’m here and accessible?”
“Dear god, no. I want you because you’re you. Because I think… hope… there’s something growing between us.”
“Then, yes, Dane. I want to explore that something with you.”
“Now? If your ankle is okay.”
Making sure he’s watching, I wiggle my toes. “As long as we’re careful my ankle is just fine.”
His bright blue eyes return to capture mine. His pupils are huge, drawing me closer until he cups the back of my head with a palm and kisses me. I lean into the moment, closing my eyes and answering his unspoken questions with my response. “Now?” he whispers against my lips.
“Yes, please.”
Then I’m in his arms again. It would be far too easy to become accustomed to him carrying me to bed. For now, I wrap my arms around his neck and kiss his cheek. He stops half way down the short hall and presses my back against the wall.
“If your ankle was healed, I’d take you right here, against the wall. Your legs wrapped tight around me while I thrust into you. Your tits bouncing against my chest. Ah, babe.” This kiss is a promise as well as a demand.
Wall sex is out of my realm of limited experience. Doesn’t matter. I’m willing to try anything with Dane. “Bed now, wall later.”
He groans, adjusts me in his arms and strides to the bedroom. After pulling back the covers and laying me on the bed, he stands back just looking at me. Heat rises to my cheeks. “Don’t look at me that way.”
“What way, babe?”
“Like… like, I don’t know.” He stirs so many emotions in me, it’s difficult to grab hold of one thought. Instead of thinking I look, too. His hard cock must be damned uncomfortable behind his zipper. “Dane, please.”
“First things first.” He opens a drawer on the beside stand and rummages through the contents before pulling out condoms and tossing them on the bed.
“That many?”
He grins and waggles his eyebrows. “Could be. While I would love to take my time undressing you, discovering you, this time we need to get these sweats off over your ankle first.”
Holding my gaze, he hooks his fingers in the waistband and slowly drags the fleece over my hips and down my legs. He looks away only when he gently eases the sweats over my wrapped ankle. Reaching for the hoodie’s zipper, he winks and says, “This, too, babe.”
“What about you?”
Once I’m naked he takes a step back and starts unbuttoning his flannel shirt. He does a slow striptease then slips into bed next to me, gathering me close.
He nuzzles my neck, nipping at the sensitive spot where my neck meets my shoulder. “There’s a benefit to doing this in the daytime. I won’t have any trouble watching how you respond to my hands, my mouth, my…” He presses his cock against my hip.
When he leans in for a kiss, I press one palm over his heart. “I have to… you need to know… even with the condoms, I’m not on birth control. Haven’t had a need for it recently.”
“And I have no diseases. We’re good and we’ll be careful, babe. Ah, sweet December, let me love you. Tell me what you want.”
“You. All of you.”
He groans and captures my mouth in a kiss.
I welcome the thrusting sweep of his tongue then the trail of damp it leaves as he nips and soothes his way to my breasts.
Having attention focused on my nipples really turns me on so I hold his head in place while he sucks and laves.
My moan of disappointment is loud when he eases away.
“Deca, I’m dying to taste you, but not today. Not with your ankle.”
“My ankle is fine. I want you to… to do that.”
One hand slides down my leg and gives my wrapped ankle a poke. I yelp and jerk from the touch, then yelp again. I roll my gaze. “Okay, but what can we do?”
His hand moves to my mound. “Plain old missionary should be fine if we’re careful.”
That’s what I’ve had the most experience with, so I’m good. His fingers trace along my seam then dip down and tickles my clit. “Dane.”
“That good, babe? Keep telling me what you like.”
“You… oh, yes… that too.”
He chuckles as he works his fingers over me, circling my clit, makes me sigh. “What I like is you like this. Natural. No naked pussy. No fancy shaving patterns. Just you the way you were made. Made for me.”
Not that I ever considered shaving anyway, I make a silent vow to remain as natural as possible. I tilt my hips giving him more access.
“Good girl,” he croons, tracing his fingers to my entrance. ‘Kiss me, Deca.”
I hold his head between my palms and pour every ounce of feeling into our kiss. It’s passionate, sloppy, filled with what words can’t say. He slips a finger inside me as his tongue strokes over mine. Then a second finger, moving in a slow advance and retreat.
Gasping for breath, I break the kiss and he moves to a nipple. “Oh god…”
“More?” he asks, moving from one nipple to the other.
“Please, please.” I’ve never felt the tightening of my core this strong. Or sensed how wet arousal makes me. I want… need… “Dane, please.”
His fingers curl inside me, pressing against that place I seldom find for myself. The rhythmic pressure makes me gasp and moan. His thumb circles my clit. His pursed lips pull on my nipples. He’s relentless.
My orgasm explodes with my silent scream. Dane’s actions slow but continue as I come back to myself. I open my eyes to Dane’s smile.
“Hey, babe.”
“Oh my gosh, Dane.”
“Good?” He lifts his hand and licks his fingers. “Yeah, babe. Very good.”