Chapter Twelve
Keely stared at her reflection in the bathroom mirror, shaking her head. Her hair was a tangled mess, her makeup was smudged under her eyes, and she had a faded but visible pillow print on her cheek. Even with all that, her appearance wasn’t in the forefront of her mind.
This was déjà vu.
She’d awakened in Caine’s bed. Alone. She’d heard the music in the living room but ducked into the bathroom. She assumed he was working out. Exactly like the other morning. It was all playing out the same. And I know what comes next.
“You did it again, moron.” She sighed. “Was it worth it?”
Another night in Caine’s bed left her completely satisfied and drained from multiple orgasms. He’d been different last night, insisting she stay over.
But it was a new day, and she expected him wanting his space back.
Now, she was left to do another round of the walk of shame.
Hopefully this time she could do it more discretely and on her own.
Keely rolled her shoulders, taking one last look in the mirror. Gah…this is why we always wash our faces before bed . She leaned closer, grabbing the damp washcloth off the drying bar and cleaned up the makeup from under her eyes. That was as good as it would get.
She walked out of the bathroom with a plan. She’d gather her clothes, say a quick goodbye and get out of there.
The plan was foiled the second she’d left the bathroom.
Caine was in the kitchen, resting his hip on the counter, lifting a mug to his lips with his eyes trained on her.
She glanced down his body, her eyes trailing over his bare chest. His gray sweatpants hung low on his hips in the ultimate tease.
She hadn’t realized an eight-pack was a thing.
“Morning,” she muttered, brushing her hair out of her face. She should’ve tied it back. As of now, it was a mess with a mind of its own.
Caine didn’t say a word, taking another sip from his mug. She could understand a man of few words. But? A man of no words? Hadn’t they made progress last night?
“I know the drill.” She hooked her thumb over her shoulder, gesturing toward his bedroom. “I’ll grab my stuff and get going.”
Keely didn’t bother waiting on a response she knew wouldn’t come.
This was a mistake. Another one. She jogged up the two steps, making a beeline for the side of the bed.
She retrieved her panties quickly, slipping them on.
When she reached for her bra on the edge of the bed, his hand whipped out, grabbing it before she had the chance.
She was in mid-spin when Caine grabbed her hips, pulling her back against his chest. The cotton of his sweatpants rubbing against her bare legs. And something else.
He swiped her hair from her neck, and his warm breath skimmed over her skin before she felt his lips.
Keely closed her eyes, leaning into him.
This was unexpected and so very welcome.
His hand spread over her stomach as he licked her neck up to her ear.
Her flesh immediately broke out in goosebumps, and her nipples hardened.
Maybe he was looking for one more round before she headed out. I’m all in, Caine.
“I ordered breakfast,” he whispered.
What? She froze in his arms. What did that mean? Did he want her to stay? His fingers dug into her waist while his thumbs caressed over her hip bones. This man was a walking contradiction and impossible to figure out.
“Breakfast for one or two?”
His chest rumbled against his back. Was that a laugh? From Caine? She slowly angled her head, looking up at him. He wasn’t smiling or showing any signs of amusement, but his face had softened.
“Two. You working tonight?”
She slowly nodded, not knowing where this was leading. “I start at six.”
“That gives us a few hours.”
Keely tried to play it cool, but she failed, smiling.
Yes, it does.
****
Ah, fuck!
Caine ground his teeth. His fingers were woven through Keely’s hair, and he tightened his fist while her mouth swallowed his cock.
He was lounging back on the couch, legs spread, with Keely between them on the floor.
He was usually the one to initiate everything when it came to women, but Keely had taken the lead.
Caine clenched his jaw and dropped his head back to the couch.
He’d figured he’d be showing her how he liked it.
Caine was particular. He liked a strong suction, tongue action, and a tease of teeth, and she was doing it all.
He wasn’t sure how much longer he’d last, but he wouldn’t finish in her mouth.
He pulled back on her hair, forcing her to release him. Her eyes were dazed and slightly confused. She was still dressed in just the T-shirt he’d loaned her and her panties.
“Take it off.” He growled, and she gripped the hem of her shirt, lifting it off and tossing it on the floor. Without further instruction, she hooked her thumbs through the waist of her panties, and they fell down her legs. She was perfect.
“You on something?”
“Hopefully, you in a few seconds.” She winked.
Caine narrowed his gaze. She leaned forward, climbing onto his lap and hovering directly over his cock. Her lips skimmed over his cheek to his ear.
“I’m on birth control,” she said as she slowly sat down, taking every inch of his length.
Fuck!
Caine had a strict rule to use protection every time he was with a woman. Even with those who swore they were on birth control. He never took chances with anyone. Except Keely.
She swiveled her hips, riding him slowly. He wouldn’t last long after she sucked him off, especially with the way she was moving over his cock. He dropped his hands down her back, grabbing her ass and thrusting his hips. His prediction was on point, and he came quicker than he’d hoped.
She fell against his chest, her face planting into the crook of his neck. Her heavy breath fanned over his skin as she ground against him. He may have gotten off but clearly, she hadn’t. He’d need some time to take her again. But she wasn’t leaving until she came.
*
Caine walked out of the bathroom after cleaning himself up and found Keely rummaging through his cabinet.
His first instinct was aggressively possessive as he stalked closer.
He had an unnatural reaction to anyone invading his personal space.
It stemmed from years of having nothing.
He stopped at the edge of the counter prepared to put her in line.
Keely must’ve sensed his presence, and she glanced over her shoulder, sighing heavily. Either she wasn’t reading his vibe or was completely clueless.
“You have the worst snack shack.” The corners of her mouth pulled down in a severe frown.
What the fuck?
“What?” he snapped, rounding the counter and stepping closer.
Keely waved her hand at his cabinet. “It’s all protein shakes, nuts, and granola bars. No chips, cakes, or anything good. Do you have a secret stash somewhere?”
What the fuck was she talking about?
“I live alone. Why would I have a secret stash of anything?”
Keely shrugged, “To hide from your guests.”
He grabbed the edge of the cabinet, swinging it shut. “Don’t have guests.”
Keely laughed, hopping up on the stool at the island. “What do you call me?”
Mine.
Keely was the first and only overnight guest he’d ever had at his place. A fact he wouldn’t be sharing. It gave away too much. He could see the wheels in her head turning, but he wouldn’t allow any further questions on previous guests.
“Gonna workout.”
“So, I guess that’s my cue to leave.”
“Did I say I want you to leave?”
“You didn’t say you wanted me to stay.”
“Fucking stay.”
“Well, since you asked so nicely.”
Caine turned to the living room, concealing his smile. He’d started with his usual routine of upper body weights. He usually did a forty-minute interval before moving onto legs. Normally he would alternate days, but knowing he’d be off his schedule with the impending job, he’d doubled his workout.
He cranked up the music and moved to the bench.
Caine was so far in the zone, tuning everything else out, he wasn’t sure when she’d come into the room.
He’d just finished his third set and was swiping off the sweat from his chest when he caught her sitting on the couch a few feet away.
She was tucked in the corner with her knees at her chest.
“Not too late to join me.”
“I prefer to watch.” She rested her chin on her knees. Too fucking cute. “You know what would make this perfect? Cheese balls.”
Caine stilled and slowly arched his brow. Cheese balls?
“Why are you looking at me like I grew another head? Cheese balls.” She widened her eyes.
“They come in a huge, party sized plastic barrel. The kind that leave the cheese flakes all over your fingers, and even after you suck off the remnants, you still have orange fingers?” She lifted her hand, wiggling her fingers.
Caine knew exactly what they were. He just hadn’t realized anyone over the age of ten ate them.
“Do you know what’s in that shit?”
Keely laughed. “Caine, I don’t care what’s in that shit. They’re delicious. I’m bringing some next time I come over.”
Two people couldn’t be more different.
He shook his head, refusing to argue, and continued his workout with her eyes on him. It should’ve been distracting. He’d always exercised alone with the music blasting and every thought from his mind set aside. It was the only time he could completely let his guard down.
Yet, somehow, he liked her there.
A little too much.