Blake
The potent scent of freshly brewed coffee permeated the air, and I took a moment to look around as the percolator finished its cycle. The window above the sink looked out over a small, but well-maintained backyard. The grass was green but I knew it would be hard and brittle to the touch, dry from the intense heat of the sun. It was one thing I didn’t think I’d ever get used to. Back in Wisconsin, the grass was lush and soft; here it was like walking across a green Brillo pad.
Unread mail was heaped in a small pile on the corner of the counter and several plates and glasses, including my own from last night, filled the sink. She took good care of the place, but she wasn’t a neat freak. I liked that about her. I wouldn’t have to worry about her losing her shit if I left something out of place.
My mom and two sisters had beaten good habits into me growing up, and what they hadn’t taught me, the military had. I’d been on my own for over a decade, but I couldn’t deny how nice it was to be here with Victoria. I liked the idea of sharing responsibility—taking care of her, and of her taking care of me.
“How long have you been here?”
Victoria pulled a small glass container of sugar from the cupboard, then glanced over her shoulder at me. “In Texas?”
“This house.”
“Oh.” She set the container on the counter and strode to the fridge. “About two years now.” Yanking open the door, she pulled out a bottle of hazelnut creamer, then gestured to a jug of milk. “How do you take your coffee?”
“Black, just a touch of sugar.”
With an affirmative nod, she closed the door and set the creamer on the counter. Turning to face me, she crossed her arms over her chest. “You’ve been here for a month?”
“Yep. I bought a little fixer-upper on the outskirts of town. It was cheap and I figure I can flip it once I find something I really like.”
It was actually only about three miles from the healthplex, so it was an almost perfect arrangement. Right after I’d accepted Con’s offer to work for QSG, I’d contacted a realtor in the area and purchased the small ranch. With a little work, the place could be really nice, and I hoped to turn a decent profit once the renovations were complete. The neighborhood was older and fairly quiet, which suited my needs well.
Given a choice, I’d rather be in the country where I had a little space to myself. It’d be hard to come by, being this close to the city, but maybe I’d eventually find a little plot of land somewhere more rural. Although the house was conveniently located, I enjoyed my privacy and would prefer to have some space to roam around. I didn’t want neighbors right next door. I wanted to be someplace where I could walk outside in my underwear because, well… Why the hell not?
I stared out over the backyard, at the roofs of the houses just over the fence at the edge of her property. This was ultimate suburbia. Each home sat on a quarter- to half-acre, with only small hedges or trees to separate one lot from the next. Still, it was nice. I imagined it was perfect for Victoria, young and vibrant as she was. She probably attended cookouts and block parties with the neighbors, waved to them as they passed on the street or walked their dogs.
“It’s nice here.”
“Thanks. Everyone seems to be pretty friendly.”
“Have you met many of your neighbors?”
She shook her head. “Only a couple. I pretty much keep to myself.”
I nodded. “Where I grew up was mostly woods. We had almost twenty acres, and I knew it like the back of my hand. I spent every season hunting or fishing, building forts and putting up tree stands. My dad and I were always out just after midnight on Thanksgiving, ready for the first day of hunting season.”
She grinned. “I can see that. My parents would never dream of doing anything like that.”
I shrugged. “It’s not for everyone. It’s tedious and time-consuming, freezing your balls off fifteen feet in the air, trying not to move too much, just waiting for a buck to wander by.”
“Sounds cold and tiresome.”
“It can be. But the thrill of the hunt is what it’s all about.” I winked at her and she cocked an eyebrow.
“Is that what they call hunting these days? Sitting in a tree drinking coffee and just waiting for a deer to wander by?”
I narrowed my gaze, but the teasing smile didn’t leave her lips. “It’s a lot harder than it sounds.”
She lifted her hands in the air, fingers spread wide, her expression playful. “I’m just saying, it sounds pretty easy to me.”
“Oh yeah?” I took a small step toward her and her arms dropped to her sides. “I don’t think you appreciate the extent of my tracking skills.”
“I…” Her eyes darted to the side and she let out a shriek as I lunged forward. My fingers grazed the material of her robe as she sprinted toward the living room, her musical laughter filling the air. I caught up to her just as she reached the couch, and I wrapped my arms around her from behind. She wriggled like a worm on a hook, laughing and pleading incoherently as I hauled her against my chest.
“See? Who’s laughing now?”
Her head dropped back, and a peal of laughter filled the air. I took advantage of the position, kissing the exposed column of her neck and gently raking my teeth over the sensitive flesh. The laugh died in her throat and a soft sigh escaped her lips as she turned to putty in my arms. Trailing kisses up her neck, I set her on her feet then spun her to face me.
Her hair fell around her face in gentle waves, and her luminous gray eyes sparkled up at me, cheeks pink from exertion. Why the hell had I ever thought she was cold and unfeeling? Victoria was soft and sweet, and she fit me perfectly, all soft curves to my hard planes of muscle. The passion she’d shown last night told me I’d barely scratched the surface. If I ever had the opportunity to make love to her—and God, did I want to—I knew her desire would set the bedroom on fire.
Cupping her chin in one hand, I watched her eyelids flutter closed as I traced the contour of her jaw with my thumb. I dipped my head and pressed my lips to hers. The tingle of our chemistry ignited a fire inside me that shot sparks of awareness all the way down to my toes. I pulled back and let my gaze wander over her beautiful face.
Husky breaths escaped her parted lips and they quivered slightly as if lamenting the loss of my mouth on hers. I traced one finger along the slight point of her chin, over the apple of one cheek, up to the sculpted, winged eyebrow over her right eye. I met her gaze, heavy-lidded with lust, and I captured her mouth again, unable to resist tasting her once more. A low sound left her throat and I swallowed it as my tongue swept over hers.
Her hands swept over my shoulders, encouraging me to continue. Lips never leaving hers, I bent and slid my hands beneath the curve of her ass. I swept her into my arms and settled in the corner of the couch, arranging her so she was spread over my lap.
I speared my fingers into her hair, cradling her skull and tipping her head for better access as I plundered her mouth. She writhed against me, heat from her center pressing against my groin. I abandoned her silky soft hair and trailed my hands down her back, inching the hem of her robe up her thighs and stroking the soft skin along the crease of her hip. The fabric parted and I delved inside, eager to touch her, skimming my hands along the curve of her full breasts.
She inhaled sharply as I brushed her nipples, and they instantly hardened under my touch. Her body went rigid and I froze, praying I hadn’t pushed too hard. After last night, I was dying to touch her again, to run my hands and mouth over every inch of her.
“You okay?”
She let out a shuddering breath. “I… yes.”
Her forehead dropped forward to rest on my shoulder and I banded my arms around her lower back, holding her tight. I kissed the tender spot just below her ear, my breath stirring the wisps of hair there as I spoke.
“Sorry, sweetheart.”
She shook her head. “It’s just…”
It was too much, too soon, and she needed reassurance that she could trust me. Last night had opened the door, but she still had a long way to go. Whether it took days or weeks or years—I wanted to be the one to guide her. I cupped the back of her head and tipped her slightly away, catching her gaze. “We’ve got plenty of time. Not gonna rush you.”
A sweet smile lifted the corners of her mouth. “Thank you.”
“Nothin’ to thank me for. But,” I dipped my head and searched her eyes, “I do want to see you again.”
“When?”
“Soon. Dinner tonight?”
Lower lip still caught between her teeth, she let out a soft exhalation and nodded. “Okay.”
“Good. I’ll pick you up around seven. Wear a dress.”
One sleek brow shot toward her hairline. “What do you think this is, 1950? Why do I have to wear a dress?”
“So I can check you out.” I grinned as I slid one hand over her knee and up her thigh.
She laughed and lightly smacked my chest but didn’t say anything else. I studied her for another moment, a strange combination of emotions radiating through my chest. I recognized part of it as lust for the beautiful woman in my lap. Another was joy that she’d allowed me into her life, trusted me with her body—and maybe even her heart. That remaining feeling eluded me, though. It ran deeper, more powerful than the other two; I felt it down to the tips of my toes. Whatever it was, I wanted a hell of a lot more of it.