Marilyn Lee Unleashed Presents
Holiday Heat: Secret Lover ©2011 Marilyn Lee
All rights reserved
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. All service marks, registered trademarks, and registered service marks are the property of their respective owners and are used herein for identification purposes only. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced electronically or in print without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in reviews. Please respect author’s copyright by not trading, selling, and or giving away this book.
Chapter One “It’s too damned cold to be out here without a coat or the warmth of a woman to mitigate the frigid temperature.” Standing in the middle of their mother’s secluded gazebo watching the falling snow, Caine McGuire turned to face his older brother. Kristopher Macarik stood on the bottom step with a large mug in each hand. The muted sounds of holiday carols reached his ears from the big house several hundred yards down the snow-covered path. The extended family gathered there for the last of several holiday dinners before Christmas dinner at Kristopher’s father’s home. He thought of the velvet jeweler’s box resting in the bottom of his suitcase. At the beginning of the year, he’d been foolish enough to think he would finally get to spend the holidays with the woman he loved. But she’d cured him of that delusion when he spoke to her two weeks earlier. “Caine?” Tearing his thoughts away from the sexy, full-figured woman he’d fallen for the moment he saw her, he shrugged. “The only woman I’m interested in mitigating anything with thinks I should be content to be her damned boy toy.” “Thirty-five is hardly a boy, Caine.” “Try telling her that.” “Why don’t you show her?” “Isn’t that what I’m doing by being here instead of with her?” “Is it?” Caine sighed. “What brings you out here?” “Mom sent me out to bring your ass back inside.” He shook his head. “I want to be alone to think.” “It’s too damn cold out here to do anything but freeze without a heavy coat.” Kristopher walked up the remaining three steps and extended a mug. Caine took it and tasted the contents. Hot chocolate liberally laced with brandy.
Wrapping his bare cold hands around the mug, he finished the drink before he looked at his brother. “She’s not interested in spending the holiday with you?” Kristopher asked. He curled his top lip. “Oh she’s interested all right—as long as we spend it together some place where she doesn’t have to worry about meeting anyone she knows. God forbid those precious daughters of hers should discover she’s fucking a Native American male eleven years her junior. She’s afraid they’d think she’s a sex-starved cougar.” Kristopher narrowed his gaze. “You make her sound prejudiced and more than a little shallow.” As part of a large, mixed-race family, he and his brothers took any sign of prejudice very seriously. He shook his head. “She’s neither.” “I thought not or she wouldn’t have been able to hold your heart captive for so long. But do you think she would have introduced you to her family by now if you were black?” Caine hesitated. A picture of a pretty woman with smooth dark skin, large breasts and long legs formed in his mind. Her smile lit up the gloomiest day. Her low, seductive voice whispering in his ear as he drove his cock deep into her pussy or into her deliciously tight ass sent chills of delight through him. She managed to do all that while also satisfying his emotional need as no other woman had been able to. “Probably not because she’s also hung up on the age difference,” he admitted. Kristopher sighed. “The world is full of beautiful women who’ll love you just as you are. Maybe it’s time you moved on.” Caine arched a brow. “And this from a man who’s spent countless years fucking women he doesn’t care about while refusing to tell the one woman he loves how he feels?” Kristopher shook his head. “Shanise knows I love her,” he said. “I wouldn’t count on that if I were you, Macarik.” “She knows I love her.”
Caine had spent years wondering why Kristopher hadn’t married the girl next door he so clearly loved. “How? By wasting years of her life watching you dangle other women before her?” “I do not and never have dangled any other woman before her!” “Fine. Have it your way, but I’m telling you, Macarik. I would not count on her knowing anything but what your actions must surely say to her.” Kristopher frowned. “Do you know something about her that I don’t, Caine?” “No, but I’m fairly certain she’s not so sure that you love her. Remember she and I spend a lot of time out together when I can’t see Joya and she can’t see you. You know she wants marriage and kids yet you’ve done absolutely nothing to ensure she doesn’t have them with someone else.” Kristopher inhaled slowly. “I have my reasons.” “I know you do. What I can’t figure out is what they are. And neither can she. What are they? I know you like kids.” “My reasons are my own,” he said. “Okay, but shouldn’t you consider telling her before she falls for someone else? You know she’s been seeing her current man for several months now—exclusively.” He watched Kristopher’s jaw clench. “I didn’t come out here for a discussion about my relationship with Shanise, Caine.” “But do you really have one with her at the moment given how things seem to be heating up with her and this other man? Shouldn’t you consider doing something about that before it’s too late?” “I don’t need any help with my love life.” “Don’t you, Kristopher?” “I’m not the one out here freezing his ass off. So if you were hoping to sidetrack me by talk of Shanise, you’re going to be disappointed. Do you know where your ladylove is? Your cell’s been ringing. I have a feeling it might be her.” He’d left his cell phone in his coat pocket when he arrived an hour earlier. “She’s probably at your cabin. We were supposed to spend the holidays there. You don’t mind
her using it alone?” “So you’re not going to join her, Caine?” A wave of physical need ate at him as he thought of giving up spending the next six nights in her arms and in her sweet, addictive pussy. “No.” “Are you going to tell her you’re not coming?” He shrugged. “I was due to arrive two days ago. She’s an intelligent woman. She’s probably figured out by now that I’m not coming. Do you mind her staying there alone?” “No, but I think you should at least call her and tell her you’re not coming—while there’s still time for her to spend Christmas with her family.” “She’s spent the last six years pissing all over me and giving me one damned excuse after another why I couldn’t meet her daughters. Fuck her! Maybe she can pick up another man to spend Christmas with at the nearest bar. If not, she can spend it by her damned self for all I care. Now I really want to be left alone.” Kristopher sighed before he put the mug he held down on the railing. He removed his gloves and the sheepskin jacket he wore and thrust them at him. Caine took them and slipped his arms inside the coat before pulling the gloves over his cold fingers. “We’ll be sitting down to dinner soon. You know if you don’t come in for that, Mom will be out here herself.” He shook her head. “Run interference for me with her, Kristopher.” “I’ll try, but you know how she is about holiday dinners.” “I’m not in the mood to celebrate.” “You know where I am if you change your mind and need to talk,” Kristopher said. “There’s nothing to discuss,” he said. “It’s time I took a leaf out of your book and went on a fucking rampage until Joya Fucking Vincent is an unpleasant memory.” “Sounds good, Caine, except for one thing.” “What’s that?” Kristopher turned up the collar of his suit jacket. “I’ve never managed to vanquish
Shanise from my heart or thoughts—no matter how many women I fucked. I have a feeling you won’t have any more luck with your Joya Fucking Vincent.” He turned and ran back to the house through the falling snow. Alone again with dusk descending, Caine sat down. Closing his eyes, he recalled their last night together. Three months earlier they’d met at the hotel in Arizona where they spent most of their time together. After doing a slow bump and grind striptease that made his cock hard in record time, Joya stood several feet from the chair where he sat nude, smiling at him. Damn he loved her warm brown skin and her wonderful pussy nearly hidden beneath the riot of dark pubic hair he loved to feel brushing against his face when he ate her. How had any man worth the name ever objected to the sexy body that kept him aroused whenever they were in the same room? Her breasts weren’t as firm as they’d probably once been, her belly had a definite swell and she had love handles. But those physical attributes were some of the things he loved most about her. He’d take a woman with a little extra padding over a pole-thin woman any day of the week. When she wore three-inch black heels and an alluring white-garter belt that contrasted perfectly with her skin, he found it was difficult to believe she had three adult daughters. “Damn girl, you have the sexiest body I’ve ever seen,” he told her, wrapping his fingers around his cock. “Not to mention the sweetest pussy.” Her dark brown eyes sparkled and her smile widened. “Oh, my sweet sugar Caine, you make me feel so desirable and beautiful.” As a teenager, he’d hated for the females he dated to make any correlation between his name and the holiday candy. But he loved having Joya do it. He patted his thigh. “Come over here and I’ll show you just how desirable and beautiful you are, Joya, light of my life.” “Light of your…oh, Caine.” She sashayed across the room and stood over his chair with a leg on either side of his. She reached behind him to remove the band from his ponytail. His hair, worn short on the front and sides, fell down his back. She reached
down to push his hand away from his cock. “Let me do that, sugar.” He inhaled slowly as her soft warm fingers replaced his on his dick. Smiling down at him, she bent her knees and slowly lowered her hips until he felt her pubic hair against the head of his shaft. His hips jerked up in eager anticipation. Instead of experiencing the wonderful sensation of her warm, wet slit parting to receive his cock head, she teased him by rubbing the engorged head along her outer lips. She did that several times, getting him more aroused before she finally positioned the head of his shaft just between her nether lips. He caressed her breasts and pinched her nipples before he slid his palms down her body to cup his hands over her ass cheeks. He gently tugged downward. She placed her hands on his shoulders, a pleased look in her eyes. “The light of your life, my sweet sugar Caine?” “Oh absolutely. Sit on my cock and I’ll show you.” She leaned down to press her mouth against his as she slowly lowered her hips until his entire cock was encased within the hot, wet confines of her pussy. “Oh shit,” he whispered. Even after six years, the first few moments of being inside her raw, still filled him with a sense of joy and wonder at how special sex with her was. At first he’d been certain making love to her was so superior to making love with anyone else because they frequently fucked raw. But on the rare occasions when she convinced him to use a condom, the powerful emotions he felt belied that belief. With or without protection, sex with her was emotionally and physically off the charts because he was in love with her. “Making love has never been anywhere near this good with anyone else.” She stroked her fingers through his hair and slowly raised and lowered her hips. Each time she slid back down on his cock, she tightened her vaginal muscles around him and stroked her tongue into his mouth. That sweet motion set his entire body on fire for her. Driving his hips up, he dug his fingers in her ass and thrust his cock in and out of her with a heated passion he fought to keep under a measure of control.
She moaned against his lips and rubbed her breasts against his chest. “Oh, sugar. Give it to me, my sweet sugar Caine.” Oh, damn. Yes. Yes! Lost in the sweet heat of her pussy, he slapped her ass cheeks hard. She shuddered and tightened herself around him with an intensity that made retaining control difficult. He slapped each cheek again and slid his hands up from her ass to grip her hips. She bucked them against him. “Oh shit!” he whispered. “Give me my sugar cock.” “Want it? Take it,” he told her. She stroked her fingers through his hair, brushing her mouth against his. “Oh I intend to.” She made love to him with a tender hunger he cherished. Once they started to kiss and caress each other while they moved together, the feelings intensified until she was his entire world. The need to explode deep inside her proved difficult to overcome but he managed to hold on until she cried out and came all over his cock. He slid his hands down over her ass and fucked her with a ruthless desire until his passion overwhelmed him and he ejaculated inside her. She sighed with contentment and laid her head against his shoulder. “Oh Caine, that was too wonderful for words.” He curled his fingers in her hair, urged her head back and pressed a quick kiss against her mouth before he trailed his lips across her cheek to her ear. “We have to talk.” He felt her tense against him. “What about?” “The usual,” he said. She sighed and lifted her head from his shoulder. “Oh Caine. Please. Not tonight.” “If not tonight, when? We’re leaving tomorrow.” She shook her head and slowly peeled herself off his cock. When she rose, she
placed a hand between her legs as she walked over to the bed where her thong lay. She slipped it on before sitting on the edge of the bed to face him. “I need a little more time.” He stared at her. “No.” “You’re being unreasonable.” “After six damned years of excuses?” He bolted to his feet to storm across the room to stare down at her. “First you thought I was slumming or going through a phase. Then I had to realize you had three young daughters who were still hoping you’d get back with their sorry ass father. Then you wanted to wait until they were all adults so they’d be in a better position to understand that you had needs like their father. Then you had to pick the right time to even admit I existed. Well, your youngest daughter turned 18 last year and is now living on campus. “And your latest excuse for not introducing us is the need for more time? Six fucking years wasn’t enough time?” She reached out to grip his hands. “I know they sound like excuses to you but my relationship with my daughters is very important to me. Even though they’re all over eighteen now, they’re still young and I need to set the proper example for them.” “And their world would end if they knew we were dating?” He laughed. “But of course you can’t really call what we’ve been doing dating. Can you? We meet several times a year to fuck. The rest of the year you’re happy to pretend I don’t exist. “Well, you know what? I’ve had enough, Joya. Either I meet your daughters soon or I’m moving on.” “Moving on…” she stared up at him, her dark eyes wide. “You mean—” “I mean I’m ending our sexcapade. I’m tired of sneaking around with you a few times a year. If you’re not prepared to bring our relationship into the open, I’m not prepared to continue seeing you.” “Please, don’t talk like that, Caine,” she tugged at his hands, trying to pull him down onto the bed beside her. He disengaged his hands and stepped back. In the past, she’d sweet– talked him out
of ending their relationship with sex. But not this time. “It’s not just talk. I’m not prepared to go on like this much longer, Joya. I want a real relationship.” “So do I!” “Maybe so, but apparently you don’t want it with me.” She stood up and placed her hands on his chest. “I do! You think I like the way things are between us? I don’t! But I have three daughters, Caine. I don’t want them to think this is the way they should behave.” “Then why are you behaving this way? What’s so damned wrong with me that I can’t even meet them?” “Nothing’s wrong with you! Nothing. It’s not you. It’s me. What am I supposed to say to them? How can I explain that I’ve been deceiving them for the last six years?” “By that line of reasoning, I’ll never meet them, Joya and that’s no longer acceptable. You have to make a choice. Either I meet them by Christmas or I’m moving on. Is that clear?” She pressed her lips together and nodded, her eyes watering. “Yes.” He wanted to harden himself against any weakening of his resolve but the sight of her tears dismayed him. He put an arm around her shoulders. She turned her face against his neck. “I can’t lose you, Caine. I can’t. Other than my girls, having you in my life has been one of the few bright spots. I can’t lose you.” Normally, they would have spent their last night together fucking until exhaustion overtook them. That night, with the threat of their relationship ending hanging between them, they restricted their intimacy to holding each other. In the morning they showered separately and kissed each other goodbye at the airport. “Are we still on for our first Christmas together?” she asked when he lifted his lips from hers. “I’ve arranged for us to spend the last two weeks of December at my brother’s cabin in the Poconos, but whether that actually happens will depend on you.” She squeezed his hand. “I want to finally spend Christmas with you, Caine. Let’s do that and then we’ll start the New Year off right by—”
“No,” he told her. “You have nearly three months to decide how to tell your daughters about me. I won’t insist on meeting them by Christmas but they have to know I exist by then or it’s off.” He bent his head and pressed a hard kiss against her mouth before he turned and walked away from her. When he’d called her at the beginning of December, she’d reluctantly admitted she still hadn’t told her daughters about their relationship. Annoyed and hurt, he’d decided it was time to end their relationship. But he’d given her the combination to the cabin lock and the security code. Now, presumably she was now there alone. “Caine!” He looked up. His mother, with her arm through Kristopher‘s, walked towards the gazebo. Fuck! Time to pretend he was in the mood to celebrate. He rose and went down the gazebo steps and quickly walked down the path to meet them. “Yes, Mom?” She looked up at him, concern in her dark gaze. “We’re about to sit down to dinner. It won’t be a meal without you.” “Then we’d better go eat,” he said and slipped his arm through her free one. She smiled up at him and then at Kristopher. “I have high hopes of one or both of you starting off the New Year right—with a relationship with a suitable woman who will give me my first grandchild.” He and Kristopher exchanged weary looks before they walked back to the house with their mother they would probably disappoint. Her idea and theirs of a suitable woman had never been the same. Two hours later, he stood at the patio doors staring at the steadily falling snow with a drink in his hand when Kristopher joined him. “It’s not too late to get your ass in gear and drive up to the cabin so she won’t spend Christmas alone. “ “How she spends her time is no longer my concern.” Kristopher shook his head. “If you’re going to end it, do it like a man. Tell her to her face, Caine. Not like this.” He inhaled sharply. “Are you implying—”
“I’m not implying anything. I’m coming right out and saying, end it like a man. Give her the courtesy she deserves by telling her in person you’re ending it. There’s no need to allow her to spend Christmas alone. That’s not the way to treat the woman you say you love.” “I don’t just say it! I do love her.” Kristopher extended his hand for the glass. “Then act like it, Caine. If you have any more to drink you won’t be in any shape to drive tonight.” Caine stepped back and deliberately finished his drink before replying. “I have no intentions of going anywhere tonight but into one of Mom’s guestrooms.” He walked across the room to the bar along one wall and poured himself another drink. As he did, he heard a phone ring. He looked up to see Kristopher lifting his cell phone to his ear. He looked surprised and then turned away from Caine. It would be Shanise, Caine thought and lifted his glass to his lips. He hoped she’d called to ask Kristopher to spend Christmas with her. Then at least one of them would spend the day with the woman he loved instead of both of them passing a long, miserable one trying not to think of the one who got away.
Chapter Two Joya Vincent sat by the kitchen window sipping hot chocolate laced with brandy while trying to appreciate the beauty of the scene before her. The falling snow swiftly covered the landscape and the trees surrounding the cabin. What would normally have been a festive sight and picture perfect for a holiday card, threatened to fill her heart with pain and her eyes with tears. Oh Caine. Where are you? Please. Please don’t do this to us…to me. Please come and give me another chance. Or at least call me so I know you’re all right and haven’t had an accident. Please. Just let me know you’re all right. Leaving her hot chocolate on the kitchen table, she walked into the living room of the cabin where she had hoped to spend her first Christmas with Caine. A real Christmas tree with lights, garland, an angel atop and gaily-wrapped presents underneath held the place of honor in the room. Brightly colored holiday stockings and candy canes adorned the huge fireplace. Mistletoe hung from every door. The miniature speakers attached to the expensive MP3 player Caine had given her several months earlier filled the cabin with a combination of her favorite holiday and love songs. The stage was set for a perfect holiday. However, instead of reaping the rewards of all her planning to be able to spend Christmas with the sexy, hard-bodied hunk she’d been hiding from her family for years, she was apparently going to get the coals she so richly deserved for her lack of backbone. Despite his supposed feelings for her, he was obviously making good on his threat to end their relationship. Although she knew he had a valid complaint, he seemed either incapable or unwilling to see things from her point of view. It was all well and good for him not to care what anyone else thought about our relationship. He had no kids to consider while she had three daughters for whom she needed to set a good example. She crossed the living room to open the entrance door. Large snowflakes fell on the beautiful Christmas wreath on the door. There was no sound or sight of any vehicle
except her rented SUV parked in front of the cabin. The landscape leading down to the lake glistened with snow. It would be dark soon. The forecast called for intermittent snowfall through the night. In the morning, she’d wake to a winter wonderland—alone. Not with her children and not with Caine McGuire. The knowledge that she had no one to blame but herself did nothing to mitigate her sadness. She closed the door and went back to the kitchen. The smell of roasting turkey and cinnamon filled the air. She glanced at the table where the ham cooled. The refrigerator held several homemade dishes she had prepared with eager anticipation of spending her first holiday with the man she’d finally admitted she loved—at least to herself and to her best friend Jennie. Her gaze went to the cordless phone resting on the kitchen counter and shook her head. There was no point in calling him again since he clearly had no intentions of answering. Thinking of the sexy lingerie she’d spent far too much money on lying on the bed she’d hoped to share with Caine, she resumed her seat by the window. Sinking her teeth into her quivering bottom lip, she allowed her thoughts to drift back to the night her life had been turned upside down. The night they met… Six years earlier.
Newly divorced and struggling to lose weight in a bid to regain her feminine selfconfidence, Joya Vincent walked into a hotel lobby in Phoenix one Saturday night. She was arriving two days early to allow herself time to unwind before kicking off a threeday business trip. She immediately noticed a tall, well-built man standing at the reception counter. The long, dark ponytail resting between his wide shoulders conjured up images of barechested Native American males on the prowl. When he turned from the counter and picked up the suitcase by his side, she caught a glimpse of dark eyes and an interesting rather than overly attractive face with
cheekbones and a skin tone that suggested he probably had some Native American blood. He straightened and started across the lobby toward her. With several feet separating them, their gazes met and locked for what felt like an eternity. Unable to tear her gaze from his, she tumbled head first into a passionate and powerful attraction that would soon drive her to a level of sexual irresponsibility she’d thought herself incapable of. As they drew closer, she smiled at him. With a warm smile on his face, he pressed a card in her hand as they passed each other. Surprised, she looked over her shoulder. He turned to give her a look so intimate and probing, she felt unable to move while he seemed to sear every inch of clothing from her body with his gaze. During those timeless moments, she got high on the certainty that she wouldn’t have to struggle to lose a single inch to keep him interested and aroused. It was only when he flashed a slow, sensual smile and turned away that she was able to proceed toward the reception counter. An hour later, alone in her hotel room, she turned the card he’d given her over and over in her hand. He’d been on his way out of the hotel so he was from out of town and was probably on his way to the airport. There was no point in calling him now. “None at all so there’s no harm in a little phone flirting,” she told herself and quickly dialed the number on the card. A deep, warm male voice answered. “Hello?” Are you insane? You’d have a kitten if one of the girls behaved like this. You’re not about to start picking up strange young men at nearly forty-one. Hang up. She moistened her lips. “Caine McGuire?” “Finally! Yes. And you’re the lovely woman who enchanted me an hour ago in the hotel lobby.” Enchanted him? “Yes,” she admitted. “Joya.”
“Joya? Your name is as lovely as you are.” Oh God. He sounded as if he really meant that. “Thank you. So how was your trip to the airport?” “I haven’t made it yet. I’m in the hotel bar.” Her heart raced. “You are? This hotel bar?” “Yes.” “I thought you were checked out.” “I am, but after I saw you, I decided to remain here until you called.” Not when or if but until. As if he’d known you’d call. Of course he’d known—just as part of her had known she’d call him the moment he pressed his card into her hand. Their meeting felt like a destiny she couldn’t and didn’t want to ignore. “I’ll come down for a drink,” she said. “I’ll save you the trouble. What’s your room number? I’ll come up there for one.” After her reaction to his lustful look, she knew what would happen the moment they were alone together—if she were foolish enough to be alone with him in a bedroom. Hell, given the way he’d undressed her with his eyes, being alone with him in a hallway probably wouldn’t be wise. “I’ll meet you at the bar in twenty minutes—if you have the time.” “I should have left for the airport nearly an hour ago. Since my plane will be leaving without me shortly, I have time on my hands, but don’t keep me waiting long.” “I won’t,” she promised and ended the call. Without giving herself time to have second thoughts about what she was about to do, she freshened her make-up and changed into a new two–piece rose colored pantsuit. Certain he was probably six feet tall (give or take an inch), she slipped on a pair of three-inch heels, spritzed her favorite scent and left her room. Her heart raced as she rode the elevator down to the bar. She saw him seated at a table near the back as soon as she stepped inside the door. He smiled, rose and crossed the room to meet her with his hand extended. “Caine McGuire.”
Up close, he was very impressive with wide shoulders, a narrow waist and long legs. He had dark hair and eyes and a sensual bottom lip that she found herself longing to suck on. He exuded sensuality in a way she found impossible to resist. “Joya Vincent,” she said, placing her hand in his. “I’m delighted to meet you, Joya Vincent.” A shiver of desire shook her as he gave her a brisk handshake before offering her his arm. She slipped her arm through his and walked across the bar with him, her heart pounding. Five minutes later, they sat staring at each other, their drinks untouched. There was no mistaking the look of desire in his dark gaze. Such blatant evidence of his attraction to her made her feel sexy and lowered her inhibitions far more than she’d ever allowed in the past. “You’re staring,” she said, moistening her lips. “And so are you,” he said, smiling. He had a low, sexy voice that made her envision him whispering all manner of lustful innuendos in her ear—as he fucked her—raw. “I’m trying to figure you out.” “What’s to figure out? I’m a man who is very attracted to you.” “There’s no point in denying the attraction is mutual.” “But?” She shrugged. “But you look as if you’re about twenty-five.” “I’ll be thirty in a few weeks. You?” “Twenty-nine sounds very young when you’re almost forty-one with three children.” “Really? I never saw forty and motherhood look better on any other woman.” “You sound as if you mean that.” “I didn’t miss my plane because I found you unattractive.” Flattered, she smiled. “Is there a husband to go with those three kids?”
She shook her head. “Not anymore.” “Divorced or widowed?” “Divorced.” “By mutual agreement?” She shook her head. “His choice.” “Really?” “Yes but I didn’t come down here to talk about him.” “Why did you come down here?” To lure you back to my room for an all-night raw fuck. She shook her head. “I’ve never done anything like this before.” “Like what? Spend the night in a hotel? Have a drink in a bar with a stranger?” He leaned forward and lowered his voice. “Or spend the night with a Native American man eager to suck your toes and your pussy all night long?” Her stomach muscles clenched, her pussy pulsed and she found it impossible to look away from him or the naked lust in his eyes. “Are you married or otherwise entangled, Caine?” “No.” “But there are women in your life?” “Yes, but none that have any right to object to how you and I steam up the coming night.” “You’re assuming an awful lot,” she said, moistening her lips. He reached a hand across the table to cover one of her hands with his. She struggled to suppress a shiver of desire at his touch. “I didn’t miss my plane for the sake of a drink and I doubt you came down here solely for one. We’re both single adults. Why pretend we aren’t going to spend the night together?” She sucked in a breath and pulled her hand from under his. “You can’t really think I’m going to sleep with you.” “No. I don’t think that.”
She stared at him, trying to conceal her disappointed surprise at how easily he’d given up the chase. “You…don’t?” He reached across the table to reclaim her hand. “No. I don’t think it. I know it.” She found his confidence as attractive as she found him. But she tugged at her hand. “I don’t do one night stands.” He lifted her hand and brushed his lips against it. “Then we’ll have to make sure we spend more than one night together. Won’t we?” “I’m not—” “Let’s not waste any of our time denying the obvious, my lovely. We both knew the moment we saw each other that we would be spending the night together. That’s why I didn’t leave and why you called me. You knew the moment we looked into each other’s eyes that I wanted to strip you naked and fuck you raw the moment we were alone. Didn’t you?” She bit her lip and remained silent. He squeezed her hand. “And you knew that you were going to let me. Didn’t you?” Despite all the years she’d spent preaching safe dating practices to her daughters, she felt powerless to resist her attraction to him. “Yes,” she whispered. “Oh God…yes.” He lifted her hand to his mouth and kissed her fingers. “Now let’s make sure we can fuck raw. I’ll go first. I haven’t had unprotected sex in nearly ten years and I have no sexually transmitted diseases. You?” “I haven’t had intercourse of any kind in longer than I care to remember. Before that, I hadn’t had sex without protection in years and I have no STDs either.” Twenty minutes later, they were both naked in her room. He held her pressed against the wall by the door with his hands cupped over her ass. As he rained kisses on her neck and shoulders, he eased his thick hard, bare cock slowly into her aching pussy. After nearly two years without intercourse, feeling him sliding inside her gave her an incredible jolt of pleasure. She shuddered and pushed her hips forward with a greedy need until she felt his pubic hair pressed against hers. Then she gasped. “Oh God! It’s been so long.”
He lifted his head to look down at her. “Has it? Been waiting for me, sweet?” “Yes. Yes. Oh yes. For you. Fuck me. Please,” she whispered. “I’ve been waiting for you too,” he said. “Prove it,” she said. “Take my pussy and make it yours.” “It is mine,” he said and slammed his hips forward. His cock powered deep into her. She moaned and ground her hips against his, eagerly delighting in having a young, naked cock balls deep inside her pussy for the first time in years. She went wild, clutching him close, digging her fingers in his ass and rutting herself wildly on his cock. The first time was hard, fast and a little painful because he really pounded her. Within a very short time of his entrance they both came, making a mess of her pussy. “Damn,” he brushed his lips against her neck. “That was incredibly good.” She rubbed her cheek against his shoulder. “Yes. It was.” “Want to do it again? This time slower and longer?” “Oh God! I think I want to keep your wonderful cock inside my pussy for the rest of my life.” He laughed and engulfed her in a warm embrace. “Me too.” When she lifted her face, he pressed a long, hot kiss against her mouth. She curled her fingers in his hair, her lips parting to receive and accept his kiss and his tongue. His big hands slid down her body to her ass. She ground her hips against his and moaned against his mouth. He kissed and caressed her until she burned with need. Then he eased his cock out of her. “Oh God your cock feels so good. Please put it back in my pussy,” she begged in a shameless whisper. “Don’t worry, sweet. I can fuck you all night,” he told her, bending his head to nibble at each of her nipples. She shuddered. “Oh God, I’m so hot for you my pussy is flooding.”
He reached between her legs to slip a finger inside her. “Hmm. Just how I like my pussy-wet and hot and ready for my cock.” “Yes. Yes.” She closed her legs on his finger. He laughed and withdrew his hand. “Let’s go to bed, sweet and let me show you I don’t always come in such a heated rush.” “Heated rush or not, it was absolutely incredible,” she told him. He rewarded her with a hard slap on her ass. “Ouch!” He slapped her ass again before he took her hand in his and walked her across the room to the bathroom. She insisted on his turning away while she sat on the toilet but stared in fascination as he stood over it relieving himself. They took a quick shower together, dried each other off and returned to the bedroom. There he urged her onto the bed and on her back. He stood staring down at her while he trailed the tips of his fingers along her bare flesh. “You have an absolutely beautiful body, Joya.” She stared up at him in awe. “Yes?” “Oh yes, my lovely.” He caressed her breasts. “I’m a sucker for a woman with large, natural breasts.” He glided his hand down her body to her belly. “And a stomach that I can actually feel against mine when I’m lying on top of her.” His fingertips brushed over her thighs. “And legs and hips that aren’t all skin and bones and a big, round, brown ass that shakes with joy when we fuck.” Her pussy pulsed and her heart raced with lust. She had to have him again. She reached for him, feeling completely shameless. “Are you going to just stand there talking about my body or are you going to actually enjoy it and let me enjoy your big, beautiful one?” “Oh I’m going to fuck you until your knees knock,” he said and slipped onto the bed and settled himself between her legs. Resting his weight on his arms, he bent his head to lick a path from her lips across
her cheek to her ear. “You’re so beautiful and you make me burn like no other woman ever has,” he told her, rubbing his cock against her thigh. She shuddered and slid her hands down his back to his ass. “I’m hungry for you too.” She worked a hand between their bodies to close her fingers around his cock. “I need this inside me.” “Then take it, sweet. Everything I am and have is yours for the taking.” She wiggled her hips around until she was able to position him at her entrance. Then she lifted her hips off the bed. The head of his cock slipped between her wet nether lips and into her pussy. “Oh…” she bit her lip and closed her eyes, still pushing her hips upward. “I never knew a cock could feel so wonderfully incredible sliding into my pussy.” She clutched him close, wrapping her legs and arms around him. She tugged at his arms. “Lie on me. I want to feel crushed as we fuck each other.” He lowered his upper body until his chest pressed against her breast. “Is this what you had in mind, sweet?” he asked with his lips against her ear. Lying with his bare thick cock buried deep within her wet pussy she knew another trip to erotic heaven was just a few lusty strokes away. “Yes. Yes. Now fuck me out of my mind.” “I can do that, sweet,” he promised, pulling his hips up until all but the head of his shaft was outside her body. Then he slowly pushed down, driving his cock back inside her. For several moments, he kept his movements deep and measured before she slapped his ass and rutted herself on his plundering shaft with lustful delight. Then he gripped her ass and fucked her harder and faster. “Oh shit!” She moaned and rocked her hips against his. “Oh, holy shit!” Curling her fingers in his hair, she blindly sought his mouth. When his warm, insistent lips touched hers, she surrendered to the rampant sexual need raging between them and fucked herself wildly on his cock until she finally had to drag her mouth from his. “I’ve never felt anything so good in my life!”
“Neither have I,” he said in a surprised voice. He rolled them over until she sprawled on top of him. “Fuck me,” he told her. She lifted her breasts from his chest, placed her hands on his stomach and fucked him. Feeling his big, naked cock thrusting up into her pussy each time she pushed her hips down, kept her hot and fully aroused. They fucked with a lusty enjoyment that quickly sent her moaning towards an explosive climax. He reached up to grip her shoulders and urged her body down so he could suck one of her nipples between his warm lips as he powered his cock deep into her. Bucking her hips wildly, she shuddered and nearly screamed the room down as she came all over him. Then, while she lay with her arms wrapped around him, he gripped her ass cheeks and ejaculated deep inside her. After a few passionate kisses, he eased out of her and lifted her body off his. She cried out in protest. “Not to worry, sweet,” he whispered while he rubbed himself against her thigh. Then moments later, with his cock, slick with their combined fluids, he eased her on her back, parted her thighs and thrust his cock back inside her. She gasped and arched into him. Oh Lord, the sheer unimaginable joy of a younger lover with a hard, hungry cock that didn’t wilt after one or two teaser fucks. They fucked twice more before he finally rolled onto his back with his cock still firmly embedded in her flooded pussy. When she opened her eyes and saw the desire and adoration in his, her ability to be anything other than his sex slave vanished. “You are the most beautiful and sexy woman I’ve ever had the extreme pleasure to make love to,” he told her. Oh damn, Joya. Can this be real or are you dreaming? At forty with three teenage daughters and a thick body that had long since ceased to appeal to her ex-husband she’d struck gold. Caine was the most sensual male she’d ever met. He was sexy and had a big cock he knew how to use. More importantly, he couldn’t keep it out of her. After a brief nap during which they lay in a tangle of arms and legs, they ordered
room service. With the food eaten, they shared a glass of champagne and then spent the rest of the night feeding their sexual hunger for each other. He ejaculated into her so many times that first night, that she decided she’d have to wear a pad the next day to catch all the cum that would seep out of her pussy. She finally drifted into an exhausted sleep with his big body curled against her back and his fingers in her pussy. In the morning she woke alone on a cum-drenched bed. The aroma of sex hung heavy in the air. Her pussy, which had received the pounding of its life the night before, felt sore—as did her breasts. His suitcase, which had rested against the wall near the window was gone. So much for his promise that they’d spend more than one night alone. When she rose on trembling legs and stumbled into the bathroom, she saw an unmistakable hickey on the side of her neck. Cum trailed down one thigh. She stared wide-eyed at her reflection, horrified at the lack of shame and remorse she felt for her outrageously irresponsible behavior of the night before. Her only regret was that she wouldn’t have another chance to let him plunder and fill her pussy with countless explosions of his seed. With the words easy and shameless, irresponsible slut jockeying for position in her mind, she shrugged and brushed her teeth and washed her face. Then she took a quick shower. After drying off, she stood in front of the bathroom mirror, staring at her first hickey in years. Did she have anything in her luggage she could use to conceal it? “Damn what a beautiful sight.”
Chapter Three Joya swung around. Caine, dressed in a sweat suit and running shoes stood in the bathroom door, smiling at her. “I’m so glad you’re still here.” She rushed across the room to him. He cupped his hands over her cheeks and brushed his lips against hers in a light caress. “I do have to leave today—but not before I enjoy another couple of helpings of the best pussy in the world.” Her cheeks burned and her pussy pulsed in eager anticipation. “I hope you bought some condoms while you were out.” He released her face and cupped one palm over her ass. He slipped the fingers of his other hand between their bodies and into her pussy. “Then you’re going to be disappointed because I didn’t.” She pulled away from him. “Then go get some.” “Don’t hold your breath.” She stared at him. “Last night without protection was insane.” He stepped closer and palmed her pussy. “Last night with my bare cock in your pussy was insanely good. You can’t really think I’m going to use a condom.” “And you can’t think—“ He released her pussy and pressed his hand against her lips. “When we’re together, you’re getting my cock raw. We won’t have a problem as long as you make your other lovers use a condom.” “I don’t have any other lovers!” She snapped, stung that he probably thought she was a slut because of the way she’d hopped into bed with him the previous night. “Good then I won’t have to worry about any other man’s cum inside my pussy when we’re apart,” he told her. She swallowed and stared at him, a little shocked at how much she still wanted him. “No. You won’t.”
“Your sweet pussy is the perfect receptacle for my bare cock and my seed alone.” “Your bare cock and your seed alone,” she promised. He stared into her eyes. “If you give me your pussy again, I won’t tolerate you allowing any other man to fuck you raw.” “No one else has except my ex.” “And?” he prodded. “And no one else will again except you.” “That’s what I needed to hear, my lovely.” While she stood staring at him, he quickly undressed. When he removed his briefs, his cock stretched out in front of his body with a slight upward tilt. Filled with need for him, she fingered her pussy and licked her lips while she made fucking motions with her hips. “Your pussy is wet and ready,” she whispered. He extended a hand. “And your cock is thick and hard and ready to plunder.” She walked to him. But instead of stepping into his embrace, she knelt in front of him with her lips parted and her tongue extended to taste and accept the pre-cum seeping from his big cockhead. “Holy shit,” he groaned as she wrapped her fingers around the base of his cock and slowly sucked the head between her lips and into her mouth. Twirling her tongue around his tip, she dug her fingers into his ass and slowly pulled his hips forward until almost all his length was encased in her mouth. Then, slipping a finger down his crack, she sucked his cock and squeezed his balls with an increasing intensity. His breathing deepened quickly and she felt the tension in him as he tried to hold back his climax. Greedy to taste his seed, she sucked hard and thrust her finger as far into his tight ass as she could get it. “Fuck!” he groaned and shuddered. Placing both hands on the back of her head, he pushed the last inch or so of cock between her lips and blasted jet after jet of thick, creamy seed into her mouth.
She eagerly swallowed as much as she could before peeling her lips off his cock and sinking back onto her haunches. Cupping her hands over her breasts, she licked her lips and smiled up at him. “Delicious. Your cock and cum taste as good as they feel.” “Oh fuck! I hope you’re satisfied.” She blinked, confused by the curtness of his tone. “What? I don’t understand.” “What’s to understand? In less than twenty-four hours, you’ve ruined me for any other woman.” He reached down to lift her to her feet. “Now you’ll have to be punished.” Positioning her against the bathroom wall, he pushed against her. Her stomach muscles clenched and she moaned as he thrust deep into her pussy with one hard, almost painful thrust. He slid his big palms around her body to cup her ass. “How the fuck do you expect me to ever don another condom and slide my cock into any other woman’s tepid pussy after enjoying your slick, wonderful heat?” She moved her hands up and down his back, eager for him to stop ranting at her for having good pussy and to start fucking her. “There are a lot of willing women who will eagerly bare their pussies for you—as you already probably know.” “And not one of them will be worth the trouble of even trying to get my cock hard after it’s been inside you. I feel an exquisite delight being inside you that I’ve never felt with any other woman.” “Oh hell! I think that’s the sexiest thing any man’s ever said to me.” She tightened herself around him. “Fuck me with your big, hard, sugar cane,” she pleaded. He obliged and they spent most of the day as they’d spent the previous night— fucking wildly until they drifted into exhausted slumber. He woke her a little after four. When she opened her eyes, she was surprised to see a condom already covered his fully erect shaft. She sat up. That’s when she saw the tube of lube on the nightstand on her side of the big bed. She moistened her lips, uncertain if she wanted to give him her ass. “Caine?” He sat on the bed and kissed her on the side of her neck. “I need your ass, sweet. Are
you going to give it to me?” Her ex hadn’t been particularly fond of anal sex. After a few attempts, they’d given it up. She hadn’t had a cock anywhere near her ass in more years than she wanted to recall. The thought of anal sex with Caine filled her with mixed emotions. Although part of her wasn’t averse to trying it with him, a bigger part wasn’t ready for that step. The thought of his monster thick cock pushing into her ass gave her pause. Before she could reply her cell phone rang. Tamya’s ring. “Let it ring,” he said. She shook her head. “I can’t. It’s one of my daughters.” Sighing, he picked up the phone from the nightstand and handed it to her. She took it, pressed the talk button and lifted it to her ear. “Hi baby.” “Mom, I’m seventeen. Not seven. I am not a baby.” “You’ll be my baby even when you’re ninety-nine.” “If you’re going to be unreasonable I’m hanging up.” Teenagers. Joya smiled. “Before you do how are you and your sisters doing?” “We’re fine, Mom. None of us are babies. Even Lia’s a teenager now.” Joya sighed. It was hard to believe her youngest child was thirteen. “Where are your sisters?” “They’re still asleep but I wanted to call and make sure you’re all right on your first trip since…you know.” Her first trip since the divorce. Suppressing another sigh, she sat back against the headboard. When her divorce became final three months earlier, she’d wallowed in misery, certain she’d never fully enjoy sex again since her ex was the only man she’d ever loved. She’d never been able to fully enjoy sex without the emotional attachment that came with love—until now. She glanced at Caine, who watched her in silence. Now she sat in a hotel room, her pussy full of a stranger’s cum, about to get her ass fucked. “I’m far better than I thought I’d be.” “Are you sure?”
She nodded. “Yes, baby. I’m sure.” “Jana and Lia are asleep but Dad’s awake. Do you want to talk to him?” Even though their father’s girlfriend was expecting his baby—a boy—they still held out hope Joya and he would somehow rekindle their relationship. “No. Just tell him I said hi.” “Ok. If you’re sure you’re all right I’m going back to bed. Love you.” “Love you too,” she said and ended the call. Caine took the phone and laid it on the nightstand. “Everything okay?” “That was my oldest daughter, Tamya.” “Is she okay?” Feeling a lump in her throat, she stared straight ahead. “She was worried about me.” “Why?” “This is my first business trip since the divorce.” He put a hand on her cheek and turned her face toward his. “And how are you?” “A lot better than I thought I’d be.” “You have tears in your eyes.” “It’s just that I didn’t expect her to be so…insightful or to worry about me enough to call.” A tear slid down her cheek. “She’s been more than a little…difficult lately. I didn’t think she’d call but I’m so touched she did.” He sighed and rolled the condom off his cock. Then he surprised her by lying down on his back and urging her into his arms. Instead of kissing and caressing her, he held her while she told him about her marriage, its ending and her daughters. “They sound like wonderful girls,” he said when she fell silent after reciting their various accomplishments. “They are. I love them so much and I have such hopes and dreams for them. They’re everything to me.” He stroked her hair. “What happened between you and their father?” “Nothing was right about me anymore. I was too thick…I couldn’t give him the son he so desperately wanted…and I wasn’t willing to keep trying as if there was
something wrong with our three beautiful daughters. Then he left me for another woman—a younger, slender woman. And it hurt like hell.” He rubbed her shoulder and hugged her close. “To hell with him. You have me now.” She fell asleep with his lips pressed against her hair. When she woke two hours later, she saw an envelope on the nightstand. This time he really was gone. She picked up the envelope and read the letter inside. Sweet I have to be back in the office on Monday morning or my boss will rip me a new one. I’ve put all my numbers in your phone and took the liberty of rifling through your wallet for all your vitals so we don’t lose touch. I’m not quite sure how things stand with your daughters and your dating so I’ll wait for you to call me—provided you don’t take too long. If you do, I’ll do my best to pick the right time to call you. I’m looking forward to seeing you again ASAP. Missing you already, Yours, Caine Her first love letter in years. Smiling, she pressed it against her breasts. Focusing all her energies on work she resisted calling him until Wednesday night just after she checked out of the hotel. “Sweet, I was beginning to think I’d have to track you down and risk one of your daughters intercepting my call.” She bolted forward in her seat in the back of the taxi. “I’m glad you didn’t do that.” “Why?” “They’re still hoping their dad and I will get back together.” “But you told me you’re divorced.” “I am, but that doesn’t stop them from trying to get us back together every chance they get.” “Is there any chance of that happening?”
“No. Even if I wanted to get back with him, he wouldn’t be interested. And now I’m not interested.” “Good. Let’s keep it that way.” She smiled. They talked for an hour before she promised to call him again in a few days. They spoke three times a week for the next two months before they arranged to spend several days together when she traveled to L.A. on business. They managed a few meals out between bouts of wild sex. When they parted four days later after days of unprotected sex, there was no going back for either of them. They spent the next six years meeting for at least a week, four times a year. Their passion and need for each other had never abated. Things had been great— until he’d issued his ultimatum. Tearing her thoughts from the past, Joya glanced out the cabin kitchen window. This year would have been their first Christmas spent together. It was dark and still snowing. He wasn’t coming and she didn’t dare drive until the following day. Christmas. At seven o’clock, she put the food away and called Jennie. “I’m sorry to interrupt your night but I need someone to talk to and you’re the only one who knows about him.” “Don’t apologize for needing to talk,” Jennie said. “Just let me go upstairs so we can hear each other. Now. Have you called him?” “Yes. So many times I feel like a stalker.” “And?” “He’s not answering my calls.” “Then call his brother, Joya.” “His brother?” “Yes. Didn’t he give you his brother’s name in case of an emergency? Use it. That way you’ll at least know he’s okay.” “He and his brother will think I’m trying to run him down or—” “Who the hell cares what his brother thinks, Joy? Call him and then you’ll know he’s
all right.” She nodded. “You’re right. I’ll call him.” “Are you going to be all right there alone tonight?” “I’ll have to be since he’s clearly not coming.” “But you will call his brother?” “Yes. I’ll call him. Now I’ll let you get back to your family. Have a great holiday and give John and the boys my love.” “I will but if you need to talk later, you call me. Okay?” Hell would freeze over before she called again. “Okay.” With her appetite for the holiday meal she’d prepared with such high hopes gone, she scrambled a couple of eggs, made some bacon and toast and then took them to bed with a glass of wine. After she ate, she picked up her cell phone and called Caine’s brother Kristopher. “Hello?” A deep voice not unlike Caine’s answered. In the background she could hear laughter and Christmas carols. She hesitated before she spoke. “Hello. Is this Caine’s brother Kristopher?” “Yes it is.” “I’m sorry to interrupt your holiday. This is Joya Vincent. I’m a friend of Caine’s.” “Yes I know.” He didn’t sound particularly glad to hear from her. “Can you tell me if he’s all right?” “If you mean has he had an accident then the answer’s no.” She released a long sigh of relief. Thank God for that. “Do you know where he is?” “Yes. We’re having one of our family dinners and he’s here.” She compressed her lips. Damn him. “Is he there alone?” “Hardly. Most of our combined family is here.” “I meant is he was with a woman.” “I’m not prepared to discuss that.”
“Are you prepared to tell me if he’s coming here?” “Here being to the cabin?” “Yes.” “That’s something you should ask him yourself, Mrs. Vincent.” He somehow managed to make her sound as if she were a married woman sneaking out on her hubby. “I would—if he’d only answer his damned phone!” “That’s out of my hands,” he responded in a cool voice. “Are you all right there?” “I gave up spending Christmas with my kids to spend it with him and now he won’t even answer my calls. No. I am not all right but I will be—no thanks to him. Would you give him a message for me or would that be out of your hands as well?” “What would you like me to tell him?” “Tell him I said to go to hell!” She snapped and ended the call. She jumped moments later when her cell phone rang. She glanced at the screen. K. Macarik. Placing the phone against her ear, she spoke quickly. “I’m sorry,” she said. “I have no right to take out my frustration on you.” “No you don’t,” he said coolly. “But I understand that you’re upset. Is there anything I can do to make this easier for you?” She shook her head. “No. You’ve been very kind. Thanks for allowing me to use your cabin. I’ll be leaving tomorrow as soon as the weather permits.” “No. Please. I have no immediate plans to use it. Feel free to stay as long as you like. There’s absolutely no need to rush off before the roads are safe to travel.” “Thank you.” “Should I give him your message?” “No.” “Are you sure?” “Yes. I think he and I have already said everything to each other that we need to. I’ve obviously left things too long and he’s no longer interested. I won’t take up any more of your time. Merry Christmas.”
“And to you.” After she ended the call, she took her dishes down to the kitchen and got back in bed with another glass of wine. She drank half of it before she turned out the lights and cried herself to sleep.
Chapter Four She woke in the morning filled with sadness. The words of a John Lennon song filled her head. So this is Christmas? She longed to lie in bed and sob for all she’d lost. Instead, she called her daughters to wish each of them a Merry Christmas. “Mom? Are you all right? You sound…sad,” Tamya said when she spoke to her last. “I am a little. In case you haven’t noticed this is the first Christmas we’re spending entirely apart.” “Of course I’ve noticed. And I have to admit I’m a little sad too for the same reason. Have a Merry Christmas, Mom.” “You too, baby,” she said and hung up as her eyes filled with tears. Thoughts of Caine and the ending of their relationship was enough to start the tears rolling down her cheeks. She allowed herself a short sob before she got up and went to shower. With the water cascading over her body she shivered with despair. How had things between her and Caine gone so wrong? Fear that they might never see each other again filled her with a wave of sadness. But if he didn’t even care enough to tell her it was over in time for her to spend Christmas at home, maybe he wasn’t the man she’d thought he was. If he cared, he wouldn’t have allowed her to give up spending Christmas with her daughters to spend it in a snow-covered cabin in the Pocono Mountains alone. Get a grip, Joya. It was wonderful while it lasted but it’s over. You’ve always known it couldn’t be permanent. He’s still young and he’ll want to marry and have a family. That was never going to be possible with you and you both knew it. He deserves to have children he can love as much as you love yours. You can’t love him and want any less for him than you have. She dried her tears and got out of the shower. As she was drying off, she frowned. The aromas of brewing coffee filled her nostrils. She had not programmed the coffeemaker the night before. Wrapping a robe around her naked body, she rushed across the bedroom to look out the window.
A big dark SUV was parked next to her rented one. “Caine!” He’d come after all. Tossing the robe aside, she ran from the bedroom and down the steps. At the bottom, she came to an abrupt halt. The tall male who emerged from the kitchen had green eyes, high cheekbones, and dark brown hair. He was taller and appeared older than Caine—although she noted a passing resemblance. They stared at each other in silence for several moments before she remembered she was stark naked. She gasped and placed one arm across her nipples while cupping her other hand between her legs. He placed his coffee cup on the mantle and strolled across the room to her. “You must be Joya. I’m Kristopher Macarik.” If memory served, he and Caine had the same Native American mother but different fathers. Caine’s father was Native American. His was Irish. “Caine’s half-brother?” “We don’t do halves in our family. Caine and I are brothers.” He extended his hand. Commonsense told her to turn and rush up the steps since he clearly wasn’t gentleman enough to leave the room. She ignored his hand. “Can you give me a moment to put some clothes on?” “By all means. Go get dressed.” “Can you turn around?” “Why? It’s a little late to claim modesty when you run into a room butt naked.” Damn him! “I thought you were Caine.” He arched a brow. “So you say.” You arrogant fuck! “What are you doing here?” He narrowed his gaze and lowered his hand to his side. “The last time I checked, I owned this property and didn’t require anyone’s permission to show up whenever the hell I like. That would include not needing permission from you, Ms. Vincent.” There was no mistaking the dislike in his gaze or his voice. Her cheeks burned but she refused to look away from him. “You’re right. My apologies. Clearly, I’ve somehow managed to offend you within seconds of meeting
you.” “I’m not overly fond of older women who toy with my younger brothers’ emotions. You’ve been pissing on Caine for six years. So if you’re thinking I don’t like you, you’re damned right I don’t.” “Is that why you came? To insult and humiliate me?” “Let me make myself perfectly clear. I don’t give a fuck if you feel insulted or humiliated. How the hell do you think Caine feels after wasting so many years waiting in vain for you to care about something besides sex?” She sucked in an angry breath. “Are you implying—” “I’m saying he can do a lot better than settling for the shit you’ve been giving him.” Stung by his obvious contempt, she swung up her hand to slap him. He caught her wrist before she could make contact with his face. “I don’t think so.” She tugged at her wrist. “Let me go.” He tightened his fingers around her wrist. She swung her other hand at him. He caught that too and gave her body a long, cold stare before looking into her eyes. “Don’t you think it’s time you put some clothes on before I begin to think you’re intent on trying to seduce me too? But I warn you I’m not as easily seduced as he’s been by you.” “Don’t flatter yourself into thinking I’d even waste my time trying.” He laughed. “What’s the matter? Am I too old for you? Like them younger and more malleable than I am?” Bastard. Arrogant, cruel bastard. “Let me go!” He released her. She turned and rushed up the steps. “Nice ass,” he called. “Fuck you!” The sound of his laughter taunted her as she fled back to the master bedroom. As she sat on the side of the bed with tears streaming down her cheeks, she heard a tap on
the door. She didn’t respond. Moments later, the door opened. She suppressed the instinctive urge to pull a sheet over her body. He’d already seen her naked and she wouldn’t give him the satisfaction of knowing she cared what he thought of her. Leaving the door open he crossed the room and sat beside her on the bed. “That was completely uncalled for and I apologize. My only excuse is that I’m worried about him. Despite our mother’s protest, he spent the night drinking. We do not drink to excess— especially not in one of our parents’ homes. The next thing you know he’ll be smoking again. He’s a good man and he deserves more than the clandestine affair you’re offering. He wants more and he deserves more.” “You think I don’t know that?” She balled a hand into a fist and hit his thigh. “When my ex and I lost our jobs three years ago and we couldn’t afford to pay my youngest daughter’s private school tuition, Caine paid the last two years instead of buying the new car he’d been talking about.” “So that’s why he suddenly decided he didn’t need a new car after all? And what the hell did he get in return?” “And all he wanted in return was an extra few days with me. That’s what I gave him. I know he’s a good man, but I have three daughters I need to set a good example for and…” “And what? He’s not the kind of man you could introduce to your daughters?” “That’s not what I meant. I hope one day they’ll all meet someone half as decent as he is, but we both need to be realistic. I’m eleven years older and even if I could, I’m not interested in having any more children. What kind of life could he have with me?” “Caine’s thirty-five, not fifteen. He knows your age and that kids are out of the question but doesn’t the fact that he’s still around tell you anything about the depth of his feelings?” Lifting her hand he brushed his lips against her fingers. “He knows what you have to offer and apparently that’s what he wants and needs. Just give him a
chance.” Rising he walked to the door. “Is that why you came?” she asked. He turned. “The roads are treacherous. I didn’t risk life and limb to insult, humiliate or give you a lecture.” “Then why did you come?” “Even though I don’t like or approve of the way you’ve been treating him, I didn’t want you to spend Christmas alone.” She frowned. “And you flattered yourself into thinking I might want to spend it with you? A little on the delusional side?” His warm rich laughter changed him from a cold, arrogant male determined to hurt her to a male almost as attractive as Caine. Despite herself, she found his laughter infectious. Her lips twitched. “Actually, I brought a certain love-sick, piss-drunk Native American male with me,” he said when he sobered. “I believe he is so delusional that he actually thinks you’re the only woman in the world worth knowing.” “Despite what you think you know about me, the feeling is mutual. I—“ Her heartbeat quickened as she stared at him. “What did you say? You brought Caine? He’s here?” “Yes. His drunken ass is in the back bedroom.” She jumped up and rushed pass him from the room. “Nice ass,” he called. She ignored him and ran down the hall to toss open the back bedroom door. Caine, dressed in briefs and an undershirt slept on his back on the bed. The smell of alcohol was strong. She crossed the room to sit on the side of the bed. She stroked her fingers over his hair. “Caine?” He didn’t respond but his breathing was even. She leaned down to brush her lips against her ear. “Caine?” “He’s going to need another hour or so to sleep it off. I practically had to carry his ass inside.”
She glanced over her shoulder. Kristopher Macarik stood in the open door with a robe in his hand. “This is for you.” “It’s not like I have any body part you haven’t already dismissed as totally unattractive,” she said, making no effort to get up and take the robe. He surprised her by walking into the room and draping the robe over her bare shoulders before he sat beside her on the bed. “Surely you wouldn’t want me to find you sexually attractive.” “No.” “Good because I don’t.” She stood up and slipped her arms into the robe. She tied it around her waist before resuming her seat. “Do you always play Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde so adroitly?” “We’ve only just met so I’m a little surprised at how you arrived at that conclusion.” “When we talked on the phone you were very understanding. You’ve been nothing but brutally unkind since we actually met.” “I didn’t want you to do anything drastic like rushing away from here before the roads were safe so I held my tongue when we talked last night. But you’ve hurt my brother and that’s an offense guaranteed to ensure I don’t like you.” “Since we’re being honest, you should know that I don’t like you either.” She turned to stroke Caine’s hair. “Him? I love.” “Then act like it and stop treating him like just a big dick.” He rose and walked towards the door. Damn he was an ass. She rose and tossed the robe off. He turned at the door to give her a cool look. She slipped into bed beside Caine, only just resisting the urge to fling the robe at him. He left, closing the door. She maneuvered Caine onto his side and cuddled her nude body against his. With her nostrils assailed by the smell of alcohol, she sighed. No wonder Kristopher Macarik was angry and worried. In the six years she’d known Caine, he’d never reeked of
alcohol as he did now since he’d never had more than one drink in her presence. “I’m sorry, sugar,” she whispered, kissing his hair. “Just give me another chance and I promise we’ll work things out this time.” Pressing her cheek against his back, she closed her eyes and fell asleep.
Joya woke with a start, immediately aware that she was alone in the bed. She bolted upright and looked around the room. Caine emerged from the bathroom bare chested with a towel around his neck. A pair of jeans hung off his lean hips. The distinct chill in his gaze sent a tingle of fear through her. He’d never failed to radiate a wall of warmth when they met for the first time after being separated for months. Locking her gaze with his, she saw none of the passion or tenderness he usually reserved for her. She felt certain he was only there to end their relationship in person. A lump formed in her throat and she blinked rapidly to keep her eyes tear-free. “Merry Christmas, sugar.” She extended her right hand when he didn’t respond. He walked forward to pick up her robe from the foot of the bed. He tossed it at her before walking back across the carpet to lean against the wall near the bathroom door. “I’ve had enough, Joya. I’m not doing this anymore. It’s over.” To give herself time to control the panic threatening to overwhelm her, she slipped on the robe and took several deep breaths before she spoke. “Why?” “Because I’m tired of trying to convince myself you’re interested in anything other than my cock size!” “That’s not true and you know it isn’t!” “The hell it isn’t. You’ve rebuffed all my efforts to develop a real relationship that doesn’t require my being kept away from your family. I look at my friends who are either happily married or in committed relationships and I know I can never expect that from you. “I want a woman who isn’t ashamed of wanting to be with me and that damn sure excludes you.”
“I’m not ashamed of you, but I just need a little more time to explain to my daughters—“ “Why the hell should that be so hard? They’re all adults now and probably nowhere near as sheltered as you like to think they are.” She compressed her lips. “Are you implying you think they’re easy?” “No! I’m saying they wouldn’t have melted if you told them the damned truth, but you know what? It doesn’t matter now.” He pushed away from the wall and walked out of the room. She jumped out of bed and rushed from the room and into the hallway and right into Kristopher who was coming out of the middle bedroom as Caine went into the master one. Kristopher glanced at her body exposed by the open robe and arched a brow. “Do you ever leave anything to a man’s imagination?” She stared at him, sucked in a breath and then sank down onto the carpet and let the tears roll unchecked down her cheeks. “Why won’t he give me a little more time?” He sat beside her. “You’ve had six years. Don’t you think that’s enough time to be honest with yourself, your kids and the man you supposedly care about?” “What the hell is wrong with you two? Neither one of you have any kids. So how the hell can you understand the thin line I walk with my girls? I don’t want them to behave as I have with Caine.” “So you are ashamed of your relationship?” “Yes! But I’m not ashamed of him. I’m ashamed of the way I slept with him the first night we met and of the way I’ve been dishonest with everyone who’s important to me since. And that includes Caine.” “Why tell me? Tell him.” “He says it’s over.” “Well, then that settles it. You can both get on with your lives—separately.” He rose. She stared up at him. “That would just suit you just fine since you don’t like me.” “No. I don’t like you but then I don’t have to.” He glanced over his shoulder. “He
seems to though—even though I’ve never seen a woman behave more like an exhibitionist alley cat in heat in my life than you. I can’t imagine what the fuck he could possibly see in you.” Her lips parted and her throat tightened. Fresh tears streamed down her cheeks and she belatedly pulled the robe closed. “Where the fuck do you get off talking to her like that?” Joya looked up as Caine rushed out of the master bedroom to stand facing his brother with his right hand clenched at his side. “Where the fuck do you get off allowing this cock-greedy bitch to drive you to drink?” The words had barely left his lips before Caine swung at him. “You fuck!” Joya gasped, horrified that the brothers were about to fight. Kristopher blocked the blow and danced back a few steps before he pointed a finger at Caine. “Don’t try that again, boy.” “Don’t you call me a boy, Macarik. And don’t you dare insult her again. You don’t know a single damn thing about her and I’ll be damned if I’ll allow you or anyone else to disrespect her. She’s a far better woman than you could ever hope to deserve and you’d damn well better watch how the fuck you talk to her.” “Really? Well, fuck both of you. You deserve each other.” Kristopher pushed past Caine who faced him with his right hand still clenched. Joya stared after him. Although she didn’t know him it hurt to have the brother Caine looked up to hate her so much. To her surprise, Kristopher winked and smiled warmly at her before he ran down the steps. The front door opened. Moments later, she heard the sound of an engine starting. Caine kneeled in front of her to caress her cheek. “Don’t cry, sweet. He’s the oldest of my brothers. Sometimes he forgets he’s our big brother but not our father. He’s upset. He didn’t mean that.” After the wink and smile he’d given her, she decided Caine might be right. But she
wasn’t going to blow the opportunity she was beginning to suspect Kristopher had provided. She burrowed into his arms, pressing her face against his neck. “Caine, oh, Caine. I’m so sorry. So sorry. Please. I know I’ve disappointed you and let you down, but I’m not ashamed of you. I’m just ashamed of the way I’ve handled our relationship.” He pulled back from her and sat on his haunches. “But the problem is that we don’t really have a relationship, Joya. We never have. We meet four times a year for a week or so to have sex. That hasn’t worked for me for a long time but I kept hoping you’d want more too.” “I do! I always have!” She reached out and curled her fingers in the hair hanging down his back. “Aside from my daughters, you’ve been the one bright spot in my life these last six years. No matter how bad things got, I could hold on because I knew I’d see you in a few months and then everything would be all right—because I was with you. “Please sugar, I know I screwed up but I need another chance to make things right. Please.” He inhaled slowly before he shook his head. “I’m not interested in giving you another chance, Joya. If our so-called relationship had meant anything to you, you would have told your daughters about me by now. This is the last Christmas I’m going to spend without a woman in my life who’s not afraid to acknowledge me to her family.” She shuddered. “Oh God, Caine. Sugar, please. Please. If I mean half of what you say I do to you, you have to forgive me and give me another chance. If you do, I swear I’ll introduce you to my daughters.” “You’ve made and broken that promise more than once, Joya. I no longer believe it.” “I mean it. It won’t be easy to explain myself to them, but I’m not going to lose you. I can’t lose you.” “Why not?” She released his hair and stroked her trembling fingers over his face. “Because I love
you.” “The hell you do!” He pulled away from her and rose. “The only thing you love about me is the size of my dick!” “That’s not true and you have no right to say that to me!” She rose to face him. “Do you think you’re the only man with a big cock?” “Apparently I’m the only one willing to take your shit and to keep believing your broken promises!” He turned away. “Caine!” She caught his hand. “Don’t. Please don’t walk away from me. I gave up the chance to spend the holidays with my daughters to spend them with you. You know how important they are to me so you must know that wasn’t easy.” After a long silent moment, he turned back to face her. His expression softened. “I know that wasn’t easy, Joya, but I also know I’ve had all I can take. I’m tired of pretending I’m happy spending a lousy 4 or 5 weeks a year with you. I want a real relationship that includes seeing you all the time and getting to know your daughters and having them know me. “Clearly, that’s not something you’re ready for.” “You’re wrong! I am ready!” She squeezed his hand. “It’s Christmas, Caine. Our first Christmas together. Let’s not argue. Let’s enjoy it. Please.” “And when it’s over?” She stepped closer and gazed into his eyes. “When it’s over, I’ll introduce you to my daughters. I promise.” He parted his lips. She pressed her fingers against his mouth. “I won’t risk losing you by not doing it.” He shook his head. She bit her lip. “Oh, Caine. There’s…there isn’t anyone else. Is there?” “I wish to God there was.”
Chapter Five “Oh, Caine.” “Oh don’t look at me like that. I haven’t touched another woman since we met or I wouldn’t have been so interested in a real relationship with you. But I’m not so sure you haven’t been sleeping around on me—which would be another reason why you’ve resisted anything meaningful between us.” “Damn you! You know that’s not true.” She curled her fingers in his hair and tugged. He pried her fingers from his hair. “What the fuck do you think you’re doing? That hurt.” She ran her hands over his chest before allowing them to slide down over his abs to his groin. When her fingers encountered the satisfying long, thickness of his erect cock, her pussy flooded. “It was supposed to.” “Really? Well so is this.” He pulled her robe open and pushed her against the wall. She watched with the tip of her tongue pressed against her lip as he quickly stripped before he rubbed his cock head along her slit seconds before he thrust deep into her pussy. She gasped, shuddered and slid her hands down his back to cup his ass. “Caine, oh sugar. I’ve missed you.” He bent his head and nibbled her ear. “I’ve missed you too, my lovely Joya.” Easing his hips back, he slid in and out of her with a firm steady rhythm that made her burn for him. “I adore you.” She turned her head until she could brush her lips against him. “I do love you, sugar. I do.” “Oh God, I love you too,” he whispered and fucked her with a heat and fury that sent jolts of pain and pleasure radiating out from her pussy to encompass her entire body. He slid his hands around her hips to her ass. With their mutual declaration of love hanging between them, each time he pushed his big cock back inside her, he pulled
her forward so that every hard, delicious stroke was more wonderful than the next. Moaning against his lips, she tightened herself around him until he slapped each of her ass cheeks hard and exploded inside her. Knowing he was filling her with his seed sent a rush of joy through her and catapulted her into her own orgasm. Still moving her hips with his, she endeavored to force every drop of his seed out of his cock and deep into her pussy. After they’d both recovered from their climax, he eased his cock out of her, took her hand and led her into the master bedroom. They tumbled onto the bed and shared a longer, tender fuck. Lying between her trembling thighs, he slid his cock in and out of her pussy with a lustful need that softly consumed them both. When his big body shook and he came, he filled her ears and heart with declarations of love and endless passion. When he’d finished ejaculating in her, he eased out of her, slid his body behind hers and cupped his hands over her breasts. “I love you but I’m not taking any more shit from you.” She wiggled her ass against his cock. “You won’t have to. I need a little nap but later, I have one particular present for you I think you’re going to like.” “I have a particular one for you too,” he said. “Later.” “Later,” she echoed and closed her eyes to go to sleep. She woke later in bed alone and hungry. Rolling onto her side, she saw it was 1:30. No wonder she was starving. A tray holding several covered dishes sat on the nightstand nearest her. She slipped out of bed and went to use the bathroom and shower. When she returned, she changed the sheets and then sat in bed eating the steak and Swiss cheese egg omelet with French Toast. She was touched that Caine had made it for her. As she ate, she listened to the sounds of laughter and voices she could occasionally hear over the holiday music drifting up from the first floor. When she was finished her meal, she walked over to look out the window. Several dark SUVs were parked in front of the cabin.
Oh joy. So much for having Caine all to herself for Christmas. She dressed in a pair of dark slacks with a pink top, brushed her hair until it hung over one shoulder in a dark cloud, applied Caine’s favorite scent and left the room. In the hall, she looked over the railing down into the living room. There were ten people in the room, including Caine and Kristopher. At least six of the people appeared to be couples. All but one of the males appeared to be Native American. The women were black. All but one was full-figured. She wouldn’t have to worry about a bunch of thin women giving her why-don’t-you-diet looks. Still, she was older than any of the other women present. Caine, dressed in jeans and a pullover, seated alone on a loveseat suddenly looked up at her and rose. Meeting his warm gaze filled her with anticipation for the coming night. Smiling, she walked down the steps slowly. To her delighted surprise, Kristopher and one of the other men suddenly rose, turned to face her and sang a perfectly pitched A cappella last verse of Some Enchanted Evening. Once you have found her, never let her go. Caine quickly crossed the room as she stepped off the last step and took her hand in his. “Finally,” he said softly, slipping an arm around her shoulders. After pressing a quick, warm kiss on her mouth, he walked her across the room to his friends. “Everyone, this is Joya Vincent, the light of my life,” he said. Touched by his introduction, she smiled up at him. “Oh, Caine.” He smiled at her before he turned to make individual introductions. “This is Brandi and Adrian Redwolf,” he said of the first couple. “And this is Ceyanne and Jayvyn Redwolf. And as you can see this ugly sod is Adrian’s twin, Conner.” The woman seated next to Conner was full-figured and couldn’t seem to keep her gaze off his face. Caine introduced her as Desi, “a friend of the Redwolfs.” “And this lovely lady is Rayna, the Redwolfs’ niece and conscience,” he said of a stunningly pretty full-figured women who gave her a warm smile.
The final male was as tall as Kristopher, who appeared close to six-six. “This is Max Stoner,” Caine told her before he turned her to face Kristopher who stared at her with an inscrutable look in his dark green eyes. “And you and Kristopher know each other.” Kristopher looked surprised. “Joya? Is that you?” She frowned. “What’s the matter? Senility setting in already? Of course it’s me.” He shrugged. “Forgive me but I didn’t recognize you with your clothes on.” Her cheeks burned but she didn’t lower her lashes or look away. “As charming as ever,” she said coolly. He laughed and reached out to whip her away from Caine’s side and into his arms. He danced her around the room singing an oldie called A Hundred Pounds of Clay. It was a song about a man thanking God for creating woman. He had a warm sexy voice that she suspected most women could listen to all day— not that she’d ever admit it to his big, arrogant ass. When he’d finished, he waltzed her to the loveseat where Caine sat watching. “Everyone else opened presents at the Redwolfs’ cabin, about two miles from here. Let’s open yours now,” Caine said. She glanced at the tree and noted several additions to the ones she’d placed underneath when she’d arrived. Although Kristopher annoyed the hell out of her she had a feeling he’d probably bought her a present. Of course she hadn’t bought any for anyone but Caine. “I only bought a present for you,” she told him. “It’s all right. As I said, they opened theirs earlier,” he assured her. He got up and brought several packages to her. She opened the ones from her daughters first. To her amazement, each one was a gift card to an exquisite lingerie store. Next she opened a square-shaped, perfectly wrapped package from Kristopher. She gasped in delight when she saw it contained an expensive dual-core ten-inch Internet tablet and a pre-paid credit card. She pushed the tablet at Caine and jumped to her feet to rush across the room to the fireplace to toss her arms around Kristopher. “Thank you!” “Of course if I’d known what an exhibitionist you were, I’d have bought you a
supply of lingerie and robes too.” “Fuck you!” she hissed. “Can’t you accept a thank you with a hint of grace?” “Thank me by giving Caine an extra good fuck tonight,” he told her in an amused voice, slipping an arm around her waist. “And be glad I have zero interest in fucking you myself.” “That’s a good thing because I wouldn’t let you touch me if we were the last couple on earth, you over confident bastard.” “The feeling is mutual, bitch,” he responded and released her. She stared at him. He stared at her coolly for several moments before he suddenly winked and smiled at her. Lord, he must be mental. As she turned away, he slapped her on her ass. She turned to glare at him before she walked back to the loveseat where Caine sat— looking amused. “What’s so funny? He slapped my ass,” she hissed at him. “Who can blame him? You have a very nice ass.” She stared at Max Stoner with a look of surprise on her face. Surely he couldn’t have heard her whisper to Caine. And wasn’t he with Rayna Redwolf? But if he were, why would Rayna also seemed amused? Almost as if she’d heard as well. Joya glanced around the room. Hell. Everyone in the room must all have extra good hearing because they all seemed amused. “Open this next,” Caine said, handing her a small, oblong package. “It’s from me.” It contained an elegant gold watch. “Oh Caine. It’s beautiful. Thank you,” she said and kissed him on the corner of his mouth. He smiled and licked her mouth before he got up to bring her the last two presents. One was a gift card from Jennie. The last was a long, strangely wrapped package—also from Jennie. She unwrapped it quickly and then sat staring down at it in silence, wishing she’d saved it to open later, when she and Caine were alone.
“What is it?” Rayna Redwolf asked. Oh damn. Jennie should have warned her not to open it around strangers. Beside her, Caine’s shoulders were shaking with silent laughter. Pushing an elbow into his side, she pasted a smile on her face and held up an oversized, cherry-red candy cane with a bottom shaped like a huge, erect cockhead. On the side were the words: Insert in pussy for a very Merry Christmas. The men laughed. The woman rose and rushed over to exclaim over it. When everyone had resumed their seats, Caine unwrapped her two gifts to him. The first was a beautiful blue silk tie and a gold money clip. “Thank you,” he said and pressed a quick kiss against her mouth before opening the last package. After he had unwrapped it, he sat staring down at it in silence for several moments before he looked up at her. “They’re almost as beautiful as you are,” he said when he looked up from an eight by ten picture of her three daughters smiling into the camera. The picture had been taken at her youngest daughter’s graduation earlier that year. “Thank you.” “Do you like it?” she asked. “I love it. The only way it would be better is if you were in it too.” Kristopher wandered over from the fireplace to look down at the picture. “Beautiful girls,” he said. He looked at Joya with a twinkle in his eyes. “But not a single one of them is naked. They must take after their father.” She stared at him and then she laughed. He laughed too and brushed his fingers against her cheek. With all the presents open, they sat around singing Christmas carols for over an hour before Joya and the women rose to prepare Christmas dinner. Joya and Desi ended up in the kitchen alone while the other women prepared the dining room. When she looked in the refrigerator, she was surprised to see two large chocolate cakes. “We brought those with us. The Redwolfs are chocoholics,” Desi told her. “Oh. They look delicious.”
“They are but you may or may not get a chance to taste them. The Redwolf men can devour an incredible amount of chocolate cake—without eating a single morsel of other food.” “Thanks for the warning.” She hesitated before speaking again. “Do you mind my asking how long you and Conner have been dating?” “We’re not dating.” Joya blinked. She’d lost track of the number of times she’d looked up to see Conner and Desi exchanging long, speaking looks. “You’re not?” “It’s a long story but he’s one of those men with a will of iron who insist we be friends—without a single damn benefit. You know what he bought me for Christmas?” “What?” “A horse.” “He bought you a horse?” Desi nodded. “The Redwolfs and their friends all ride and after I met Conner I discovered I love to ride. So he bought me this absolutely magnificent horse and an exquisite saddle.” “That’s quite a present.” Desi shrugged. “Conner’s handsome and generous with everything but that big, hard body of his. I’ve been trying to land him in bed for what feels like forever. He insists we have to be friends—whether I want to be or not.” She sighed and then smiled suddenly. “But it’s Christmas and anything can happen. Maybe if I can get him drunk on chocolate, I can have my wicked way with him tonight.” Recalling the drastic change the day had taken for her, Joya nodded and smiled. “Or I might need to buy that delicious looking candy cane from you because you sure won’t need it tonight,” Desi said and laughed. “I don’t expect I will need it,” she agreed. “Now let me be a little nosy and ask if you know Kristopher.” “Yes I do. He’s best friends with Jayvyn, who’s married to my best friend, Ceyanne.” Desi frowned. “Surely you’re not interested in him?”
“Oh no. I’m just wondering why he’s here alone instead of being here with a woman.” Desi waved a hand. “That’s another long story. He’s in love with a woman who’s also in love with him.” “But she’s married?” “Nope. She’s single and eating her heart out waiting for Kristopher to make a move. None of us can figure out why he hasn’t yet. But if he doesn’t do something soon, he just might lose her to another man.” He annoyed the hell out of her but she had a feeling that any woman who loved him would wait however long it took to land him—especially if he sang sexy love songs to her. Still, she wondered why had hadn’t already made a move on the woman in question. “Let’s hope that doesn’t happen,” she said. She glanced around the kitchen. “Ready to go into the dining room?” “Yes,” Desi said and they picked up two dishes each and left the kitchen.
Joya was surprised at how much she enjoyed the meal that followed. Caine spent most of it in silence while she and Kristopher eagerly traded barbed insults. When she returned to the living room after clearing up, Conner stood on one side of the fireplace with a horn around his neck. Kristopher and Jayvyn stood on the other side. Caine sat on the loveseat. Rayna rose. “Joya, I don’t know if you know it or not but the guys are part of a band called Rolling Thunder. You’ve already heard Kristopher sing. Caine asked him and Jayvyn to do a song for you. I know you’ll love it.” Touched, she smiled and walked across the room to sit beside Caine who gave her a weary look. “What’s wrong?” she asked, wondering why he wasn’t singing to her himself. Caine had a pleasant baritone and often sang in the shower. “Nothing. Listen.” He looked toward the fireplace and nodded. Conner played a few notes on his horn and then Kristopher and Jayvyn sang a sexy, beautiful version of Patti LaBelle’s Down The Aisle.
Joya had never heard it sung by men and listened with rapt attention to the two voices that complimented each other so well. Just before the third verse, Caine suddenly dropped to one knee, took her hand in his and sang the last two verses. While his voice was no match for Kristopher’s or Jayvyn’s, hearing him sing about a life full of bliss and how he was hers to cherish and hold with a wedding ring, sent tears filling her eyes and spilling down her cheeks. As he finished, he reached on the side of the loveseat and gave her a jeweler’s box she knew contained a ring. She opened it to see a beautiful diamond solitaire engagement ring. “Oh my God. Caine! It’s beautiful!” she whispered. They stared at each other, neither one of them moving. “Oh for the love of God,” Kristopher said and strolled across the room. He removed the ring from the box, took Joya’s hand in his and slipped it on her third finger. “There. Now you’ll have to marry his love-sick ass.” Joya sucked in an almost painful breath before she dropped to her knees beside Caine and burrowed into his arms. “I will marry you,” she whispered with fresh tears streaming down her cheeks. Caine wrapped his arms around her and squeezed her tightly, his chest rising and falling quickly. Moments later, Kristopher urged them both to their feet so he could shake Caine’s hand. He then leaned down to kiss her cheek. “Hurt him again and your ass is mine,” he whispered. “Only in your dreams,” she shot back before kissing his cheek and hugging him. The others in the room came forward to congratulate them. Kristopher poured the champagne he brought in from his SUV and they all had a drink. An hour later, she and Caine were alone in the cabin. She sat staring at her engagement ring for long moments before she rose and took his hand in hers. “I have three lovely young ladies I want to introduce you to.” Her heart pounded as she made a video call to her oldest daughter’s cellphone.
Tamya answered immediately. “Mom! How was your Christmas?” “One of the best ever,” Joya said. “Really? Away from us? I’ll have to tell Jana I was right.” “About what?” “That you were going to spend the holidays with him.” She blinked. “Him who?” “You know who I mean better than I do since I’ve never met him, Mom.” Caine had been right. Tamya, at least, seemed to have known there was a man in her life. “Yes. I’m with him.” “I knew it. Does he have a name?” Joya smiled. “As it happens, he has a very nice one. It’s Caine McGuire.” “Caine McGuire? Is he an Irish bad boy?” “Actually he’s Native American.” “Called McGuire?” “Yes and he’s right here.” She beckoned Caine closer so her phone’s camera could capture him. “Caine, this is my oldest daughter Tamya. Tam, this is Caine McGuire.” “Hello, Tamya,” Caine said smiling. ”I’m delighted to meet you.” Tamya stared at him with her eyes widened before she turned to call over her shoulder. “Jana, Lia! Get in here and meet Mom’s secret lover. Oh my God, he’s a hunk!” After her daughters had ogled Caine and peppered him with questions, they said good night. Joya turned to Caine. “Satisfied?” “That’s enough for now but I’m going to want to actually meet them.” “That’ll happen next week—if you come home with me.” “I will.” “Good. Let’s go to bed so I can say thank you to your brother,” she said. Caine frowned. “Thank you to Kristopher? How? He’s not here.” “I know,” she took his hand, picked up the rest of the champagne and walked towards the stairs. “He said I could thank him by giving you an extra fuck tonight.”
He grinned. “You gotta love an older brother who takes such good care of you,” he said and followed her up the stairs to the master bedroom. They undressed each other slowly before he went to sit in one of the chairs by the window. “Come here.” She sashayed across the room and sat on his lap with her pussy pressed along his cock, which pulsed against his stomach. She linked her arms around his neck and gazed into his beautiful dark eyes. It would take a while before this Christmas felt like anything more than a lovely fantasy. It might take even longer to vanquish her remaining doubts about the viability of their relationship because of all the things that seemed to suggest it couldn’t last. Her thoughts turned to Desi so hungry for Conner Redwolf. Then she thought of Kristopher—spending Christmas with them instead of with the woman he loved. She was lucky enough to have a younger hunk so in love with her he’d waited six years for her. She and her ex had been the same age and shared the same racial background when they married. Their marriage had still failed. Caine knew all of the things about her other men might consider shortcomings and he still wanted her. He had proposed with his eyes wide open. And she had accepted the same way. They’d face troubles and challenges—but then so did every married couple. It was time to seal the deal and leave worries about their future where they belonged—in the future. He stroked his palms down her back to cup her ass. “Having second thoughts already, sweet?” “I’m thinking how lucky I am to have you want me for your wife and what a wonderful Christmas this has turned out to be.” She lifted her hips and pressed his erect shaft against her pussy. “Merry Christmas, sugar,” she whispered and slid her hips down, forcing his big, thick shaft deep inside her. “Oh Lord. This is the only way to celebrate the holidays.” “Damn right it is.” He slid his hands up to grip her hips and bounced her up and down on his cock. Holy hell! Arching her back, she slammed her hips down to meet his cock while jolts
of pleasure shook her body. She was going to enjoy her first Christmas with her big, handsome Native American hunk as he filled her pussy full of his seed and her ears with his sweet words of love and adoration. “This is just the first one, sugar.” “Of the rest of our lives together, sweet,” he pledged and pulled her mouth down to his. As he thrust his shaft deep inside her drenched pussy, he slid his tongue between her lips and trailed a finger down the crease of her ass. Keeping her lips locked with his, she lifted her hips slightly. When she felt his finger invading her, she shook with joy. All her openings filled with a part of the wonderful hunk she loved. So this is Christmas? Oh hell yeah.
Marilyn Lee Unleashed Presents
Loving Large–Yours, Only And Always Excerpt
By Marilyn Lee Dedication: To the members of Love Bytes. Thanks for your support. A special thanks to Lavern, Kenya, and Leigh for proofing Yours, Only And Always.
Cover Design by Kelly Shorten
ISBN 1452895503 EAN-13 9781452895505
Copyright 2010 Marilyn Lee All rights reserved
No part of this book may be used or reproduced electronically or in print without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in reviews. Due to copyright laws you cannot trade, sell or give any ebooks away. This is a work of fiction. All references to real places, people, or events are coincidental, and if not coincidental, are used fictitiously. All trademarks, service marks, registered trademarks, and registered service marks are the property of their respective owners and are used herein for identification purposes only.
“Don’t despair. When you least expect it, the hurt from Sam will dissolve and you’ll fall head over heels in love again. It could happen at any time in any place. Just make sure you’re ready to accept and embrace it when it happens.” Autumn Walker’s mother’s words flashed into her mind the moment she walked into the condo association meeting and saw him. The man who caught her attention was tall, with long legs, wide shoulders, a narrow waist, and a taut ass. He might have stepped right off the cover of one of the Native American capture romances she and her friends had devoured as teenagers. She could easily imagine him bare-chested with long, very dark, silky hair pulled back from his face and hanging down his back as he sat astride a horse without a saddle. Two women, who she suspected were more interested in spending time in his bed than they were in discussing proposed changes in condo fees, commanded his attention. She stared at him, feeling herself going wet. What woman wouldn’t want to be up close and personal with a man who was so sexy just the sight of him generated capture fantasies? What she wouldn’t give for the courage to strut across the room and join the two women clambering for his attention. She sighed. If only she were tall and slender with mounds of flowing locks like the women vying to hold his interest. But the handsome, sexy male who looked as if he’d just finished posing for the cover of a romance novel wasn’t likely to be impressed with her five-foot, five-inch plump body or her dark brown skin. He probably preferred the tall, slender, blue-eyed blondes gazing so adoringly up at him. Almost as if he felt her eyes on him, he suddenly turned his head, glanced briefly in Autumn’s direction, looked away, and then did a double take. He arched a brow and locked his gaze with hers. Embarrassed at having been caught staring, Autumn still couldn’t look away from his dark, sexy, probing gaze. Her heart raced and the erotic imagination she’d struggled to control since her divorce quickly flooded her mind with visions of standing naked
before him while he ran his big hands all over her body. Her cheeks burned at the delicious thought of feeling his smooth palms spanking her naked, dark ass cheeks until they burned with heat. Oh to feel him lubing her up before he gripped her hips and fucked her ass, slow and deep. She bit her lip, going wet as she mentally savored the thought of him cupping his hands over her breasts as he thrust in and out of her rear. She wore a pretty pink dress with a skirt that ended just below her knees. He could easily push it up to expose a hot pink thong. Once he pushed that skimpy piece of fluff aside he’d have easy access to both her ass and her pussy. He arched a brow while the corners of his sensual lips slowly curved upward into an appreciative smile. His gaze shifted down to her breasts for several long moments before he looked into her eyes again. Autumn caught her breath. Was she imaging things or did she detect a hint of interest in his gaze? He had definitely checked out her breasts. Both blondes glanced at Autumn. One then touched his arm. The other placed a hand against his chest. I guess they’re telling you he’s off limits. As if you need that warning. The object of all three women’s desire turned his attention back to the women at his side. Autumn released a sigh of disappointment, still unable to tear her gaze away from him. He was so sexy. He spoke briefly to the two women before turning his attention back to Autumn. She swallowed and stared into his almost hypnotic eyes. He must be interested in her. The women spoke to him again, seemingly determined to reclaim his attention. Briefly turning his gaze back to the women, he flashed a smile and spoke to them. Autumn watched in amazement as he then quickly strolled towards her, ignoring the women’s efforts to keep him at their sides. She swallowed and moistened her lips while her heart hammered against her
ribcage. He stopped a foot or so in front of her. He extended his hand. “Hello.” He had a deep, sexy voice. “Hi.” “I’m Seneka Elkhorn.” Seneka Elkhorn. Nice name. Nice voice. Nice body. Sexy as hell man. She held out her hand. A shiver of anticipation danced down her spine when his fingers closed over hers. She imagined him whispering sweet nothings in her ear in that deep, velvety voice as he caressed her bare skin with the big warm hand cradling hers. “And you are?” She blinked. “I’m sorry. What?” “What’s your name? Mine’s Seneka Elkhorn.” Get a grip, woman and stop gawking as if you’ve never met a drop-dead gorgeous hunk. “Autumn Walker.” His eyes lingered on her bare left hand. “Autumn is my favorite time of the year.” “Oh…is it?” “Oh yes.” He smiled. “I see you’re not wearing a ring, but is there a Mr. ‘She’s All Mine So Back Off’ lurking somewhere?” She’d never been happier to be divorced and commitment free. She shook her head. “Not anymore.” His smile widened. “No? This must be my lucky night.” His lucky night? Lost in a haze of erotic fantasies, she racked her brain for some witty remark that would titillate and entertain him while making him want to get to know her. She stole a glance at his left hand. Bare. Thank God. The association president went to the podium. “Good evening, everyone. We have a number of issues on the agenda so please find seats so we can begin.” Autumn stifled a groan. Why did the blasted meeting have to start on time? She
reluctantly withdrew her hand from his. “I guess I’d better find a seat.” He slipped a hand under her elbow. “Yes. Let’s do that.” His fingers on her bare skin sent a tingle through her. She turned back to face him, hoping she’d managed to conceal her emotional turmoil from him. “I see a seat—” “A seat?” He nodded toward two empty seats on the other side of the room. “There are two over there. Join me?” She hesitated. Contemplating flirting with him as they waited for the meeting to start was one thing. Sitting with him might be too close to a line she’d never crossed before. Her divorce from Sam still stung. The reason he’d divorced her hadn’t changed enough to make a difference in her life. “Autumn,” his fingers tightened on her elbow. He leaned down until his lips were a breath away from her ear. “I won’t hurt you,” he promised softly. She stared up into his dark eyes. Why did she feel as if he’d read her mind and knew of her hurt? “What?” “You can trust me, Autumn.” Trust didn’t come easy. Sam had broken her heart, injured her pride, and damaged her self-esteem. When Sam left her, she’d decided lost love hurt and that love in general was overrated. Since then she had managed to remain romantically unscathed by channeling all her time and energy into preparing her students for careers in math and science. Some of her students had done very well. She found satisfaction in celebrating their triumphs with them. Her life wasn’t exciting. It was safe. Safety was important. He caressed her elbow. “You can trust me, Autumn.” Her desire to accept his word and trust him gave her pause. She knew nothing about him except that she found him more sexually exciting than any man she’d ever met. He seemed to want to spend at least an hour or so in her company. An hour wouldn’t make much difference to him but it might act as a balm to her wounded ego. She smiled up at him. “Okay.” “Great.” He gave her a slow, warm smile before he led her over to the two empty
chairs on the other side of the room. Once she was seated he sat so close to her, his thigh pressed against hers. She attempted to draw her thigh away from his. He responded by shifting in his seat in a manner that allowed him to press his thigh against hers again. She inhaled sharply and glanced at him. He arched a brow and ensured she was even more aware of him by sliding an arm along the back of her chair. He leaned so close she felt his breath on her cheek. “Relax, Autumn. I don’t bite—at least not in public.” She blushed and turned her attention back to the front of the room. If he touched her, she wasn’t sure how she’d respond. He didn’t. Nevertheless, she spent the entire meeting wondering if he were as aware of her as she was of him. His thigh pressing against hers seemed to indicate he was yet each time she stole a glance at him, his attention was on the podium. Later, she couldn’t remember how she’d voted on the proposed condo fees. After the meeting ended, he turned to look at her. “So you’re all for increased condo fees?” “What makes you think that?” He shrugged. “You raised your hand when the president asked for a show of hands of those in favor of the higher fees.” “I did?” His lips twitched. “You did.” “Oh…hell!” He laughed. “It would probably have passed anyway. Now for a really important question, do you have any plans for the rest of the night?” “No. “Will you have a drink with me?” The thought that she might somehow parlay the drink invitation into a night of
wanton and uncommitted sex, excited her senses and helped relax her inhibitions. “I’d like that,” she admitted. “So would I.” He smiled. He smiled a lot and lord what a warm, intimate smile. He was so handsome it was difficult not to stare at him. “Are you ready, Autumn?” After three years of celibacy she was more than ready to subject herself to any situation that would increase the possibility of their ending up in bed for the night. As improbable as she’d thought it before the meeting started, she was now convinced he shared her sexual interest. She nodded. “Yes, I’m ready.” “Great.” He rose. “Do you have any objections to Patty’s?” Patty’s was an upscale bar two blocks from their condo complex. She’d had drinks there twice with friends. “No, I don’t.” “Do you mind walking?” Walking would extend their time together. “It’s a nice night for a walk.” He nodded. “It’s a very nice night, Autumn.” The steady glance he gave her left her in no doubt that he felt her presence increased the beauty of the night. She smiled. He extended his hand towards the exit. “Then let’s go.”
*** They walked to Patty’s without speaking. Surprisingly, she felt comfortable with him and with the silence. At Patty’s, he escorted her to an empty booth with a view to the entrance. He asked her what she wanted to drink before going to get their drinks. She watched him walk to the bar. She’s always had a thing for men with long legs and tight asses. Seneka Elkhorn had both. And he certainly looked good in a pair of tight jeans. He returned to the table with a martini for her and bottled water for him.
“You’re not drinking?” He shook his head. “I need a clear head.” She, on the other hand, wanted help lowering her remaining inhibitions. “Why?” “Because I find you incredibly…interesting.” Oh, hell, yes! She smiled and sipped her drink. He propped his elbows on the table, a slow smile curving his firm, sensual lips. “How long have you lived at Oak Gardens, Autumn?” “Just over a year. You?” “I’ve lived here for the last two years. Why haven’t I seen you at any of the other meetings?” “I’m usually too busy grading papers to attend them.” “Grading papers? What do you do for a living, Autumn?” His steady regard allowed her to return his scrutiny without embarrassment. “I teach math at Community College.” “At last! A woman I can talk numbers to and have her really understand. This is indeed my lucky night.” She laughed. “What a wonderful man you must be, Seneka Elkhorn.” His smile turned into a wide grin. “Discerning as well as pretty.” “Pretty?” He nodded slowly, locking his gaze with hers. “Very, very pretty.” A warm glow spread through her. “Thank you.” “You’re welcome. So you’re discerning, very pretty, and modest. That’s quite a heady combination in one woman, Autumn.” “And very full-figured.” There. She’d stated the obvious. If he had a problem with her weight, she wanted to know upfront before she lost herself in his smiling gaze. He frowned. “You make that sound like a bad thing.” She moistened her lips. “It is for some men.” He shrugged. “Different strokes for different folks.” She liked the turn the conversation had taken. “Oh?”
“I can’t see how a woman having an ample amount of curves is anything but a plus.” He grinned. “Besides, you’re discerning enough to realize I’m rather wonderful. How did you know? Does it ooze through my pores?” She smiled, feeling completely relaxed with him. “Only a natural born charmer could make the ability to understand numbers sound like a compliment or make being full-figured sound like a plus.” “Oh but it is a plus to men who prefer women with lots of curves.” He took a sip of his water. “I take it your ex didn’t?” She sucked in a breath and slowly shook her head. “No. He didn’t.” He glanced at her left hand. “Were you married?” “Yes, but I’d rather not talk about him.” “Okay. What would you like to talk about?” “Seneka Elkhorn.” “Me? Dull subject.” She shook her head. “I doubt that.” “All right. What would you like to know, Autumn?” She’d never liked her name, but he almost made it sound like an endearment. “Elkhorn…is that…?” She paused. How did one ask a Native American what tribe he was from? “My parents were Cherokee.” “Your parents were Cherokee? That’s a unique way of stating your heritage.” “I suppose it is.” “What about you? Aren’t you Cherokee too?” “Not so you’d notice.” “You look…” “My brothers and I are mainstream American.” “Because of where you were born or for another reason?” “At the time, our parents felt we’d do better if we strove to be Americans instead of highlighting the fact that we’re Native Americans.”
“Where are you from?” “My parents were born in Oklahoma.” “Were you born there?” “No. I was born in California.” “So you’re Cherokee?” His lips twitched. “Yes, Autumn, Cherokee. Were you hoping I was from more movie famous stock like Comanche or Apache?” “No!” “No?” She bit her lip and then laughed, but quickly sobered. “I’m sorry, Seneka. I meant no offense.” His smile held no trace of offense. “None taken. My brothers and I have grown used to non-Native women who read…what do you call them? Capture romances and then went on to weave fantasies of becoming a sex slave of a Comanche or an Apache warrior.” Was he reading her mind? He arched a brow. “Apparently such women suffer under the delusion that they make better captors and or lovers.” She sipped her drink before she responded. “Do they?” “Hell no.” He grinned. “Anytime you’d like proof, I’d be delighted to take you captive and make you my sex slave.” The muscles in her stomach tightened and she swallowed hard. “Your sex slave?” “My sex slave.” He shrugged. “Or maybe you’d like to turn the tables on me and I’d wind up being your sex slave.” “My sex slave?” He shrugged. “I’m a modern man—open to trying almost anything. Either way, count me in any time you’re in the mood to experiment.” Take him up on his offer before he changes his mind or one of those blondes find a way to recapture his attention. She parted her lips. Did she really want a one-night
stand with a man who lived in her complex that she’d have to worry about avoiding the day after? Why worry about that when you’ve never encountered him in over a year? Take a chance for once in your life. No. Go slowly. She cleared her throat and tore her gaze from his. “What do you do for a living, Seneka?” “Not feeling very adventurous tonight?” Her cheeks burned. “I’ve never been particularly adventurous.” “A certain level of reserve, like lush curves, can be a charming quality in a woman.” Oh, damn, but he was smooth. He gave her a reassuring smile. “But I don’t want you to be uncomfortable with me. I’m a CPA. My partner and I—” “Your partner? Are you married or involved with anyone?” He didn’t wear a ring, but then married men on the prowl often didn’t. The unasked question had plagued her from the moment she set eyes on him. He shook his head slowly. “No. By partner I meant my business partner. We’re both CPAs.” He appeared to be in his thirties, which was well past the time when most men married. “Why aren’t you married, Seneka?” “I haven’t met anyone I want to marry.” “Never?” He sighed, sitting back in his chair. “I was married.” “What happened?” “I married my college sweetheart after graduation.” “You’re divorced too?” “No. I’m a widower.” His Adam’s apple bobbed and he raked a hand through his hair. Hearing the pain in his voice she decided his loss must be recent. “Can you talk
about her?” He sighed again. “She died a little over two years ago of lung cancer. It felt so unfair. Hell, neither of us even smoked.” “Oh, I’m so sorry, Seneka.” His jaw clenched. “Thanks. She was the love of my life. It’s been difficult trying to pick up the pieces without her, but she made me promise that’s what I’d do. I’ve finally learned to accept her death and to be thankful for the time we had together.” “How long were you married?” “Fourteen years.” He shook his head. “That wasn’t nearly long enough with her.” Autumn suppressed a surge of jealousy. It must have been wonderful to be so loved your partner still mourned your death two years later. “Do you have any children?” He shook his head. “No. We married young and were so in love with each other we thought we’d wait until we were both established in our professions and some of the luster wore off our relationship.” “What happened?” “The luster never wore off. I loved her even more the day she died than I did on our wedding day.” Damn. His wife had been a lucky woman. “By the time we decided we were ready to have a family…” He paused, his Adam’s apple bobbing again. She reached across the table to brush her hand against the back of his clenched fist. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to raise what are clearly painful memories for you, Seneka.” He gripped her hand and inhaled slowly before he responded. “It’s all right. When we were ready to start a family, we found out she had inoperable cancer.” “Oh…no.” “She wanted to try anyway, but I wasn’t willing to share her for the time we had left. I’m no longer sure that was the right decision. I’ve always wanted kids and having a child might have made the last two years less lonely. And I would have had
something that was a part of her.” “I’m so sorry. What was her name?” “Kelli.” He hesitated. “Would you like to see a picture of her?” What a strange question to ask on what was hopefully a first date. “Yes.” He released her hand. “Yes?” It was just as well to see the type of woman he liked. She nodded. “Yes.” He rose, removed his wallet from the back pocket of his jeans and sat down again. He opened his wallet before he passed it across the table to her. Autumn stared down at a headshot of a gorgeous, green-eyed, smiling blonde. “There’s another one underneath.” She flipped the picture over. The second photo showed the blonde in a beautiful white lace and satin wedding gown that complimented her plus-sized figure so well it must have been made especially for her. Yes. He liked blondes, but he also clearly liked full-figured women. She closed the wallet and handed it back to him. “She was beautiful.” “In body and spirit.” He shook his head. “But gushing over Kelli is hardly the way to make a good impression on a first date.” “It’s all right.” “No, it’s not all right. My propensity to whip out pictures of her and get maudlin might explain why there’s no one special in my life at the moment.” “How long have you been dating?” “I was very happily married to Kelli. I miss her and I miss being married, but I’m not interested in casual relationships, Autumn.” So despite his talk of taking her captive and making her his sex slave, he wasn’t interested in spending the night with her. Great. “Oh. Does that mean…what does that mean, Seneka?” “I’m thirty-seven.” Thirty-seven was the perfect age for a nearly perfect man. “And?” “And I still want to have kids so I don’t have time to pursue casual relationships.”
“How long have you been dating?” “Including tonight?” She nodded. “One night,” he said. “One night?” “You’re the first woman I’ve asked out since I accepted the fact that it was time to move on with my life.” She tensed as the two blondes walked in and took seats at the bar. She briefly locked gazes with the more stunning of the two before turning her attention back to Seneka. “I am? What about the two women you were talking with tonight?” “What about them?” “They seemed interested in getting to know you and you didn’t seem to mind. Are they friends?” “No. We met tonight.” He must have made a hell of an impression. “Are they likely prospects?” “The blondes?” “Yes. The blondes.” “You’re the one I asked out, Autumn.” She nodded. “I know, but they’re stunning.” “You think so?” “Don’t you?” “I suppose they’re pretty enough.” “But?” He shrugged. “But they’re a little too slender for my personal preferences. I like women with lots of curves.” She moistened her lips. “Oh.” He arched a brow. “Oh? That’s it? No more questions? You know, you can ask me anything you like.” She wanted to ask about her chances of spending the night with him, but couldn’t
muster the courage. Despite his stated preference for full-figured women, his wife had been a blonde with very fair skin like the two blondes staring in their direction. Autumn had dark skin. “Thanks, but I think one or both of the blondes are determined to get your attention.” “What makes you think that?” “Because they’re seated at the bar staring this way.” He turned to look towards the bar. Both women smiled and waved. He inclined his head and turned back to her. “They’re persistent if nothing else, but I’m not interested in discussing them. Let’s talk about you.” “You have questions?” “Yes.” She smiled, pleased that he was interested enough to ask questions. “Shoot.” “I know it’s very indelicate to ask, but how old are you?” “I’m thirty.” “And very pretty, but I’ve already said that.” “So? You can say it as many times as you like.” He laughed. “Do you want kids?” She nodded. “I’d like one or two.” “Tell me about your ex. What happened with him?” Knowing he liked plus-sized women made her confession easier. “He wasn’t happy with my weight.” “What?” “I managed to lose some weight through diet and increased exercise, but it wasn’t enough to please him.” “Were you so…deliciously shaped when you married?” So deliciously shaped? “I’ve never been particularly slender, but when we married he called me voluptuous. By the time of our divorce, he considered me…he’d lost all
sexual interest in me.” She pushed her tongue against her teeth and glanced away from him. He reached across the table to place his hand over hers. She felt a shock of delight. “I’m sure it must have hurt to have someone you love feel that way. You did love him?” Bringing her gaze back to his, she nodded, willing herself not to cry. “Yes. I did.” “So you didn’t want the divorce?” “No. No, I didn’t.” “I hope you can take comfort in the knowledge that there are men who will view his loss as their gain.” She sucked in a breath, recalling the many nights she’d cried herself to sleep after Sam refused to make love to her. “Are there? I haven’t managed to meet any of them since my divorce.” “You have now.”
Soul Mates Excerpt Prologue “Trey! Trey, help me! Please!” Her screams for him shattered the still of the night and sent Trey Brandauer bolting up in bed from a deep sleep. He tossed the bed covers aside, nearly tripping in his haste to get out of bed and rush to the window. His room overlooked the back road leading to the slave quarters. Looking out the window, he saw his father’s overseer, Joshua Wilton astride his big stallion. A small slender figure sat in front of him on the horse with her face turned up towards the house. Trey’s heart thumped with fear as he recognized the female’s beautiful dark skin. The sweet smile he’d never been able to resist was missing. Her brown eyes held a look of fear. “Carlee!” When she saw him, she reached out with a trembling hand. “Trey! Please help me!” Trey tossed the window open and leaned out. “Wilton! What are you doing with her on your horse?” The overseer cast a brief glance in Trey’s direction before he brought his riding crop down hard on the horse’s flank, sending the animal into a fast trot. Trey whirled away from the window and quickly pulled on his trousers. Running from his room and down the hall, he leapt down the stairs. Surprised to find it unbolted, Trey yanked open the side door. He rushed onto the side veranda. The stable was behind the house. He prayed that he could get his horse, Danton, saddled and on the road in time to rescue Carlee. He could still hear her calling out to him. “Trey! Please help me, Trey!” “I’m coming, Carlee. I’m coming!”
He jumped off the veranda and ran towards the stables, ignoring the pain as his bare feet encountered various bits of stones. The big doors were open. He rushed inside and collided with a tall, well-built man exiting the stables. The collision with his father sent him sprawling onto his back. “Father!” He scrambled to his knees and grabbed his father’s legs. “Wilton has Carlee! He’s taking her away! You must stop him!” His father didn’t respond. Bounding to his feet, Trey ran for his horse. He had his saddle in his hands when his father turned him around. One look in his father’s eyes and he knew why the side door had been unbolted in the middle of the night. “He’s taking her with your permission, Father?” “Yes.” Trey swallowed a wave of rage at the terse word from his father. “Well not with mine!” He jerked away and tossed his saddle aside, deciding to ride bareback. Before he could mount his horse, his father grabbed him and pushed him against the side of the stall. He could no longer hear Carlee’s cries. His heart thundered and fear tightened his throat. “Get out of my way, Father!” “I sold her, Trey.” “Sold her? But you gave her to me! You can’t sell her. She’s mine!” His father’s hands tightened on his upper arms, holding him still. “That happened when you were seven and I never expected you to fall for her. In this family, we do not bed our slaves, boy!” His heart sank. His mother had not kept her word. She had told his father about seeing him kissing Carlee the previous week. “I know that, Father, and I have not bedded her! I give you my word!” “And I believe you, Trey. We Brandauers are not known for being liars.” He tried to pull away. “Then let me go and get her. She’s mine. I will not have her sold away from me and her family.”
“She is already sold. I believe that you haven’t touched her, but I have seen the way you two look at each other. You are no longer children, Trey. I can’t allow you to father children with her.” He sucked in a shuddering breath. At seventeen, he longed to discover sex with the fifteen-year-old Carlee. Still, he'd never gone beyond an occasional hug or a rare, brief peck at her sweet lips. He hadn’t even dared touch her breasts. The temptation had been difficult to resist since he had inadvertently seen her sleek, nude body as she had bathed in the pond deep in the woods early one morning. He had longed to strip and join her. The thought of seeing the hurt and confusion in her brown eyes if he betrayed her trust had been enough to cool his passions. He had forced himself to steal quietly away instead. “Please, Father. I promise…I give you my word. I will not touch her! Just please don’t sell her!” “It wasn’t an easy decision, Trey, but it was a necessary one. I’ve made sure she’s going to a good home where she’ll be treated properly.” His father reached in his pocket and produced a large sack filled with bills. “This is yours…for her sale.” The wall of rage consumed him. He jerked away from his father, slapped the sack out of his hand, placed his hands against his father’s chest, and pushed as hard as he could. Taken by surprise, his father stumbled backwards and fell. Trey turned and jumped onto Danton’s back, wheeled him around, sent him jumping over his father’s body, and galloping out into the night. He rode Danton hard and fast, ignoring his father’s outraged shouts for him to return. He knew he was in more trouble than he’d ever been before for having shoved his father. Nevertheless, he had to save Carlee. After what seemed like an eternity, he heard soft wails that he knew belonged to her. “Carlee! I’m coming!” he called. “Trey! Oh, Trey!” He heard the relief in her voice. “I knew you would save me, Trey.”
He rode low over Danton’s back, taking a curve in the road quickly. He spotted Wilton, at least thirty or forty yards in front of him. He dug his heels into Danton’s flanks and urged him on. Danton was a better horse than the one ridden by Wilton. Elation filled Trey. He wasn’t sure what he was going to do after he rescued her, but he was only moments away from getting her back. He would worry about the consequences later. Danton steadily closed the distance between him and Wilton. Soon, he would be close enough to reach out and snatch Carlee off Wilton’s horse. He heard the sound of a galloping horse behind him. “Trey! Come back here now or there will be hell to pay!” He cast a quick glance over his shoulder. His father charged after him, astride the only stallion in the county capable of outrunning Danton. He leaned low over Danton’s back. “You can do it,” he whispered to Danton. “You can outrun Lightning. Just this once, Danton. You can do it for Carlee. Run like the wind, Danton. You can do it.” Within a few horse lengths of Wilton, Lightning drew even with Danton. His father snatched him off Danton’s back and onto Lightning’s. Danton continued running as his father pulled on Lightning’s reins, urging him to an abrupt stop. Trey struggled to be free. “Let me go! Please!” Although he was strong, his father was bigger and far stronger. His father’s arms tightened around him, immobilizing him. Trey watched Wilton’s horse disappear around a bend in the road. “No! Carlee! Carlee, I’ll find you. I promise. I swear. No matter how long it takes, I’ll find and rescue you! And when I do I will never leave you again!” “Trey! I’ll wait…I’ll wait for you to come, Trey!” His father wheeled Lightning around and sent him galloping back towards the house Trey would never think of as home again. He slumped back against his father, bitter tears streaming down his cheeks. “Let me go rescue her, Father, or I swear I will never forgive you.”
“I know this hurts now, Trey, but this is for the best. I need you to understand why I had to do this.” “You didn’t. I would have kept my word.” “I know you have good intentions, boy, but you would be sneaking into her bed eventually. Do you understand? “ “I won’t ever forgive you for this, Father.” His father pulled up his horse and turned his face up to his. He saw something he’d never seen before—tears in his father’s eyes. “I didn’t do this easily, Trey. I know this hurts you and it hurts me, but I had to do it. I had to. You’ll forgive me because it was done out of love.” He shook his head. “No. I won’t ever forgive you for this. You don’t know what you’ve done. I’ll never be happy again if I don’t find her. You have to tell me where she’s going.” “I know it hurts boy, but in time you’ll forget her and move on. You’ll marry and have children and be happy.” “I’ll never be happy without her. Never. And I will never forgive you for this.” “Time has a way of healing all wounds, Trey.” “Time will never heal this wound. Nor will I ever forgive you or Mother.”
Soul Mates is available from Marilyn Lee Unleashed
Marilyn’s booklist: Marilyn Lee Unleashed
Loving Large 2: Yours, Now And Forever A Cheating Situation Marilyn Lee Omnibus I Primal Lusts In Blood And Worth Loving 2—Lost Without You Blue Desert Heat I Blue Desert Heat 2 Blue Desert Tales: Courtesan Seduction Fantasy Knights Fantasy Knights 2—Endless Love Naughty Girls, Inc—No Commitment Required Loving Large—Yours, Only And Always The Quest—Hunter’s Passion Daughters of Takira—One Night In Vegas Daughters of Takira 2—Kyla’s Awakening Daughters of Takira 2—Revelations Soul Mates Beauty Is Alisha Hoover? My Mother’s Man Secondhand Girlfriend Any Time Any Place Large, Shy, And Beautiful Marilyn Lee Sampler Marilyn Lee Sampler 2 Falling For Sharde Nice Girls Do Some Like It Male
Yesterday’s Secret Sins The Dare
Coming Soon: Loving Large 2—Yours, Now And Forever A Cheating Situation Red Rose Publishing Sister’s Keeper Finding Love Again Betrayed By Love Song of Desire It Had To Be You Tempting Neal In Blood And Worth Loving Eye of the Beholder Night Heat Summer Storm Skin Deep Ellora's Cave Night of Sin Bloodlust series: Mikhel Dumont The Talisman Taming Serge Dumont Forbidden Desires Nocturnal Heat Midnight Shadows
All In The Family Moonlight series: Moonlight Desire Moonlight Whispers Long Line of Love series: Night of Desires Love Out Loud Only One Love
Teacher's Pet Trina's Afternoon Delight Branded Road To Rapture The Fall of Troy Full Bodied Charmer Breathless In Black Playing With Fire White Christmas Quest II—Divided Loyalties Quest III—Return to Volter
Changeling Press Moonlight Madness Bloodlust—Nighttime Magic Loose Id, LLC Dream Lover
Marilyn’s homepage: http://www.marilynlee.org
Email:
[email protected] Marilyn’s Bio: Marilyn Lee lives, works, and writes on the East Coast. In addition to thoroughly enjoying writing erotic romances, she enjoys roller-skating, spending time with her large, extended family, and rooting for all her hometown sports teams. Her other interests include collecting Doc Savage pulp novels from the thirties and forties and collecting Marvel comics from the seventies and eighties (particularly Thor and The Avengers). Her favorite TV shows are forensic shows, westerns (Gunsmoke and Have Gun, Will Travel are particular favorites), mysteries (loves the old Charlie Chan mysteries. Her all time favorite mystery movie is probably Dead, Again), and nearly every vampire movie or television show ever made (Forever Knight and Count Yorga, Vampire are favorites). Marilyn has won numerous writing accolades, including a CAPA award for Bloodlust: Conquering Mikhel Dumont and the following Lub-Dubs Awards for 2009: Lifetime Achievement Award, In Blood And Worth Loving (Best erotic novel and best sci-fi/fantasy/paranormal Award. She loves to hear from readers who can email her at
[email protected] or who can visit her website, http://www.marilynlee.org. She has a Yahoo! Group called Love Bytes that readers can join by sending an email to:
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