Chapter 8
Caleb slid his hands up to cup her cheeks and let her set the pace at first. When her lips parted, he took full advantage and deepened the kiss.
He’d thought of doing this since he’d met her at The Diner. Her lips were just so kissable, so ripe and ready.
She didn’t hesitate to let him in, her hands wrapped around his neck, holding him in place. Her little moan was all it took to encourage him.
Lifting her up to sit her on the counter, she wrapped her legs around him, clinging to him, and he enjoyed every second. His hands cupped her ass and stayed there, squeezing, firmly holding her to him.
He pulled back for a breath and to explore her neck with his lips. She leaned back, arching into him, and that’s when it happened.
The makings of the sandwiches squished under her palm, and he heard it happen. Grace yanked her hand out of the mess quickly, smacking against him as she did.
“Oh my God,” she shouted. “I’m yo sorry.”
Caleb took a deep breath. He wasn’t upset by any stretch, but the mood was gone as Grace started to panic.
“Caleb, oh, no. I’m such a mess.” She tried to squirm away.
“Stop,” he said to get her attention. “Nothing is wrong. It’s just a bit of food.” To prove his point, he reached over for a towel and wiped her hand clean and then the side of his face. “See? All taken care of.”
“I ruined it, as usual. Thanks for helping me clean up, but I’m still so sor—”
He cut her off with a quick kiss. “Stop apologizing.”
“But it’s my fault. I do something stupid, then I drag others into the mess.”
“Grace,” he soothed. “Do I look upset or put out?” He held her gaze, hoping it would show her that he wasn’t concerned.
She shook her head.
“Then there’s no need to apologize or be upset. If anything, it’s my fault for not putting the food away in the first place.” He was trying to calm her down and take some of the blame because that much was completely true.
“Yeah, okay.” She didn’t sound convincing.
Caleb backed away so she could get down.
“I’ll just…” She pointed toward the bedroom and promptly disappeared into it.
He put the lunch stuff away and paced a bit before knocking on the door. “Grace?”
“One second.” He heard some movement and then the door opened. “Sorry, I just needed a minute.”
He pinned her with a glare.
“Sorry, I, shoot.” She stammered.
Caleb let out a small laugh. “Let me ask you a question.” He leaned against the doorjamb. “Are you hiding in here because of where that was leading or because of the mishap?”
“What?” She blinked up at him a few times. “I, umm…”
“Can I kiss you again?” He just went for it, thinking this was the best way to get them back where they were headed, if she even wanted to.
She blushed and ducked her head. “Why would you want to?”
“Why wouldn’t I want to? Over some food?”
She nodded.
“It would take a lot more than that to deter me from kissing you, Grace.” He took one finger under her chin and tipped her face up to look back at him. “If you want me to stop, I will, and we’ll never talk about it again.”
Her face was full of surprise, her eyes wide. “No. No, I don’t want you to stop.”
Thank God, he thought as his lips covered hers. Remembering how she reacted the last time something went wrong, he urged her back until her legs hit the bed and then gently laid her down on it.
This time, as he leaned over her, exploring her with his lips, he let his body press into her, the evidence of his arousal hard to deny. She gasped as he pressed and writhed beneath him.
He meant to be a gentleman, not to take it too far. The moment her hands slid under his shirt to his belt buckle, all sense of honor and restraint disappeared.
Reaching down to still her hands, he backed away and shed his shirt and pants. Grace quickly did the same, leaving her in just her panties in front of him.
Like a man possessed, he bent down to cup her breasts in his hands and kiss her again. She cried out at the contact, and he felt her nails dig into his back. If he had any doubts about her wanting him, they were gone with the way she was holding him to her.
“More,” she pleaded.
Caleb swore and pulled back again. “Condom,” he muttered. He never carried them, but his own brother had given him some to put in his wallet as a welcome home gift when he got back. He’d never been so grateful for interfering little brothers.
Snatching his pants up and fishing around for his wallet felt like it took forever. Grace watched him intently the entire time. He dropped the pants and then the wallet when he had what he needed.
Grace licked her lips as her eyes dropped to follow his hands pulling down his boxers and freeing his cock. He rolled the condom on under her steady gaze and returned to her.
It was full light out, and he had an amazing view of this wanton woman on the bed, legs spread, waiting for him. He got even harder.
She slid her panties off and opened her arms for him to come back. He didn’t wait any longer.
Caleb grabbed her ankle and lifted it to his lips, kissing inside before moving his lips higher and higher. Grace stopped him before he could feast on her.
“I need you,” she whispered.
“Your wish is my command.” He slid up her body, kissing her when he reached her lips.
He could feel her heat on him as his body lined up with hers. She moved under him, urging him inside her. Caleb closed his eyes as she stretched to fit him, and the sensation nearly undid him like a horny teenager.
He growled as he filled her completely, her loud moan beneath him stirring him into motion. It was faster than he wanted it to be, more intense than he could have imagined.
Caleb brought his hand down between them, finding her sensitive nub and circling it lightly. She cried out, and he felt her pulse around him. He increased the pressure, and her orgasm hit.
Trying to ride it out for her, Caleb kept the pace and waited for her to start to come back down before increasing it. He thrust three more times, quick and hard, before his own release caused him to cry out.
He collapsed onto his elbows above her as sweat beaded on them both. He was completely spent even as he left the bed to clean up the evidence of their lovemaking. How he made it to the bathroom and back, he had no idea.
“It’s cold in here,” he said when he returned.
She nodded but kept her eyes closed, a woman completely sated by him. Something bloomed in his chest, but he pushed it away.
“Come on.” He scooped her off the bed and carried her to the couch. It would be a tight fit, but it’d be warmer out here.
She snuggled into him and let out a contented sigh. Milo was quick to pounce on top of the blankets he’d spread out and make himself comfortable.
Caleb had to admit, nothing had ever felt quite like this, and he didn’t want it to end.