Chapter 29
They were on their way to Caleb’s cabin after a fun afternoon at Cypress Swamp Brewery.
Clay Hawkins, the brewer and owner, had been there to introduce them to two new brews.
He was also from Vermont, up past Stowe, and he and Caleb had bonded instantly over small towns, snowstorms that lasted forever and the satisfaction of building something with your own two hands.
Citrus and hops with just a hint of yeast lingered in the air inside the old citrus packing shed.
The wide doors were rolled open, letting sunlight spill across the polished floor and across the rows of large stainless tanks.
Clay had shown them around, their footsteps mixing with the clink of glasses and low murmur of conversation drifting in from the tasting area.
No food was served there, but food trucks lined the parking lot, sending up competing scents of grilled meat, citrusy marinades and fried dough. They’d eaten at one of the picnic tables, flights of beer lined up between them, soaking up the sunshine and easy afternoon.
“That was fun,” Caleb said as he pulled onto the road. “I really like Clay. He told me he used to be a mechanical engineer. Gave up the rat race to move here and get married. Has a couple of kids.”
Mia smiled. She knew the two of them would get along.
The drive took them past Fat Jack’s Roadhouse, and memories of dancing with Caleb flashed through her mind.
The easy laughter. His hands on her hips.
The way he pulled her closer, how he looked at her like he already knew.
And now, just a couple of weeks later, not only were they heading back to his place, but they were going to have sex.
Her pulse kicked up, heat curling low in her belly.
Caleb had been eyeing her the whole time they were out. He’d kissed her several times, slow and unhurried, like he was pacing himself and left her wanting more.
Finally, they arrived back at his cabin.
He grabbed her overnight bag from the back seat, opened her door, and they stepped inside.
Mia took a deep breath. The cabin was the same, but the air between them felt different.
Charged with anticipation and barely contained heat.
Ranger came over and nudged her leg. She bent to rub his head, then he went back to his spot by the door, settling with a low huff.
He closed the door behind them and turned, his gaze steady. “Okay?”
“Yes.”
That’s all it took.
He put down the overnight bag and stepped toward her. He kissed her again, deeper this time, hands sliding up her back, pulling her closer. She responded without hesitation, rising onto her toes, heart racing. Not from fear but from certainty.
Then Caleb pulled away, and she felt the loss of his heat. Taking her hand, he moved them down the hall into his bedroom.
He turned to her, his brows drawn with concern. “Still okay?”
She nodded.
He smiled, pulled the covers down and then opened his arms. “Then come here.”
Mia stepped into his arms, resting her forehead against his chest for just a second, letting herself feel the moment before everything changed.
He released her and reached for her blouse, slowly removing it. Then he unzipped her pants. She kicked off her shoes, and he pulled the pants free. She stood there in her bra and panties, pleased that she’d chosen a lacy set.
Caleb’s eyes lit up. “God, you’re beautiful.”
She reached for his T-shirt and tried to pull it up but got tangled.
Caleb laughed and did that smooth pull-it-off-from-the-back move that always amazed her.
Then she pushed his shoes with her foot and worked his pants down, her hands steady despite the flutter in her chest. Caleb sucked in a breath, his hands flexing at his side as if he was deliberately holding himself back.
His jaw tightened, eyes darkening as he watched her, letting her take her time.
Finally, he stood there in his boxers, his body already reacting to her, breathing a little heavier, his gaze tracking every movement like he was memorizing her.
She looked him up and down, licked her lips and said, “Not too shabby.”
Caleb said nothing for a moment, his lips parting as if he might say something, anything, before a low laugh finally escaped him. He picked her up, slung her over his shoulders and deposited her gently on the bed before crawling beside her.
“I’ll be happy to show you more than ‘not too shabby.’”
Mia giggled. “I hope those aren’t just words, cowboy.”
He shook his head. “You’re in so much trouble here, young lady.”
“Ohhh. Whatcha going to do about it?” she teased.
“This.”
Mia was unprepared. His mouth found hers again, slow at first, then deliberate, making it very clear he intended to take his time.
He kissed the bejesus out of her. Then stopped. She felt the loss immediately.
“Sit up,” he said.
She did. He removed her bra and took a deep breath while staring at her breasts. “Perfect.”
He brought her hands over her head so she was completely exposed, his blue eyes dusky with desire. Then he leaned over and took one nipple in his mouth while tweaking the other. Mia closed her eyes. Could this get any better?
Why, yes, it could. He switched breasts, and she moaned.
“You’re going to be moaning a lot more,” he whispered between sucking and pinching her nipple.
“Tease,” she mumbled when she caught her breath.
He worked his way down her body, planting kisses everywhere. When he reached her panties, he pulled them down and tossed them aside.
“Open for me, sweetheart.”
She did, trusting him completely. He positioned himself at her core. He licked and sucked and kissed her pussy until she couldn’t stand anymore. “Please,” she moaned.
He looked up at her, smiling. “Please, what?”
“I want you inside me.”
He shook his head. “Not happening yet, sweetheart. I’m not done, and you haven’t come.”
Mia took a deep breath, the sensation building until she wasn’t sure how much more she could take. She’d had lovers before, but no one had spent so much time making sure she came first.
Caleb winked and continued. He fingered her clit, then sucked it. Mia was sure she’d combust. He fingered her pussy while he licked her, and she moaned his name.
Mia was hot. She was wet. She was …
He continued until the pressure mounted, until she couldn’t handle the sensations anymore and let the orgasm wash over her. She screamed his name.
He continued to kiss her, finally ending at her mouth when she opened her eyes. “You’re beautiful when you come.”
“That was fabulous,” she whispered.
His blue eyes crinkled. “Better than not too shabby?”
Mia giggled and reached for him. “Take off your boxers.”
He stood and removed them, came back to bed and gathered her in his arms.
She ran her hands over his body, feeling his hard abs, his cock that was trying to reach her. She tried to move down on him, but he stopped her.
“Not this time, sweetheart. This time is all for you,” he said as he started kissing her and moving downward again.
Mia took a deep breath. Was she ready for another orgasm? She’d never had two in a row. He took his time, sucking and fingering and making sure she was wet.
“Caleb. Now, please.”
He looked up and smiled. “Well, since you said please.” He rolled over to the nightstand and pulled out a string of condoms.
Holy shit, did he plan to use all of them? Mia gulped.
Caleb laughed when he saw her face. “One at a time, babe, one at a time.”
He rolled the condom on, placed her legs on his shoulders and guided his cock slowly into her entrance and stopped. “Not hurting you, am I?”
“Good lord, Caleb, just keep moving.” Mia needed this like she needed her next breath.
“Yes, ma’am.” He thrust in, and Mia groaned. Then he got into a rhythm until Mia felt the pressure building.
With one more thrust, her body quivered while she moaned his name. He groaned as he came.
When they finally relaxed, he got up and got rid of the condom. He came back to bed and pulled her into his arms. “That was fantastic.”
She nodded. “It was.”
They lay tangled together for a while, the room quiet except for their breathing. Somewhere down the hall, there was a soft thump of movement. Nails on hardwood. A familiar huff.
Mia jumped.
“Ranger!”
The dog stood at the side of the bed, tail wagging lazily, nose already investigating like he’d been invited.
“Bad doggie,” she huffed.
Ranger didn’t look upset. Instead, it looked like he gave her the canine equivalent of a grin and left the room.
“He’s probably going to be scarred for life,” she said.
“I doubt it. He’s probably had his share of women.”
Mia laughed and moved to the edge of the bed. “How about I make some coffee after I shower? We can sit outside and drink it.”
“Great idea.”
It didn’t take her long to shower and start the coffee. She heard the bathroom door open. Searching the pantry, she found a box of cookies and put them on a plate with the coffee. Found a dog bone for Ranger. Put everything on a platter and carried it to the back patio.
Caleb had two outdoor chairs and a small table out there. She put the platter down and sat. Ranger raced off toward the woods. She leaned back in the chair. It was peaceful out here. The breeze was warm, the birds were chirping in the trees, and sunlight filtered through the leaves.
“Hey.”
Caleb padded outside barefoot, dressed in a pair of jeans and a T-shirt. Mia stared. Was there anything sexier than that? “You found the cookies. I forgot I had them.” He sat next to her.
“It’s so nice out here,” she said. “The trees, the quiet, the greenery.”
He nodded. “I’m grateful that the Brotherhood has these cabins. They’re all far enough away from each other to have privacy.”
“Do you ever plan to find another place? One of your own.”
“One of these days. I wanted to be settled here before I did anything.”
Mia nodded, but his words lingered. Settled.
It sounded solid but also vague. She couldn’t help wondering what that meant for him.
For them. Whether she fit anywhere in that picture or if she was just passing through this part of his life.
She wasn’t staying with her dad forever.
One day she’d have her own place again. The question was whether their paths were destined to end up together or if this was just a temporary road.
Pshaw. She wasn’t going to overthink this. They just started dating. She really liked him, and she knew he liked her. Neither of them was a love ’em and leave ’em type.
“How about a walk around?” Caleb asked. “There’s a path and stretch of woods behind us that the Brotherhood owns. It’s easy and pleasant. Then I’ll grill something for dinner and …”
“And?” she prompted.
He grinned, eyes warm, full of promise, and nodded. “And …”