As he nipped and sucked, his hands slid down the front of her pants. When dressing for the evening, she had paired a pretty sweater with leggings, hoping for casual comfort as well as style. Now, she praised their easy access.
He moved slow, his deliberate movements driving her mad with want. When his fingers finally reached her slick folds, he moved his moistened finger over her swollen clit. Her body burned, but it was a fire she did not want to extinguish. She managed to jerk the tail of his shirt out of his jeans, running her hands along his bare back. Dipping her fingers underneath his belt, she delighted in the feel of his muscular ass.
When he inserted a thick finger into her sex, all rational thought fled as her entire being was centered on their touch. With his mouth working her nipple and his fingers scissoring inside, curling to hit the spot, she cried out her release as her body shuddered in his arms. Her first non-self-induced orgasm in years threatened to steal all rational thought as her body continued to tremor. Finally, when she was able to catch her breath, she lifted her head. Carter’s gaze was locked onto her face, his smile beaming at her.
There was nothing in the world as beautiful to look at as her daughter but seeing Carter’s smile after he made her come was a close second.
He slid his hand from the front of her pants and slowly licked his fingers, causing her sex to squeeze again.
“Oh, my,” she said, barely able to whisper. “That was amazing.”
He shook his head slowly, shifting upward slightly so that his lips could meet hers, and she tasted her essence on his tongue. Lifting his head, he peered down and said, “That was fuckin’ beautiful. You’re fuckin’ beautiful.”
They kissed again, long, languid strokes of their tongues and gentle murmurings as their lips moved over each other’s. He shifted again, this time rising to sit, pulling her up with him. She thought about suggesting they go to her bedroom but hated to be across the hall from Colleen. While the couch did not offer them much room, she had no doubt they could make it work.
Much to her surprise, Carter stood with her in his arms, settling her feet onto the floor. He gently pulled her bra cups back into place and smoothed her sweater over her hips. He kissed her lightly, and before she could throw herself at him, he stepped back.
“I think it’s time for me to go.”
“Wh… what? Now? But, I… I…” she stammered, unable to hide her surprise. Dropping her gaze to his crotch, it was evident his erection was straining his jeans. She reached for him, but with his hands on her shoulders, he gave a little squeeze.
“Babe, all I want to do is strip you naked and bury myself inside you,” he said, his voice ragged.
“So, what’s stopping you? Are you afraid we won’t hear Colleen if she gets up?”
“That’s part of it, but honestly, Tara, I want to do this right. What we just did tonight shows we’ve got chemistry. If that’s how you come apart with just my fingers, I can’t wait to see you come apart with my cock deep inside you. But we’ve got time. I want to do this right for you, and I want to do this right for Colleen.”
As his words washed over her, she struggled to catch her breath, knowing he was right. Nodding slowly, she smiled. “I want to do this right, too.” Daring to glance at his crotch again, she added, “I hate that you’re leaving… um… unfulfilled.”
Chuckling, he said, “Don’t worry. I’ll take care of myself when I get home. Just know I’ll be dreaming about you when I do it.”
She fought to remain standing as her knees threatened to give out at the vision of him jerking off to thoughts of her. Blowing out a deep breath, her fingers tightened on his biceps. “Wow, Carter. I don’t even know what to say to that.”
His low chuckle turned into laughter as he bent and kissed her again. “We do this right for all of us, and our time will come. Soon, I promise.”
With arms wrapped around each other, they walked to the front door. He tucked the back of his shirt into his jeans and grabbed his jacket. Wrapping their arms around each other, they stood at the door and kissed like teenagers afraid their parents would stop them. Finally leaning back, he said, “Lock up after me, babe.”
She did as he asked, setting the alarm after he left. She looked at the untouched wine glasses and grabbed them from the coffee table. Dumping the wine in the sink, she rinsed them before putting them in the dishwasher. Turning out all the lights, she went upstairs.
As always, she checked on Colleen, smiling at the sight of her daughter fast asleep. With her door shut, she moved across the hall. After her nightly routine, she climbed into bed, her thoughts tumbling even if her body was well sated from the orgasm.
Carter put her and Colleen ahead of his own desires. He gave more than he took. There was no doubt he was an alpha, but so like her father, brother, and neighbors, he was strong without overusing his strength. He was caring without being overbearing. He was confident without being cocky. In truth, Carter was everything Calvin was not.
And his fingers on her clit were magic. Unable to keep the giggle from bubbling forth, she rolled to her side and fell asleep, anxious for when she could see him again.
17
Carter sat in his SUV a block away from the back entrance of Ever Hope. His mind was in turmoil, sure as hell not focused on just the case.
Saturday night at Tara’s house had meant more to him than
