Page 39 of Rescuing Carolyn

“It’s my superior training.” He lay me on the bed and knelt between my legs.

“I didn’t know that carrying women off was part of SEAL training.” I sat up to let him remove my dress, his fingers trailing up my torso and lighting little fires wherever they touched.

“We have to be prepared for any contingency.” He touched my jaw gently, first with his fingers and then his lips, slowly coasting over the injured part before moving on to my temple, my cheeks, and finally my lips.

I grabbed hold of his shoulders, taking him down with me to the mattress and kissing him deeply. I never wanted to stop. His hands moved over mine, removing my bra and panties, but he continued the kiss.

“You’re talented,” I murmured against his lips. “I can’t figure out how to get you undressed.” I’d untucked his shirt, letting my hands play with his taut muscles, and managed to unbutton his jeans. But removing them in this position was a challenge.

“Do you want help?”

“I want you.” I nipped at his lips. “So I think I’m going to have to accept help. Roll over.”

He did as I asked, looking up at me with a grin when I straddled him.

“Arms overhead,” I ordered and whisked his shirt off. I placed my hands on his bare chest, feeling the ridges of muscles on his lean form. He was mine. That message beat in my brain as he stretched upward and put his hands behind his head, seemingly relaxed. All mine to play with. I traced the recent scar on his left pec, giving him a curious look.

“Shrapnel. No big deal,” he said in answer to my unspoken question.

“I doubt that’s true, but I’ll let it go.” I kissed the scar and flicked my tongue over his flat nipple, making him suck in a breath. I felt empowered and moved my lips over his stomach toward his open fly. I thought he’d like where I was headed.

“Christ,” he muttered when I pushed his jeans and boxers down and took his dick in my mouth. His exclamation only encouraged me to take him in deeper. I sucked him, moving my mouth up and down on his hard length. His breathing was labored, uneven, as I twirled my tongue over his tip before plunging back down on him.

“Ride me, sweetheart,” he gasped.

“If that’s what you want.” I looked up, meeting his blue gaze. His eyes were hooded with desire, telling me I had him exactly where I wanted him. I dragged his clothes the rest of the way down so we could come together with no barriers—aside from the condom I grabbed from the drawer. Maybe someday soon, after we had a chance to talk about it, we wouldn’t need that barrier anymore either. I certainly wasn’t opposed to the idea of having more children with him. But now definitely wasn’t the time for a serious talk.

I crawled up his body, kissing him as I moved, loving the way his skin seemed to ripple beneath each touch of my lips and nip of my teeth.

"Now would be good,” he blurted out, making me smile. He called my name on a moan, and I relented, sliding the rest of the way up to straddle his hips. I positioned myself so his dick rubbed against me, and we both groaned. I raised myself up and came down on him in one swift movement, almost falling forward onto his chest. God, I loved the way he filled me.

I placed my hands on his sides, squeezing as I rocked back and forth chasing my own pleasure. His hands went to my breasts, kneading and teasing, as I controlled my movements, enjoying the feel as he rubbed against me. I tried to prolong the moment, enjoy the ride, but he had other ideas. Bending his knees, he pushed me up before locking his hands on my hips. With sure thrusts, he began to plunge in and out, faster and faster, forcing me to hold on as my climax neared. He put one finger between us, stroking my clit, and the tightness in me began to unfurl.

The orgasm slammed into me, leaving me breathless. He gripped my hips, continuing to drive up into me until he shuddered in ecstasy. I collapsed onto his chest, our bodies still connected, and I knew nothing would ever be better than this.

20

CAROLYN

Zach looked back with a grin, offering me a hand on the steep trail as we neared the summit. We’d started early that morning, knowing the trail was best at that time of day.

“I’ve got it,” I said, finding my footing between the rocks and tree roots. Although the trail could be difficult, I knew it well—or had two years before. When we were engaged, we’d often hiked it for the view at the top and the challenge of the ascent.

“What if I just want you to hold my hand?” he asked, his hand still outstretched. Austin was strapped to Zach in a backpack carrier. The child happily kicked his legs and pointed out every squirrel, bird, and chipmunk as we hiked.

“You should have put it that way.” I placed my hand in Zach’s and let him pull me up the last yards to the highest point, where a valley opened out before us. The green of late summer showed vividly on the wooded areas and in the grassy meadows. Sunlight reflected off a meandering river that cut through the valley below. “So beautiful,” I breathed, “and I think that’s a little coolness in the air.”

“Fall’s coming,” Zach agreed. “We’ll plan to come back here when the leaves turn.”

“I’d love that. I’m hoping the fall is calmer than the summer was,” I commented. It had been a week since the capture of Dale Huntly, a week of answering questions from the police and trying to undo the damage he’d caused to my systems. Considering the charges against him, Huntly would be behind bars for a long time and my family would be safe. I hoped he received the mental health counseling that he so clearly needed.

“Could it be worse?” Zach turned sideways so Austin could see the flight of an orange-and-black butterfly that went past where we stood.

“I don’t think so. It’ll be busy, though.” I’d learned some lessons about myself that summer, lessons that gave me courage to try new things. With Zach’s encouragement, I’d decided to pursue designing my own line of jewelry. Even though I had ideas for a variety of pieces—rings, necklaces, bracelets, and brooches—I planned to take it slow for now. I’d bring out just a few pieces at a time. With input from my mom, I’d selected the ones I wanted ready for the store’s grand reopening in a few weeks.

There was still a ton of work to be done to meet the deadline I’d set. My mind turned to the store itself. My insurance company, once they were finally convinced I was the victim of arson after Huntly’s arrest, had paid up, and I was forging ahead with the redo. The display area was now gutted down to the studs to remove all vestiges of the fire and smoke damage. I stared out at the valley and trees but saw the drywall, paint, carpeting, and furnishings necessary to bring the store back to life.

“What are you worried about, sweetheart?” he asked, seemingly in tune with my emotions.

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