9. Callie

Idrop the keys, cursing when I stoop to pick them up and lose my balance, almost kissing the hard-packed dirt in the alley.

But a hand reaches out and catches my elbow. I shiver and goosebumps dart across my skin. Warmth hits me where his hand touches me.

"Rory?" I look up from his boot-clad feet, my eyes widening when I see the flare of lust in his grass-green eyes.

"Hello, baby. I thought I'd meet you tonight. Thought maybe we could have a late dinner somewhere."

Smiling, I stand up with his help and throw myself into his arms, relief hitting me. His strong body cradles me and it feels like I'm safe for the first time today.

"I would love that. Wanna get dinner at the diner? I think it's the only place open so late tonight."

"Sure. Let's go, baby."

I stand up and he steadies me, his palm cupping my elbow lightly even as he moves in so close that all I smell is his warm, spicy, woodsy scent all around us.

"I'm glad you were here tonight. Thank you for catching me."

"I will always catch you, angel."

He says it like a solemn vow and I move closer to him, my eyes on his strong features.

"I've changed my mind. I don't want to go to the diner," I say as he turns to stare at me.

"I'm sorry. I guess I'll leave you alone after we get you to your place."

I shake my head. "I'm not saying that either. I don't want you to leave me."

He stops and his hands catch me close. My skin itches and aches wherever he touches me. I need his touch so much. I need to feel safe. Need to feel whole and loved.

I need to be with this man.

"What exactly are you saying, Callie?"

"I'm saying I want you to come home with me, Rory. I want you to make love to me and make me feel something good again."

He closes his eyes and then they open, fiery and full of a longing that mirrors my own. "Are you sure?" He grits between his clenched teeth.

"I am so sure. I need you. So much."

"Get in the truck then, baby." He helps me up into his truck and peace washes over me. Just his touch, the scent of him in the air of the truck. All of it makes me feel right. Feel like this is where I was always meant to be.

I turn as he climbs in the driver's seat and smile. "Thank you for picking me up tonight. I was going to walk."

He frowns at me. "That isn't a good move. I checked and your tires will be changed tomorrow. So you shouldn't have any more problems.

"Good."

"But that doesn't mean you should be wandering around alone after dark. Even in Solace. It's quiet but it's not that quiet. If anything happened to you…." He closes his eyes, his features tight and pained.

"Just promise me that you'll always have someone with you. And that if anything seems off, you'll call me immediately."

I nod my head. "I will. Trust me, I don't want to run into problems either."

"Then do what I asked."

I nod my head and then reach my hand out to touch his fingers, surprised and pleased that he curls his fingers around my hand. His callouses scrape my skin deliciously and my pussy tightens, my whole belly flipping, desire curling through my body like liquid fire.

He starts the truck and it takes mere minutes to get to my place. Then he helps me out and we stroll slowly to the door of my cottage. "Last chance to change your mind, angel?"

His green gaze is burning with desire but soft and tender. I reach my hand out and touch his cheek gently. "I'm not changing my mind. I need this. I need you."

He nods his head and takes my keys from my trembling hand. Opening the door, he holds his hand out to let me go ahead of him. But as soon as we cross the threshold, he slams the door and pushes me gently into it, his hands strong and sure as he lifts them and cradles my face, his lips landing on mine, finally slaking the thirst that's been driving me crazy for the last week.

"Please," I whimper, standing on my tiptoes and wrapping around him like a fucking anaconda.

"Hands up, angel," he growls, lifting his mouth and nipping my bottom lip sharply. The sting makes me gasp and I put my hands up on the wooden surface behind me, grounding me.

His large hand wraps around both of mine and his body moves tighter to me, until I can feel the bulge tenting his tight jeans. I look down and gasp.

He chuckles. "You see what you do to me, angel. Just by breathing. You don't even have to touch me. Just seeing you has me hard as a fucking steel pipe."

I want to reach out and touch him, surround him with my greedy fingers. But he holds me and grins. "It's my turn, sweetheart. My girl will always come before I do. At least twice. More if I can manage to wait."

He nods his dark blond head. "Now put those hands up there and keep them there. No matter what, you don't move them."

I nod my head, my eyes widening as he rips his hat off his head and tosses it behind himself. Then he drops to his haunches, his hands ripping at my clothes like a man possessed.

A breeze shivers across my bare pussy as he pulls my jeans down and my panties with them. I barely have time to brace myself before his warm mouth wraps around my pussy and he sucks hard.

I scream and writhe as his mouth and tongue suck and lick at my lower lips. His tongue taps my clit and fire erupts all over me, my body shivering.

"Oh god, Rory! Please! Don't stop!"

My hands clench, desperate to reach down and touch him. But I stay still and let the man work.

His hands tighten on the backs of my thighs as I gasp, his tongue lashing my clit over and over again, tapping out a wild rhythm that has my hips thrusting into his face, needing that release that only he can give me.

His mouth closes over my pussy and he sucks my lower lips hard. Then his finger reaches around and I feel him pressing against the tiny bud of my ass.

My vision goes white and I scream, sagging into him as he eagerly sucks my juices as I explode all over his face.

He doesn't stop. Keeps sucking and licking and drinking me down until I feel another wave wash over me and I fly over the edge of ecstasy again, my scream ripping out of my throat, my body trembling like a leaf on the wind and heat flushing my skin.

He stands and wipes his mouth, grinning. "That was the best thing I've ever eaten. But I think it's time to get a second course going."

Then he lifts my shaking body and nods his head. "Bedroom?"

I flop my hand out and point to where my bedroom is and he strides to the door and opens it, kicking it shut behind us. He turns the light on and I wince.

"Maybe we should leave the lights off."