Chapter Thirteen #2
An hour later, Gunner’s hand enveloped Aubrey’s as he pushed open his heavy oak front door.
The scent of pine and woodsmoke greeted them.
No matter how many times she’d been here, Gunner always loved the way Aubrey’s smile brightened at his house.
He’d felt the same way when the designer had shown him the plans for the property.
And every day since he’d moved in, he’d found a wonderful peace here.
As they moved further into the living room, he reluctantly released her hand, making his way to the river rock fireplace. “Let’s get you warmed up,” he remarked, crouching down to start a fire. Within minutes, the flames licked at the fresh wood.
Aubrey settled onto the plush leather couch, tucking her legs beneath her. “You always do know how to warm me up,” she said, a hint of playfulness in her tone.
He glanced over his shoulder, feeling a slow smile spread across his lips. “Well now, Miss Hale, I do believe that’s a compliment.”
The fire crackled to life, filling the comfortable silence between them. He finally rose, brushing his hands on his jeans, her eyes meeting his with an intensity that spoke volumes.
“Penny for your thoughts?”
A blush crept up her neck. “Just appreciating the view,” she admitted.
He crossed the room, settling beside her on the couch. “Do you want more of the view—” he began.
But before he could finish, she leaned in and captured his lips in a kiss that tasted of promise.
With a soft groan, he pulled Aubrey into his arms, deepening the kiss. The warmth of her mouth against his hardened his cock to steel. Her fingers tangled in his hair as his hands roamed her back, tracing the curve of her spine through her shirt. Each touch was electric, charged with desire.
“Daaaarlin’,” Gunner drawled, the words grazing the space between them like a promise.
He could feel Aubrey’s breath mix with his, could see the way her eyes darkened, the way she trembled against him.
The house around them faded to nothing—just her, him and the fire burning hotter with every second.
Nothing mattered now. All he knew was the feel of her in his arms, soft where he was hard, delicate yet strong enough to pull him under.
When their lips met again, the kiss turned desperate, a wildfire sweeping through his veins.
Her hands roamed his chest, fingers fumbling with his flannel shirt, brushing against bare skin with every button she freed.
He felt her touch like a spark, each press of her hands driving his need higher.
“God, Aubrey,” he murmured against her mouth, his hands finding her waist and pulling her closer.
The curve of her body fit against his perfectly, and he didn’t know how he’d ever gone a day without this—without her.
He dragged his lips away, kissing down her neck, tasting her skin.
She shivered, a soft sound that damn near undid him escaping her throat.
“You taste so sweet,” he said, his voice roughened by the hunger clawing at him. He meant it, every word. She was intoxicating, and he couldn’t get enough—would never get enough.
The world blurred as clothes fell in a tangle at their feet.
Gunner’s hands explored Aubrey’s body, memorizing every inch, every sigh, every way she responded to him.
Their bodies came together like a perfect rhythm, the air thick with need, with heat, with something deeper than he was ready to name.
Here, with her in his arms, everything else fell away. Nothing mattered but this—Aubrey, beneath him, with him, lost in him. And Gunner knew he was lost in her too.
His breath hitched as her cool fingers grazed his skin. “Aubrey,” he murmured as he gently guided her toward the plush rug before the crackling fireplace. The warmth enveloped him as he sank down on top of her. Flickering firelight danced across her skin.
His calloused fingertips traced the delicate line of Aubrey’s collarbone, making her shiver and him smile. “You’re so beautiful,” he murmured.
Her breath hitched as he removed her clothing, piece by piece. “Gunner,” she whispered, her usually confident voice tinged with vulnerability. “I need you.”
He smiled again, his touch featherlight as it trailed down her arm.
“Ah, and you can have me.” His hands, strong yet gentle, began to explore her body with careful deliberation.
Each caress was a revelation, igniting sparks of sensation that made her tremble.
She closed her eyes, tipping her head back, and he groaned against her neck, loving her just like this.
“You’re shakin’, sweetheart,” he murmured.
“Please,” she gasped.
He didn’t need to hear more. He slid between her thighs. His eyes locked with Aubrey’s as he placed a gentle kiss on her inner thigh. She shivered as he fully lowered himself, his breath hot against her sex.
With his first stroke, she gasped, her fingers tangling in his hair. “Oh, Gunner.”
Each movement he made was deliberate and focused as her back arched, a soft moan escaping her lips.
When the wave of pleasure finally crashed over her, she cried out his name, her body trembling. As she caught her breath, he gave her a satisfied smile. Christ, he loved watching her unravel like that.
“Come here,” she said softly, pulling him up for a deep, passionate kiss.
As their lips parted, her hand trailed down his chest. “My turn,” she whispered.
He trembled now as she took him deep into her mouth, and Gunner’s world narrowed to a pinpoint of exquisite sensation.
His fingers tangled in her silky hair, cradling her head.
The sight never lost its edge—this fierce, independent woman he’d longed for since that week in Atlanta—willingly on her knees before him nearly undid him completely every single damn time.
She poured all of her desire into her movements, and he was sure she was determined to drive him wild.
And she did. Every single time.
Heat soared through him as she bobbed her head deliciously, until he couldn’t take any more.
“Sweet Jesus,” he grunted, pulling away. “You’re gonna be the death of me, woman.”
A playful glint in her eye, she said, “Wouldn’t be a bad way to go.”
He chuckled, the sound rumbling deep in his chest. He cupped her cheek, his calloused thumb tracing her swollen lips. “C’mere,” he murmured, gently pulling her to her feet.
The fire crackled, casting a warm glow across her body as he gently flipped Aubrey onto her knees. His movements were careful, yet urgency thrummed through his muscles. He reached for his jeans, fumbling for his wallet, extracting a foil packet.
After sheathing himself in a condom, he leaned down over her, capturing her lips from the side in a searing kiss. She tasted of a sweetness he’d always crave.
Their kisses were like fire, igniting him with an intense passion that consumed him. Breaking the kiss, he eventually gripped the base of his cock and entered Aubrey with a slow, deliberate motion that sent shockwaves through him. She gasped, her fingers digging into the blanket beneath them.
He paused. “You alright, darlin’?” His voice was husky, strained with the effort of restraint.
“God, yes,” Aubrey breathed. She arched back against him, her body craving more.
“Don’t stop,” she pleaded.
He listened and began to move, his rhythm steady and intense. Each thrust sent sparks of pleasure coursing through his veins, awakening parts of him only she could awaken.
“God, yes—” she gasped, her pleasure seeming to build with every movement.
He silenced her with a deep, hard thrust, his movements becoming more urgent. She matched his intensity, meeting him for every thrust, their bodies moving in a perfect rhythm.
He felt the familiar tension building within her, the way her sweet body hugged him tight.
“Let go, sweetheart,” Gunner whispered, his breath hot against her ear. “I’ve got you.”
With those words, Aubrey cried out, trembling in his arms as he followed her over the edge, their bodies finding release in each other.
As the aftershocks subsided, Gunner withdrew and tucked her into his arms, holding her close.
“You’ve got me,” she whispered.
He kissed her shoulder. “Always, darlin’. I always have you.”