Her soft whimper slayed me as our tongues dueled. And with each sip and nip, we devoured. We feasted. And as I pulled her soft curves against my hard planes, our bodies fused together seeking relief, I scooped her up and sat onto the couch, settling her in my lap.
But then I did something really stupid: I ended the kiss. Cradling her face in my palms, I held her confused gaze. “You don’t have to kiss me just because I offered you my truck. I know you think I’m too young, or you’re too old for me. So, I need to clear something up about that before we go any further, okay?”
With a slow nod, she asked, “How do you know that’s what I’m thinking?”
“Even you’ve learned there’s few secrets on the mountain, right? Anyway, what I have to tell you is pretty profound. At least for me, and I need you to remember it because I only want to say it once, it’s that important.” Another nod, but her eyes had cleared, and I had her full attention.
“How old we are doesn’t matter to me, and it shouldn’t matter to you.”
“Yeah, but--”
“Sorry, there’s no argument I’ll accept. Love doesn’t care about what year we were born, okay?”
“Wait…what?”
I was on a roll; there’s no way I’d let her talk herself out of giving me, us, a chance. “If there’s one thing I’ve learned during my years as a Marine, it's to persevere and adapt. I didn’t see you coming, Caitlyn, but I’m damn glad we found each other. And Luna? Well, that’s easy. She’s a part of you. Why wouldn’t I love her too?”
Caitlyn's eyes had brightened with unshed tears, her expression stunned. “But we just met.”
“I know, isn’t it wild? But I will not pressure you. I just know that I can’t go another day without telling you how I feel.” My voice trembled as I choked up at the end.
“Who are you? Are you for real right now?”
“Try me. I dare you.” Sure, my dick was all in with the dare, but I wouldn’t let it ruin the moment. Because for the first time ever, the thought of being with someone long-term didn’t send me running in the opposite direction.
CHAPTER EIGHT
CAITLYN
“I don’t…all that was… wow.” Could I sound less overwhelmed? The man just told me he loved me and my daughter, and all that came out of my mouth was gibberish. As far-fetched as it sounded, this wasn’t an unusual occurrence considering our location and the couples happily matched up. But this? It was happening at ten times speed and yet, unlike the men I’d been with in the past, it had been a slow, do I or don’t I journey to declare my love. And looking back at all of them, even after I’d said it, a part of me never fully committed.
But Victor was different. And never once did I question my intense connection to him. I was just hung up on the age difference, and he pretty much blew that out of the water.
“Hey, I know this is a lot. How about I make you dinner tonight? At my place. Just dinner. I’d like to spend more time together. Show you this isn’t just about wanting you in my bed. I won’t even try to give you a goodnight kiss.” He crossed his heart and winked. “Promise.”
He looked so earnest as he made the promise; I bit my tongue to keep myself from telling him that wasn’t necessary. Besides, if the evening went well, I may just be the one pressuring him. “Okay. I’ll go check in with Chassie and see if Luna can stay the night.”
I disentangled myself from Vic, and agreeing to meet in an hour, I headed for my sister’s place. As I left the great room, I swear I could feel the heat of his stare on my back. Shivers and need radiated within me along with a deep sense of belonging I’d never experienced with anyone else.
And tonight, I wasn’t going to question the premise.
Exactly one hour later,I knocked on Vic’s door. I’d had enough time to see Luna, then run back to my place and take a quick shower, and put on a dress that never failed to boost my confidence. I knew it flattered my curves and then for good measure I went braless and.
Vic answered, and the same heat that had been present earlier in his gaze nearly burned me as he swept over my body. He let out a low whistle and held out his hand. “You look amazing.”
Placing my hand in his, I let him tug me over the threshold. After he closed the door behind me, he moved to release my hand, but I didn’t let him. I tugged back then, with my free hand grasped a handful of his shirt and yanked him against me. Even with the height and weight difference, I managed to catch him off guard.
Victor let out a sexy moan as I lifted on my tiptoes and pressed my lips against his. We’re plastered together chest to chest. He lets out a growl that goes straight to my core. His hands circle my waist, then he’s pressing me against the door. Vic deepens the kiss. I gasp as his tongue swirls and then tangles with mine. Sighing, I sink my fingertips into his shoulders and wrap a leg around his waist.
All too soon he pulls back and stares with longing and hope in his eyes. “So, I’m not complaining, but what’s going on in that beautiful mind of yours?”
“You mean besides the obvious?” I tease.
Grinning, he thrusts his erection against my middle. I suck in a breath from the friction. “Mm, yeah, that. All of it. I’m taking the dare, Vic. And first and most importantly, I want you to take me to bed. We’ll figure everything else out later.”
His mouth morphs into the megawatt smile I adore. He lifts my other leg around his waist. “Hold on,” he growled.
I barely registered the interior of his cabin as he strode down a hallway and into his darkened bedroom. “I really like this dress, but it has to go.”
