Chapter 4
CHAPTER 4
DANE
I t’s late when Cece and I set out on our hike. She was so deeply asleep this morning that I couldn’t wake her. It’s not a grueling hike, but it’s long, and she’ll need all her energy. I’m not underestimating her abilities, but I don’t want her to get injured. I watch her walking in front of me and admire her physical strength.
I have to admit that I wasn’t sure of her fitness level because she’s not a typical super-fit hiker, but she’s keeping a solid and steady pace. There is so much more to her than meets the eye, and everything I uncover makes her more attractive.
“Watch out!” Cece calls suddenly, grabbing my arm.
The warmth of her hand burns through my shirt as I stumble, narrowly avoiding a gnarled tree root jutting out across the path.
I place my hand over hers and turn to smile at her. “Thank you.”
Cece smiles and nods. “I wouldn’t think you’d be one not to pay attention to where you’re stepping.”
I glance at Cece and smile as we continue hiking. Do I tell her that it was thoughts of her that had me distracted? No, I shouldn’t do that. This is the last place to come off like a predatory jackass.
“It doesn’t happen often, but sometimes I get in my head,” I say, striding forward to lift a low-hanging branch so Cece doesn’t have to bend.
“Thanks,” she says as she passes.
The smile she gives me makes my heart skip a beat. As soon as we’re back in town, I’m going to ask her out. I don’t think I’m misreading the chemistry between us, but I’m unwilling to risk missing an opportunity to spend more time with her.
“You should come back to King Mountain sometime,” I say, then feel awkward.
Cece glances at me and gives me another dazzling smile. “Oh?”
“Yeah,” I say quickly. “Since your trip is getting cut short now. King Mountain is a beautiful place, and it’d be a shame if you didn’t experience it properly.”
This makes Cece pause for a moment, and she raises an eyebrow at me. God help me, but I want to kiss her perfectly plump lips. I can’t decide if she knows how much she’s affecting me or if she has no clue how fucking sexy she is.
As we chat, I realize something feels off. The forest, which had been alive with birdsong and the rustle of small animals, has gone unnaturally quiet. The hair on the back of my neck stands up, and I pause and scan our surroundings closely, my senses on high alert.
Suddenly, I freeze. Cece is looking to the side as she walks next to me, so she doesn’t immediately see the two mountain lions standing before us, swishing their tails as they watch us with a heart-stopping intensity. My heart races as worry for Cece rushes through me. I know how to handle this, but will she remember my instructions for dealing with mountain lions?
“Don’t move,” I whisper to Cece, slowly positioning myself at her side. I can feel the heat of her body next to me, hear the quick intake of her breath. “Stay calm and back away slowly. Don’t turn your back on them.”
Cece’s breathing is ragged, her body shaking as she stands close. “Raise your arms and make yourself look big,” I instruct, keeping my voice low and steady despite the adrenaline coursing through my veins. “Raise your arms slowly.”
We inch backward, every movement deliberate and careful. The surrounding forest is unnaturally still as if every other creature is hiding.
The mountain lions watch us as we back away, windmilling our arms. Their tails continue to twitch, but they don’t advance on us. Each second feels like an eternity, yet my mind races. Is this my last day on this earth? Will I continue to be fortunate and have this as another story to tell? Will Cece be okay? How far back was that root I nearly tripped over?
I’m acutely aware of every sound, every movement. The crunch of gravel under our feet seems deafening in the tense silence. A bird calls in the distance, and the sudden noise makes Cece flinch.
Finally, after what seems like ten lifetimes, the mountain lions turn and disappear into the forest. The sudden absence of danger makes me slump in relief. This isn’t my first time encountering mountain lions, but it never gets easier or less terrifying.
I let out a shaky breath, relief washing over me in a dizzying wave. I turn to Cece, needing to ensure she’s safe. “Are you okay?”
She nods, but she’s trembling, and the blood has drained from her face. I hesitate for a moment before pulling her into a bear hug. The warmth of her skin seeps through her jacket, grounding me as much as I hope to ground her.
“It’s okay,” I say softly, hugging her longer than strictly necessary. “We’re safe now. You did great.”
“Thanks to you,” she says, managing a weak smile that doesn’t quite reach her eyes. “I don’t know what I would’ve done if you weren’t here.”
“You’re tougher than you give yourself credit for,” I reply, searching her eyes. The depth of emotion I see there catches me off guard. “But I’m glad I could help. Are you okay to keep going?”
Cece takes a deep breath. “I’m… Do we have to go that way?” she asks, nodding down the trail where the mountain lions stood.
This trail is the fastest route back to town, but I don’t want Cece scared. I glance behind us, calculating how far it is to the fork that will take us to another trail. If we take the long way, we won’t get back before dark, and we shouldn’t be hiking that late—especially if those mountain lions are hungry.
I glance at Cece and make a decision. “Let’s backtrack a little. I know a cabin nearby where we can stay for the night. It’s safer than trying to make it back in the dark.”
Cece nods, relief evident in her expression. We hike in silence to the cabin, and I remain vigilant, constantly scanning our surroundings. My protective instincts are in overdrive, and I’m hyper-aware of Cece’s presence beside me.
The trail becomes steeper as we approach Creek Ravine. Finally, we break through the tree line, and the cabin comes into view.
“Here we are,” I say, gesturing to a cabin nestled among the trees. It’s rustic but charming, weathered wood hiding the security of the building. A small porch faces the bubbling creek that gives the area its name.
“I don’t think I’ve seen this on a map,” Cece says, curiosity filling her green eyes.
A twinge of unease prickles my neck at bringing her here, but I push it aside. I’ll deal with Waylon’s anger later. Safety has to come first.
I unlock the door, and we step inside. The cabin is clean, with a small kitchenette, a living area dominated by a stone fireplace, and three small bedrooms down a short hallway.
“Make yourself comfortable,” I tell Cece, watching as she sinks gratefully into an armchair. “I need to call Reggie and tell him where we are.” I don’t add that he and the others probably already know because there is a lot of digital surveillance and security here, and Reggie knows instantly if someone is within two miles of this place.
I step onto the porch to make the call, pacing back and forth as I update Reggie on our situation. The conversation is tense, and he doesn’t hide his concern about me bringing an outsider here.
“I know, Reggie,” I say, running a hand through my hair in frustration. “But it was the safest option... Yes, I’m aware of the implications... We’ll be fine. I’ll check in again in the morning.”
I end the call and turn back to Cece, trying to smooth the worry from my features. “Sorry about that,” I say, offering a small smile.
“It’s okay.”
I watch as Cece takes off her jacket and sweater, inhaling sharply as she stands with her back to me, wearing only a thin tank top. She bends and pulls a hoodie from her backpack, zipping it to her chest.
Cece turns to look at me as if she knows I’m watching her. I battle the desire intensifying inside me as the air between us electrifies. I step closer, drawn to her despite my better judgment. The small cabin seems to shrink, the space between us crackling with tension.
“I’m glad you’re safe,” I murmur, my voice low.
“Me, too,” she replies softly, her eyes never leaving mine.
The squawk of a bird outside breaks the tension, and Cece takes a deep breath. She rummages through her backpack, pulling out a chocolate bar. The wrapper crinkles in her hands.
“Want some?” she offers, smiling as she holds it out to me.
I chuckle, grateful for the distraction. “You sure have a lot of treats in your bag,” I say, thinking back to her flask of whiskey.
She winks at me, and my heart pounds in my chest. “Just because I’m camping doesn’t mean I can’t have some of my favorite things.”
As she takes a bite, savoring the sweet taste, a small flake of chocolate falls, landing on her chest. My eyes follow its path before I can stop myself, drawn to the contrast of the dark chocolate against her pale skin.
“Um, you’ve got a little...” I gesture vaguely toward her chest, heat rising in my face as I realize I’m staring.
Cece looks down, her cheeks flushing a delightful shade of pink. “Oh god, how embarrassing.”
My desire wins out, and before I can stop myself, I say, “Don’t be embarrassed. Let me take care of it.”
I lean over, my tongue darting out to lick the chocolate from her skin. The sweetness of the chocolate and the saltiness of her skin are the most delicious things I’ve ever tasted. Cece moans and raises her hands to my head, weaving her fingers through my hair.
“Cece,” I breathe, lifting my head to meet her green eyes, filled with desire, mirroring what I’m sure she sees in mine.
In one fluid motion, I scoop her luscious curves into my arms. She giggles as she instinctively wraps her legs around my waist, clinging to my shoulders. Her body is warm, fitting perfectly against mine.
Cece kisses me, and I groan as I grab her thick ass and squeeze. Fuck. Her ass feels like fucking heaven. I can’t wait to get her naked and see the perfection I’m holding.
We reach the bedroom, and I lay her gently on the bed. The old springs creak softly under our combined weight. I hover over her, nearly seeing stars from how every fiber of my being aches for Cece. Finding this kind of connection with a stranger is the absolute last thing I could have imagined when I responded to the beacon, but…fuck. Everything about Cece is beyond anything I’ve ever dreamed about in a woman.
As our lips meet, and everything else in the world fades away. Nothing is more important than this moment, the sensation of Cece’s body against mine and the pleasure I’m going to give this incredible woman.
I slide my hands under Cece’s hoodie, my cock hard and straining as I trace my fingertips across her skin. I reach for her breasts, closing my eyes as I stroke her hard nipples and lightly squeeze them through her bra. Cece moans, pressing into my hands, and I know I can’t keep control much longer.
Leaning down, I kiss her again, groaning as she parts her lips and her tongue teases at mine. I taste her sweetness and long for more. I peel her hoodie off, my cock twitching as her warm skin greets my fingertips.
We pull apart for a moment, and I stare at Cece. She’s absolutely beautiful, her skin glowing in the dim bedroom light. Her long blonde hair fans out on the pillow, her eyes big and green, her lips swollen from our kisses. I trace the line of her jaw with my fingertips and smile when she leans into my touch.
Cece reaches up to undo the buttons of my shirt. I help her, pulling it over my head, impatient to feel her body against mine.
“You’re stunning,” Cece whispers, her voice barely above a whisper.
“And so are you,” I reply, my voice deep and husky with desire. My gaze lingers on her heavy breasts. They look like paradise.
Cece responds with a low moan, gripping my shoulders tightly. I gently lift her head, our lips meeting in a passionate kiss that rocks me to the very core of my being.
As we kiss, her heart pounds against my chest, echoing the intensity of mine. I remove her sports bra, reveling in the gorgeous perfection of her large breasts, their nipples hard and begging for attention. I take one in my mouth, sucking lightly and swirling my tongue around it, relishing Cece’s gasp of pleasure.
My hands slide down her body, tracing the soft curves of her hips and waist. Cece lifts her hips off the bed, allowing me to slide her jeans and panties down her legs.
I unbuckle my belt as I hungrily take in the beauty of her body, then quickly kick off my jeans. Cece’s eyes dart down to my hard cock, a blush rising on her cheeks. She brings her bottom lip between her teeth as she reaches out and pulls me back into bed. Her smile is shy and sexy. Every part of my being wants to own that smile and enjoy it forever.
Cece’s body is so fucking beautiful—skin flushed, curves that make my cock ever harder. My fingers trace over her thighs, slick with her sweet juices, enjoying every dip and rise beneath my touch.
Her body writhes under mine as I slide a finger into the slick heat waiting for me. A jolt of pure, raw pleasure shoots straight to my throbbing cock.
I add another finger, working them slowly, rhythmically. Cece moans deeply and spreads her legs wider, her hips bucking up to meet my hand.
“Dane...please...”
Cece moaning my name intensifies my need for her. I can’t hold back any longer.
I hover above her, locking eyes with her as she lies under me, her gorgeous body begging to be worshipped. “You’re absolutely beautiful, Cece,” I tell her, my voice rough with desire.
“Dane,” she gasps, clutching at the sheets beneath her. “I need...I need you.”
Hearing those words, I rise, positioning my aching cock against her pretty pussy. I lock eyes with her. “Are you ready?”
“Yes,” she breathes, pulling me closer.
With that word, I push inside her. She’s tight and warm, her walls fluttering around my cock. My chest rumbles with a low groan. This is what heaven feels like. Nothing has ever felt as perfect as her body moving with mine.
Her hands dig into my back, fingernails biting into my skin, sending sharp jolts of pleasure coursing through me. She wraps her legs around my waist, and I groan as I thrust deeper.
Cece lifts her hips and urges me into a faster rhythm. She moans as I move faster and deeper inside her, her mouth forming a perfect “O” as she cries out my name.
“Look at me,” I command.
Her green eyes flutter open, glassy with desire, locked on mine. I quicken my pace, and she shudders beneath me, her body reacting to the rhythm of our bodies.
“Dane!” she screams, her pussy clenching around my cock as she comes.
Her body trembles beneath me, and my climax surges fast and intense until it’s a pulsating force that’s almost painful. I drive my cock deeper and deeper, my breathing jagged as she thrusts her hips up to meet mine.
“Dane,” Cece whispers again, and it sends me over the edge. My body shakes above hers as she holds me tightly in her arms.
We collapse together, our bodies slick with sweat, her soft curves cradling my harder angles perfectly. I wrap her in my arms until I don’t know where I end and she begins. My hand finds its way to her face, brushing back the lock of hair sticking to her damp forehead.
“Cece,” I whisper.
“Dane,” she echoes.
She kisses me with a tenderness that makes my heart clench, tracing my face with her fingers. I close my eyes as profound bliss settles over me.
I love this woman.