CHAPTER 63
Victoria
I’m in shock.
We just circled around what looks like an oasis wonderland, a romantic dream world.
I peered down at a bustling little village, noting one large tent and several smaller ones.
Potted plants. A cabana with what looks like comfy chairs arranged on a carpet.
I saw at least two dozen very busy people scurry around, like the backstage crew at a play.
We’ve landed in a spot shielded by trees to protect the site from the vortex of air and dust.
“What is… how did you do this, Cal?”
“I had a lot of help. I wanted everything to be perfect. For you.”
I stare at him. I must look like a dufus. My mouth hangs open and my brain has turned to mush. He did all this for me?
Cal laughs as the thrum of the rotors slows. He removes my headset. “You look surprised, in a good way.”
“A very good way.”
He takes my hand and helps me out of the helicopter, then guides me past the trees and into the dream world. That’s when the full effect hits me.
Gauzy curtains are pulled back to reveal the interior of the main tent. There’s a huge, luxurious bed covered with pillows. A fluffy carpet and a side table with a lamp. There are flowers, vines, and fairy lights entwined in the tent rafters. It’s worthy of a sultan’s harem.
“Wait.” I stop in my tracks and lift my face to Cal’s. “Are we glamping?”
When he breaks out into a full-bodied laugh, I realize how I’ve missed that sound. “Yeah,” he says sheepishly. “I didn’t even know what the fuck that was until Evander told me. And even then, I thought he was joking.”
I stare at him, awestruck. The hard-ass Navy SEAL is taking me glamping.
“It’s mind-blowing what a man will do for the woman he loves.”
I pull on his hand and tug him behind a tree, where I grab the back of his head and pull him close so that I can kiss the hell out of him. His arms encircle my back, and he crushes me close. Eventually, we end the kiss.
“Thank you.” I smile at him. “This is the best surprise ever.”
“We haven’t even started, baby. There’s a lot more to come.”
“Then I’ll have to thank you for each and every surprise.”
“I can live with that.”
We return to the camp, where a chef and staff are finishing with dinner preparations. Beneath the cabana is a small linen-covered table set with china, silver, and crystal. I see champagne on ice. Cal shows me around to the outdoor shower, an outdoor bathroom, and storage sheds.
He points to where Leroy and Bella are munching on grass inside a makeshift corral. Their tack is stored in a small lean-to. Cal’s Jeep is parked nearby.
The chef shows us where several days’ worth of breakfasts, lunches, and dinners are stored in a solar-powered refrigerator, ready when we need it. I spy homemade pumpkin spice granola, yogurt, fresh fruits and cheeses, salads, and sandwich makings. Eggs and bacon and several loaves of fresh bread.
“What’s on the menu tonight?” Cal asks.
“Braised sirloin tips with mushrooms, mashed potatoes with chives and butter, roasted apples and pears, and green beans out of the garden. Of course, there’s also salad, rolls, and for dessert, crème br?lée.”
Next, the chef shows us where we’ll find water, juices, soda, wine, and beer.
“Perfect. You’ve done a spectacular job,” Cal says.
“Thank you, Mr. MacLaine.”
My eyes bug out. I will have to be airlifted out of here if I eat even a small portion of this food. Maybe Cal’s thought of that too. I giggle to myself.
We watch as the chef and his team pack up the SUVs and pull away. Several pickup trucks, including one with a horse trailer, follow. Soon, everyone has departed Sulfur Springs but us.
And Declan. “Well, you two love birds enjoy yourself,” he says, smiling sweetly at me. “Really glad to have you back, Victoria.”
“Thank you again for everything.”
Declan pulls Cal aside. I turn away and pretend I’m not eavesdropping.
“Everything as we discussed?” Cal asks.
“Every-fucking-thing.”
“Thank you, man. But please, do not just show up here without notice. That applies to every soul on the ranch.”
Declan chuckles. “You got it, chief.” He lowers his voice, but I can still hear him. “Good luck, Cal.” Declan returns to the helicopter. We watch him do his checks and lift off, heading back to the airpark.
As the sound of rotors fades, it becomes shockingly quiet. I hear the water, the soft breeze in the trees, and Cal as he walks up behind me. He brings his arms around me and tucks me into his body, lowering his head to kiss the side of my neck.
I snuggle into him, closing my eyes at the pleasure of this. I’m with Cal, safe and secure in his arms. Nothing will ever be better than this.
“Are you hungry, baby?”
“I’m starving.”
“Did you see anything you like?”
“I did.” I spin in his embrace to face him, rising on my tiptoes to place a soft kiss on his lips.
“May I escort the lady to her feast?”
“I—”
I’m off the ground and suddenly thrown over his shoulder. I feel a large, firm hand come down on my ass. Hard. I laugh, but that spank shoots hot lightning lust through my entire body. My laugh softens into the groan of a woman who’s barely survived the last month without this.
Within moments we’re at one of the hot springs.
He sets me back on the ground and takes my hand, leading me to another surprise.
He’s created a little sensual sanctuary out here.
A bench is stacked with towels. Two fluffy spa robes are draped over the back.
A fire ring is all set up, plenty of extra wood stacked nearby.
A small deck now juts over the bubbling water, with steps leading down.
Two reclining camping chairs are arranged on the deck.
I have a million questions. Like how the hell he managed…I stop thinking. His hands are on the buttons of my little top. Then my jeans. He leads me to the bench and sits me down, then peels off my jeans, shoes, and bra.
“Your turn.”
I stand and he sits on the bench. I feel sun and a breeze on my bare skin as I unbutton Cal’s shirt, untuck it from his jeans, and pull the denim down over his arms. I let my fingertips linger on his flesh, rock-hard, rippling with power. I’ve missed the sight of him, the feel of him.
His hands now free, he flicks at my hard nipples. “You’re too beautiful, Victoria. I…I look at you and my chest aches. I want you so bad. I love you so much. Thank you for coming back with me.”
I lean in to kiss him as my hands unbuckle his belt and unzip his jeans. I tell him to raise up so that I can pull them down his legs. His huge cock springs free, and I give it a quick little flick of my tongue before I finish the job at hand, removing his boots and socks.
“I’m ready to explode,” he moans.
“I think we both are.”
He reaches for me. His hands grip the back of my thighs, and he pulls me in. He nuzzles his nose between my legs. My head falls back with the intense pleasure of this touch. His tongue explores inside me, spreading me open. He uses one hand to play with my clit as he tongue-fucks me.
“More,” I whisper. “I want more.”
His chuckle vibrates against my pussy lips. “You always want more. How come you’re such a greedy little thing?” He plays with me, sucking and licking and flicking at me until my legs start to shake.
“Cum in my mouth, Victoria. Cum all over me.”