Chapter 21
Twenty-One
Peter
I don’t expect Callie to make a move, but as soon as the words are out of my mouth, her lips are on mine. I can taste the raspberry sauce on her tongue as she deepens the kiss. I’m going at her pace. I wasn’t lying when I said it.
Dinner is all but forgotten as she climbs into my lap. I don’t think I’ve made out with someone like this since I was in high school. But that’s exactly how this feels right now. Like we’re exploring something new and exciting.
My hands roam down her sides before gripping her hips, pulling her closer to me. She moans at the erection evident beneath my pants. The sound does nothing to quell how much I want her in this moment. It’s taking everything in me to push the feeling away.
I didn’t make her dinner to get in her pants. She needs to be celebrated, even with the things that seem to be inconsequential.
Callie climbs off my lap, breaking the kiss. She grabs my hand to pull me up.
“What are we doing?”
“Follow me.” She has a mischievous glint in her eye. One that reminds me of when we were kids, and she was going to talk us into doing something we didn’t want to do.
She leads me to my room and closes the door once we’re inside. This is not how I was expecting the evening to play out. I know Eric gave me a heads up that he’d bring Lexi home around ten, maybe a little before. We have time, but I need to know this is truly what she wants.
“We don’t have to do anything tonight. We probably shouldn’t rush things.” I can’t believe those words came out of my mouth. The last thing I want her to do is regret anything between us. Or worse, treat this like a one-time thing. I don’t want one night with her. I want, need, so many more.
She presses a finger against my lips to stop any more reservations I may throw at her.
“Peter, do you have any idea how many times I’ve fantasized about this?
Not just the teenage version of myself that ran away to another state when the boy she loved didn’t acknowledge her existence.
But also, the nights I’ve lain in this bed wishing you were next to me despite telling myself I couldn’t have you. ”
I grab her hand, placing a gentle kiss on the back so I can talk. “I only want you to be sure. If we do this. It’s not just one night.”
Callie moves her hands to the hem of my shirt.
“You don’t have to worry about that. I’ve been fighting my feelings for you since you found our dog.
I thought I had them buried deep, but all it took was one encounter and I knew I wouldn’t be able to hide them for long. Now make me feel good, please.”
That’s all the permission I need. I let her pull my shirt off. She pushes me backward toward the bed, but I stop her. She wants me to make her feel good, and I’m going to use all the time I know we have.
I place a soft kiss on one cheek then the other. I want to show her how much she should be worshipped. I have a feeling she didn’t get that from her ex-husband. She deserves to be put on a pedestal.
My hands move down her arms until I reach the bottom of her blouse, and I pull it over her head before tossing it to the other side of the room. I reach around and undo the clasps of her bra, my fingers trailing down her arms as I slip it off. She shivers at the touch.
I turn her until she’s against the edge of the bed. She lies back as I undo the buttons on her pants and slide them off along with her panties. They are soaked, and I’m glad I’m not the only one who wants this.
She shrinks into herself as my gaze moves along her body. No doubt worried about what I’ll think. “Don’t hide. You’re beautiful.”
Her cheeks turn a lovely shade of pink as I lean over her. I place kisses along her jaw before capturing her lips with mine. Her arms go around my neck and my hand glides down her side, soft and slow. Her breath catches, and this time a shiver runs through my entire body.
I pull away and she whimpers. Her hands fall to the side as my lips trail down her body. She gasps as I hook her legs over my shoulders. “Is this, okay?” I don’t want to do anything she isn’t comfortable with.
“Yes.”
I run my tongue along her clit as I slide a finger inside her. Her hand is in my hair as I pick up speed. Her body quivers beneath me and I know she’s close. Her grip tightens and her thighs squeeze my shoulders. This is my new favorite flavor, which I hope I will have for the rest of my life.
Her body stills. Her legs fall off my shoulders, limp. I stand and undo the button of my jeans before sliding them down. The nightstand drawer squeaks as I pull it open to get a condom. I need to fix it, but that’s a problem for another day. Right now, my focus is on Callie.
“Sorry, that was so fast.” She covers her face with her hands. “It’s, uh, been a while.”
I roll the condom over myself and pull her hands from her face. “You never have to apologize to me. Especially about this.”
“Okay.” She glances around the room before her eyes meet mine. “Can I be on top?”
I’m not sure I’ve ever talked this much while having sex, but I want Callie to be comfortable. The fact she’s asking instead of demanding the way she did when she dragged me into the room worries me. Did her ex not give her any say in the bedroom? Now isn’t the time to ask.
“If that’s what you want. You never need ask. Tell me what you want, and I’ll gladly do it.”
“Okay.”
She waits for me to get on the bed before climbing over me. I sweep her hair to the side. I want to see her. I pull her down to me, kissing her so she doesn’t feel so awkward. If it’s been a while, she may feel out of her element. I don’t want her to overthink this.
Her body loosens up, and she’s grinding against me. One hand is on the headboard, and the other moves to grab my cock. She pumps it once, twice, three times before lifting and sliding over me.
“Fuck, Callie,” I whisper against her lips. I feel her smile before she deepens the kiss and rides me with confidence. Damn, she feels good. Too good. There’s no way in hell I’m ever going to give this up.
I slide my fingers into her hair, with one hand, gripping the strands between my fingers. For a second I worry it’s the wrong thing to do, but she moans into my mouth and I know she likes it. My other hand slides to her hip. I need her to slow down. If not, I won’t last much longer.
She grinds into me harder before breaking the kiss and sitting up as she tightens around me. There’s no way in hell I’ll be able to hold back. I move my other hand to hip and pump into her as she finds her release before I follow along after her.
Her breath is short as she bends down to lie on my chest. “That was…thank you.”
“Did you just thank me for sex?” I chuckle.
“You have no idea how much I needed that.” I can feel her lips turn up in a smile against my skin.
“Same.” It’s the only thing I can think to say. I’m too chicken shit to tell her it’s been a while for me, too. Dating has been on the back burner since I work all the damn time.
“Happy to know it’s not just me.” She rolls to the side of the bed. “I should probably take a shower before Lexi gets home.”
“Do you need help?”
She swats my chest with her hand. “If you help, I’m not sure we’ll be quick.”
“Fine.” I pout. “I guess I’ll get dressed and clean up our dinner mess.”
“I’ll help with the dishes as soon as I’m out.”
“You don’t have to do that. Tonight is supposed to be all about you.”
“I want to.” She leans over and gives me a quick kiss before rolling off the bed. It’s nice seeing her so carefree. I don’t think she’s been this light-hearted since she moved back. Maybe it means she’s finally feeling secure in her life. A small part of me hopes I’m helping with it.
“I’m gonna run to the restroom real quick while you get your stuff together.”
“Take your time.”
I’m loath to get out of my bed. I’ve missed it in the last week. But if I don’t get up now, there’s a good chance I’ll fall asleep, and there’s no way she’ll be able to convince me to move.
I take a few minutes to dispose of the condom and clean up before going back to my room. As soon as the bathroom is free, a towel-wrapped Callie heads for it. It takes only a couple of minutes for me to throw on a pair of sweats and a t-shirt.
While Callie’s in the shower, I straighten up the bed. I noticed the bed is always made as soon as she leaves the room. The bed only gets made when I have people coming over. It’s never high on my priority list.
Next up are the clothes. I put my dirty clothes in the hamper in my closet and move Callie’s to the small pile she has on the floor. After work tomorrow, I’ll get something for her dirty clothes.
I hear the bathroom door open as I finish cleaning my room, and Callie’s walking in with wet hair.
“Cute jammies.” I nod at her pink pajama set covered in hearts.
“They’re warm.”
“Doesn’t make them less cute.”
“Well, if you had central air and heat, I wouldn’t be so cold.” She sticks her tongue out at me.
“It’s never been an issue until now. I’m hardly ever home, and the fireplaces and window units are usually enough.” But you bet that’s going to change in the future. I want my house to be comfortable for her.
“I’m only giving you a hard time. Let’s get the dishes cleaned up.” She moves to the hallway, and I follow her. She stops in her tracks. “Alice, no.”
I lean over to see why she’s yelling at the pup. Alice is licking the plates. “Hopefully, there isn’t anything on there that will make her sick.”
“If only you knew the things we’ve walked in on her eating. She thinks she’s being sneaky, but gets caught every time.” Callie shakes her head and hurries to the coffee table to grab the plates.
Luckily, Alice didn’t knock over the candles. I didn’t think to blow them out before we left the room. I blow them out and turn on the lights. Cleanup will be easier if we can see everything.
We’re finishing up the dishes when the door to the mudroom opens. “I’m home.” Lexi yells louder than necessary.
“We see that.” Callie laughs. “There’s a slice of cheesecake for you in the fridge.”
“You do love me.”
“That’s all Peter. He’s the one who got it for you. Did you have fun with Abby?”
“Yes!” She goes to the fridge to get her dessert, and when she turns around Callie is leaning against me with her arm around my waist.
“My plan worked.” She throws a hand in the air.
“I knew there was a reason you wanted to go to a friend’s house on a school night.” Callie sighs.
“A girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do. Besides, you deserve to be happy.”
Maybe her being friends with Eric’s kid isn’t such a great idea. She’ll be running around trying to play matchmaker, too. Though, I’m glad she thinks I make her mom happy. Now I need to make sure I keep it up. And figure out how to tell Miles I’m dating his little sister.