The Boy Next Door

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An Ellora’s Cave Romantica Publication

www.ellorascave.com

The Boy Next Door ISBN # 1-4199-0567-7 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. The Boy Next Door Copyright© 2006 Nicole Austin Edited by Shannon Combs Cover art by Syneca. Electronic book Publication: March 2006

This book may not be reproduced or used in whole or in part by any means existing without written permission from the publisher, Ellora’s Cave Publishing, Inc.® 1056 Home Avenue, Akron OH 443103502. This book is a work of fiction and any resemblance to persons, living or dead, or places, events or locales is purely coincidental. The characters are productions of the authors’ imagination and used fictitiously.

Warning: The following material contains graphic sexual content meant for mature readers. This story has been rated E–rotic by a minimum of three independent reviewers. Ellora’s Cave Publishing offers three levels of Romantica™ reading entertainment: S (S-ensuous), E (Erotic), and X (X-treme). S-ensuous love scenes are explicit and leave nothing to the imagination. E-rotic love scenes are explicit, leave nothing to the imagination, and are high in volume per the overall word count. In addition, some E-rated titles might contain fantasy material that some readers find objectionable, such as bondage, submission, same sex encounters, forced seductions, and so forth. E-rated titles are the most graphic titles we carry; it is common, for instance, for an author to use words such as “fucking”, “cock”, “pussy”, and such within their work of literature. X-treme titles differ from E-rated titles only in plot premise and storyline execution. Unlike E-rated titles, stories designated with the letter X tend to contain controversial subject matter not for the faint of heart.

THE BOY NEXT DOOR Nicole Austin

Dedication When I needed help in getting this story to work it was provided with enthusiasm and much-needed encouragement. Thank you so much Joy, Katie, Lis, and most especially Christine. You are the greatest. To Teri and my wonderful family, your continued love and support is priceless. And to Shannon, all your hard work takes my creativity to another level.

Trademarks Acknowledgement The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of the following wordmarks mentioned in this work of fiction: Cadillac: General Motors Corporation Frisbee: Wham-O, Inc. Corporation Jell-O: Kraft Foods Holdings, Inc. Corporation Lycra: Invista North America S.A.R.L. Corporation Oreo: Kraft Foods Holdings, Inc. Corporation Stetson: John B. Stetson Company Taser: Taser International, Inc. Corporation VW: Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft Company

The Boy Next Door

Chapter One Taking a deep fortifying breath, Cathy Markham firmly pulled her familiar, protective alter persona into place. In this building, this small corner of the world, she was no longer Cathy Markham—shy, timid, quiet, untried, naïve girl. No, in this place Cat ruled—bold, sassy, cool, hardened, wanton woman. Here she could literally be someone else. It was almost as if she had a split personality, although that certainly was not the case. In this one place she was completely different, an actress playing a role. When she walked across an invisible line the good girl disappeared, setting the bad girl free. And was she ever a bad, bad girl. Just ask anyone who frequented the raucous, trend-setting club. The edgy establishment pushed boundaries, yet still remained classy. It was a place to escape and set your wild side free within the limits of good taste. Wolf calls, whistles, and cheers greeted her the moment she stepped from the staff locker room into the rowdy bar. Her public obviously had been anticipating the arrival of their favorite among the girls who served drinks at the Filling Station. She kept the fact that she owned the business private from them. Just look at them, she thought. Little boys are so simple. So easy to manipulate with the one thing that rules their little one-track minds—sex. And of course, they’re all waiting for me. The consummate expert at molding them like putty in my capable hands. She looked around her club, bursting with pride over what she’d managed to create and accomplish. The huge bar was rectangular-shaped. A large, lighted dance floor covered the first quarter of the building. Small, cozy tables filled the room. At the halfway point stood the main bar, which gleamed with multicolored lights shining through the sleek, modern glass structure. Three bartenders manned the massive bar during the busiest times, with Cat often pitching in to help. Toward the back of the room were cozy groupings of plush chairs and loveseats where patrons could get together in a more intimate setting. Although, those who truly sought intimacy moved upstairs. The center of the upper floor was open to the scene below. Around the railing were private booths with black curtains that could be drawn closed. Near the stairs at the front of the upstairs room were another bar and intimate groupings of comfortable seats along the horseshoe-shaped space. Currently the upstairs railing was lined with boisterous partygoers. Cat sauntered through the crowd with a slow, salacious, and older-than-time sway of hips guaranteed to set all the little boys’ rigid cocks wagging. Everything about the exquisitely flamboyant seductress screamed carnal sexuality. Full, deep crimson painted lips held a luscious, come-hither grin. Bottomless, deep sea green bedroom eyes 5

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sparkled with mischief. Each calculated gesture and movement was designed to ensnare the absolute attention of every testosterone-driven male animal within a mile. They all thought they knew her, had her pegged. But no one really knew her. Not her customers, nor her employees which she worked with every day. Not even Steve, her older brother, really knew her deepest desires and dreams. She held everyone at a distance, never letting them know the real Cathy Markham. With her head held high, confidence radiating from every pore, Cathy sauntered toward the main bar where Ray Baker stood waiting. The friendship she had developed with Ray, the lead bartender, made him her favorite among all of her employees. His sexy bad boy looks and attitude made him a favorite among every hot-blooded female patron in the establishment. Cat’s flirtatious play with the tall, buff bartender never failed to set the mood for the evening. Ray understood that their little game was an act for the crowd, but he seemed absorbed in anticipation of the nightly ritual tonight. She could easily feel his emotions hanging heavy in the smoke-laden air. A decidedly feline purr escaped her lips as she rubbed up against his broad chest. Large, ripe nipples puckered noticeably beneath the thin material of her blouse. Ray seemed hypnotized by the erotic motion of her tongue as it slowly glided over pouty crimson lips. She dragged crimson polished fingernails down his chest, over his belt to settle blatantly over his cock, which bulged against skintight black denim. Like a wild jungle cat she rubbed against his hard young body with languid movements. Regardless of appearances, Cathy just didn’t feel anything. What she wouldn’t give to be turned on by their erotic play. “Give ‘em hell, Cat,” he whispered breathlessly against her ear, causing a visible, although entirely put-on shiver to race through her luscious body. She let loose a decidedly wicked laugh, “Always do, baby.” She captured his open mouth in what would appear to the patrons as a deep, sensual mating. Cat was careful to ensure those looking would see her tongue slide over his lips, dueling with his own. Reaching behind his back where he held her empty serving tray out of reach, she slipped it from his big hands. Some nights he tried to hide it from her altogether, and Cat would have to search the bar area to find it before she could take care of her customers. The man just loved to tease, and she immensely enjoyed his playful nature. A cacophony of shouts showed appreciation for the heated display. Breaking off the kiss abruptly, Cat spun on her spiked heels and headed out into the rambunctious gathering. Ray swatted her behind playfully as she walked away. The smoky air held a palpable expectancy. She could feel anticipation shimmering over her flesh, inhaled it with every breath. Tonight was different. She didn’t know what to expect, what was coming, but she could feel it in the air nonetheless. The goose bumps on her arms and legs let her know that whatever was coming would be big. She’d have to be especially alert, on her game.

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The whispery, seductive voice of Paula Cole had her dancing to a primal driving rhythm as she moved down the narrow aisle between tables. Halfway to her section she met up with another server, Tess. The slender raven-haired beauty immediately pressed in close against Cat. The two of them moved together in a sexy bump and grind that kept every eye in the room riveted. Men just couldn’t resist watching two women pleasure each other. Full, firm breasts rubbed against Cat’s distended nipples, slender hips pressed intimately against her own. She didn’t allow herself to wonder if Tess was actually turned on by their act, it was something that she really didn’t want or need to know. Someone nearby gasped, “Holy shit!” Another said, “Damn, that’s hotter than hell!” Cathy would be aghast at such a wicked, naughty display. While acting the part of Cat, on the other hand, she took delight in the licentious scene. She loved to shock and titillate, setting free her wild streak, while at the same time protecting her tender heart. Their tongues flicked out, twining together sinuously in a lewd, scandalous exploration which kicked up the heat and noise level in the bar considerably. That was the ultimate goal, after all—giving the customers what they wanted. When they finally pulled apart she pasted a sultry smile on her lips, and began moving among her tables. Many of the faces were regular customers who she greeted with a caress here, a light pecking kiss there. It could be overwhelmingly draining how every customer wanted individualized, personal attention, and yet that’s exactly what she strove to provide. Cat wanted each and every person in the bar to feel the excitement and heat she created for them. Catching a silent signal from Mike, the DJ, she picked up his drink with the rest of her customer’s orders. Balancing her tray on the tips of her fingers, high above her head she made her way across the dance floor after passing out the other cocktails. Just before she neared his booth, Mike cued up Janet Jackson’s provocative song, “All Nite”. Mike took her tray and set it down on the console, then grabbed her hand and led Cat to a lighted platform. They moved together with a sinuous fluidity that defied all known laws of physics. He was an incredible dancer. Together they were awe-inspiring. His blond good looks contrasted her dark coloring nicely. Their erotic dance nearly set the room on fire. The dance floor below them quickly became crowded. Cat loved dancing with Mike, moving in concert with his lean, athletic body. Feeling his raging hard-on always fortified her sexual bravado, helping her to keep the act up, making her feel sexy. She loved feeling the rigid shaft pressed in tightly against her ass cheeks, and the knowledge that he was hard because of her. That did wonders for her. With a rocking motion of her hips his cock rolled deliciously over her firm flesh. The rhythm made her feel wickedly wanton, wonderfully sexy. Damn skippy, baby!

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It was a shame she couldn’t relax enough to truly enjoy their erotic play, though. There was still a small nagging feeling of anticipation in the back of her mind. With great effort she struggled to concentrate on her job and staying in character. Normally it did not take quite so much effort to maintain her role. Two of the regulars, Reggie and Bernie, moved up to the platform. Holding her arms straight out from her sides, the twin brothers carried her away before lowering Cat to the floor between them. She felt like the creamy center of an Oreo cookie, sandwiched between the two handsome, cocoa brown-skinned men. Their X-rated moves brought on the delicious fantasy of moving between the twins naked in bed. Their dark skin creating a dreamy contrast to her sun-bronzed flesh. Mmm…certainly not something Cathy would ever imagine when not being Cat. But no matter how delicious her thoughts, they failed to excite her. If you couldn’t have the one and only person you’d ever desired, the one who held your heart, there was just no point settling for some cheap imitation, so she remained alone. And there was only one person who had ever tempted her, the one who had broken her heart, Blake Carlisle. It had been ten years since she’d last seen the young man who’d filled her dreams for as long as she could remember. Just the idea of him sent delicious shivers down her spine and her thoughts spinning dangerously back in time.

***** Two neighborhood bullies, Brad and Matt, had been harassing Cathy mercilessly, as usual. They’d taken her small book bag and tossed it back and forth, high over her head, while she struggled to get it back. Silent tears of frustration had streamed down her face. Why did boys have to be so cruel to shy little girls? Blake had walked up on the scene like a handsome knight in shining armor. Cathy had instantly become lost in his beguiling sapphire blue eyes. Her tall, golden-haired savior had quickly rescued her bag and sent her tormentors on their way, warning them that she was under his protection. Then her charming savior had walked her home. The pair of goons had mostly left her alone after that. Blake was a large, muscular, older boy, and certainly not someone they wanted to mess with. They didn’t want to mess with her big brother Steve either. When they reached her house, Cathy had learned that Blake had just moved in next door. For the next five years she’d idolized the magnificent boy next door, the white knight who continually came to her rescue, and who slowly captured her young and tender heart with little effort on his part. It turned out that Blake and her brother were the same age. The two had become fast friends, spending a great deal of time together, whether playing sports or just hanging out. Cathy always tried to tag along, but Steve didn’t let that happen as often as she would have liked. He tried to protect her the best way he knew how. Part of the reason Steve hadn’t let her tag along with them was probably to protect her from Blake 8

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and his lothario ways. She knew that her big brother had been watching out for her when he excluded her from their activities. The protection of her big brother had failed to keep her heart safe though. What had started as idolization had become a crush, and eventually turned into young love. Their self-absorbed, bohemian parents had never paid much attention to either Cathy or Steve. If something did not directly affect them then it didn’t exist in their world. They often disappeared as wanderlust struck, not even leaving a note. Hell, it was amazing they managed to handle the paperwork involved with registering them for school and getting her braces. It was Steve who made sure she made it to her doctor appointments, had lunch money, and clothes that fit. She had been lucky to have Steve to take care of her. Poor Steve had always been forced to fend for himself, though. She wished they could have had a normal brothersister relationship, but she felt so very close to him as a result of their shared experiences. She would have done anything to capture Blake’s attention back then. Cathy remembered her embarrassing attempts at dressing up, applying makeup, and even stuffing her bra. Blake had always treated her kindly but, unfortunately for her smitten heart, like a little sister. Nothing was better than the times when no one else was around and it was just Blake and her. Sometimes they would just sit and talk for hours, sharing everything in their hearts. Yet Blake had held back, never sharing his plans to enter the Navy. Other times they just sat close to each other listening to music or watching television. It didn’t matter to her as long as she had him to herself. It was in those times alone that her heart had given itself to Blake, and she’d felt certain he had shared the same feelings. She had always wished he’d take her out on a real date, but Blake had this crazy idea that being friends with her brother made her untouchable. While she admired his sense of honor, as she grew up Cathy longed to be more than just friends with him. She’d been sixteen the summer night Blake had rescued her for the last time. He’d just turned eighteen. Cathy had gone to the drive-in with a group of friends. Walking back from the concession stand alone she was shoved into a car. Dropping her popcorn, she’d clawed, kicked, and punched at her large abductor ineffectually. The dome light on the roof revealed Brad the bully. Matt sat in the backseat egging on his friend while Brad roughly grabbed her small breasts and tried to force his tongue into her mouth. Cathy had screamed shrilly as her blouse ripped open. No matter how hard she had fought, it was not enough to stop the unwanted violation of his hands on her body. Before she’d known what was happening, Brad was yanked back forcefully. Matt had jumped out of the car to join in the ensuing scuffle. Cathy had just curled up into a ball against the door, softly sobbing, clutching her ruined blouse.

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It was Blake’s soothing baritone that she heard next. With gentle hands he’d scooped her up, holding her sheltered against his broad chest. After carrying her to his car, Blake found his date a ride with some of their other friends and took Cathy home. All the way he’d spoken soft, soothing words, held her hand, and attempted to cheer her up. She knew in her heart that if her knight hadn’t arrived when he had, Brad and Matt would have raped her. She had not known that Blake had gone back after them later that evening and ensured they would never try to force themselves on anyone else. Parked on the street in front of their houses he’d tenderly wiped away her tears. Then he’d done the most amazing thing. Blake Carlisle had pulled her into his arms, pressing her small breasts firmly against his chest, making time stand still. The rest of the world disappeared as he lowered his lips to hers in the sweetest kiss she’d ever known. Her first real kiss. It was a dreamy, soft, worshipful mating of mouths that sent tingling sensations from her scalp all the way to her toes, making them curl within her shoes. His lips brushed hers with an addictive passion stronger than any aphrodisiac. Nothing else would ever come close to the inebriating buzz of pleasure that ensnared her heart, mind, body, and soul. She put everything she was into the experience, returning all the love in her heart in that kiss. She encouraged Blake to deepen the kiss, and he had sucked her pouty lower lip between his own, lightly stroking his tongue over the captured flesh. He’d traced the outline of her sensitive lip with the warmth of his tongue, creating a deep ache within her body that she’d had no idea how to ease. Cathy trembled, remembering how the intense passion had turned to confusion. She remembered his words exactly, and the angry look that had settled over his beautiful face. He’d told her that he’d only intended to hug her, provide some comfort, a measure taken to ease the memory of what had happened. It was her response and their close friendship that had caused it to go further. “Go inside, Cathy. Stay away from me. This should never have happened—can never happen again.” He’d been so mad at himself because of the issue that always came between them, his feeling that she was forbidden territory. When she’d begun to protest he’d silenced her by placing his fingers over her quivering, kiss-swollen lips. “Go now, Cathy, before I can’t stop myself from doing something really stupid. Taking something I can’t give back.” That night she’d cried herself to sleep. It had been both the best and worst night of her life. She still shivered every time she remembered that incredible, seductive first kiss and how much she loved him. The next afternoon she’d baked a tin of his favorite peanut butter cookies and walked next door to thank him. It had broken her heart to find out Blake had left early that morning for the Navy. Their kiss had given her hope, only to have it crushed by his leaving. How could he have left her?

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Cathy shook her head at the memory of how pathetic she’d been. Her mousy, dull brown hair had always been secured in a tight braid down her back. Thick black plasticframed glasses had covered her too big eyes. Shinny metal braces had adorned her crooked teeth. God, how had she ever thought she could appeal to someone as perfect and beautiful as Blake? He’d always had all the prettiest girls throwing themselves at him. Why would he want a dull little bookish girl like her? Of course, that was before she’d learned the harsh realities of life. Yet, to this day she held him within her heart. Snapping herself back to the present, Cathy struggled to maintain the mask of the seductress until finally managing to escape into the locker room. Here in the quiet solitude she could relax and rub her aching feet, while silently cursing the man who had invented torturous high-heeled shoes. The Filling Station was always busy, but tonight it was exceptionally so. While other areas of the bar might remain only half occupied, her section was always full. She always had the crowd at the center of the dance floor with the heartiest party contingent. One of the many benefits of being the owner and primary act in the place. Why was she allowing herself to become swamped with thoughts of Blake now, at work? How pathetic was that. The bar was the one place where she had to keep her bravado strong, and thinking about Blake was the one thing that had the power to bring it crashing down. Not that she’d ever see him again. She stood before the full-length mirror for a long time. If she looked hard enough she could still see a shadow of that gawky, awkward, homely girl behind the mask. Finally, her body had bloomed that summer when she was sixteen. Almost overnight it was like an explosion had reshaped her existence. Then the braces had come off and the contacts had gone in, transforming the ugly duckling into a beautiful swan. Her thick brown tresses had developed natural amber and red highlights, dancing with wavy disarray to her lower back. And her body had turned lush, ripe and full. Now when she was at the bar, when she was Cat, there was a bold, assured, alluring woman who took over. Of course, without the one man who mattered being here to appreciate the transformation it all meant diddly-squat. After gathering her wits and pushing Cathy into the background, Cat returned to work. She flirted shamelessly with all her male customers. At one point she joined Ray behind the bar where the two of them tossed bottles back and forth, making a show out of preparing drinks. Later, Mike played her favorite song. All the regulars knew what was coming as soon as they heard the first strains of “Simply Irresistible”. Damn, how that song thrust her back in time.

***** Bam! Just like that she was fifteen again, sitting in the high school gym for the annual talent show. As the song began her heart had surged up into her throat, goose bumps breaking out over her skin. 11

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Steve and Blake had sauntered out onto the small stage wearing dark suits, followed by the entire cheerleading squad dressed just like the women in the music video for the song. They wore tight black dresses and high heels, their hair slicked back and lips painted bright red with lipstick. While the two boys had sung the cheerleaders swayed around them. God, Blake had been in her blood. She’d felt it zooming through her veins, keeping time with the music, as it made its frenzied way through her heated body. He was in every pore, every cell and atom, the very reason her blood flowed and her heart beat. Just hearing the song now, she could smell the dank, musky scent of sweat that had always permeated the gym. She could feel the wooden floor rumble and vibrate with the beat of the music beneath her feet. Hear the roar of the assembled crowd, their laughter and cheers ringing in her ears.

***** A hand on her shoulder snapped Cat back to the present. While her mind had drifted back in time, the rest of the girls had come to the bar, which they were promptly assisted onto. The five of them moved in a sinuous bump and grind to the unrestricted and total delight of every man in the place. They danced with unadulterated abandon, raising blood pressures, temperatures, and erections. Bodies swayed, dipped, gyrated, and teased as they used their vast feminine wiles to tantalize and titillate. By the end of the song everyone in the bar sang and swayed along. Sadly, the whole scene left her feeling restless and bored.

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Chapter Two “Lieutenant Carlisle,” came the deep growl through the open office door. “Here, Sir.” Snapping to attention, Blake moved into the office and looked toward the man who had become like a father over the years. This was the first time he had ever seen a sad, emotional look in the Commander’s dark eyes. Standing at attention he saluted his mentor. “At ease, son,” Halstrom said after returning the salute. The big man paced behind his desk for a moment, gathering his thoughts. Blake stood patiently waiting. He would not rush this final meeting. Finally Commander Halstrom came and stood before him. “I still can’t believe you’re leaving us. If you ever need anything, and I mean anything, you call me. Damn it, Carlisle, you’re like a son to me. Take care, boy. And don’t become a stranger.” His friend and mentor enveloped him in a one-armed hug. It was more emotion than he’d ever seen from the tough career Navy SEAL officer. “I will, sir. Thank you for everything.” After a final salute, Blake turned sharply on his heel and marched out, controlling his almost imperceptible limp as much as possible. He would not show even that slight weakness before this great man. It had already been a long, tiring journey from Borneo. Pain radiated through the thick, scarred muscles surrounding his knee. He still had a long way to go to get home. Home, what a novel idea. It had been so long since he’d been in one place for more than a few months. The small island on the Florida Gulf Coast sure didn’t feel like home anymore, but it was the only place left. It was the last place he’d lived with his mother. Now it was just an empty house since she’d lost her battle against cancer four years ago. No one waited at home for him. Hell, the only real friends he’d ever had had probably moved on long ago. As good a place as any to start over though. His mind traveled back to the five years he’d lived in the house on Orange Blossom Lane. Those had been some of the best years of his life. Together with his best friend he’d managed to suck a great deal of pleasure from life. They’d been the stars of the high school baseball team, wooed many a pretty girl, and raised a whole lot of hell. They’d even lost their virginity on the same night to a hot set of twins. Those were the days. Maybe he’d be able to hunt Steve down and get together for old times’ sake. Of course, he wouldn’t be doing it just to get a chance to see Steve’s little sister. No, that certainly wasn’t his motive. She would always be forbidden fruit to him. He would not 13

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defy his best friend’s wishes where his sister was concerned. And Steve had been very clear that he wanted Blake to stay away from Cathy. Just thinking about sweet little Catherine Marie kicked up his pulse. Something about her had always gotten to Blake. What would she be like now at twenty-six? She’d certainly been a brat back in the day, although the hero worship had given his ego an undeniable boost. And as she’d matured they had developed a wonderful friendship. It had always been so easy to talk to Cathy, regardless of his desires for more than just talk. You are such an idiot, Carlisle. Still hung up over your old friend’s little sister. Even after successfully seducing beautiful, willing women all around the globe he still had a thing for Cathy. She’d probably take one look at him and swat him away like a fly. There was no way he could expect the same look of adoration to greet him in those haunting green eyes. Things would have changed over the years. Hell, she was probably married and had a pack of kids underfoot. She’d probably hate him for running away, too. After all, that’s exactly what he’d done. Run as far and fast as he could from the sweet, forbidden temptation of his friend’s sixteen-year-old sister. It had been either that or go back on his word. That was something Blake could not do. Of course, Cathy deserved someone much better than him anyway. She deserved a loving husband with a regular job, a house, minivan, 2.5 kids, and a dog playing in the yard. All the things he could never be, and never provide. He’d never given a woman more than a few fast fucks before moving on to the next. There was no way he could give a good girl the life she deserved. Blake could not see himself doing “happily ever after” in suburbia. It just wasn’t in his genes. He became discontent too quickly, feeling the itch to move on again. He had too much time on his hands during the long transport flight, and ended up with his thoughts reflecting back on his military career. First stop, the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. From there he’d worked hard and made it into the elite SEAL teams. Then he’d raised hell and kicked ass all over the world. He’d been in so many places over the past ten years that he’d lost track. The last mission in Borneo had been the end of the fabulous thrill ride though. While extracting an important hostage from an armed enemy camp he’d blown out his knee. It had become quickly apparent during his rehabilitation that while he’d walk again without any real trouble, his knee would no longer take the extreme physical punishment that being a SEAL required. Without the incredible high that came with SEAL work there was no point in staying in the Navy. It was balls to the wall excitement for him, or nothing. Sure there would still be the occasional assignment as he finished out his commitment in the reserves. And for two weeks each year he could take part in training exercises. But it just would not be the same as the active missions he was used to. It wouldn’t hold the same thrill.

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He had been frugal with his money, and made wise investments over the years. His mother had left him a nice chunk of change, too. As a result he’d amassed quite a healthy nest egg. Add to that his partial disability and pension payments, and he was set. Now he just had to learn how to be a civilian again. Maybe he’d open up a business for an investment and something to keep him occupied. After being dropped at Fort Pierce in central Florida, Blake bummed a ride from an enlisted man on leave. He spent the hour and a half car trip sleeping, arriving home in the darkness of early morning. If asked, Blake couldn’t have even estimated how long he stood out on the sidewalk looking at the silent houses. Maybe by the light of day it would feel more like coming home. All he felt right then was numb. His gaze continually strayed to the neighboring house. Did any of the Markhams still live there? Would they even remember him after such a long time? Why the hell do I feel like singing that sappy old song, “On the Street Where You Live”? Ridiculous, yet he couldn’t help wondering about Cathy. His mother’s house stirred no feelings of belonging in Blake. What was he supposed to do with a big four-bedroom house anyway? But if he sold it the profit could be put to good use in building a business. Hell, he needed something to do with all his newly acquired free time. Jet lag finally got the better of him. He pulled the key from his pocket and entered the stale air of a house that had been closed up for too long. Even though he knew the electricity would not be on, Blake flipped the useless wall switch out of habit before trudging up the stairs to his old bedroom. Flopping onto the impossibly small twin-size bed he briefly wondered how he’d ever slept in such a tiny space. Before the thought even had a chance to take root, Blake was deep asleep. If nothing else, being in the military taught a man how to sleep anytime, anywhere.

***** Finally waking after a long rest, Blake was thankful to find that the utilities had been turned back on as requested. The built-up grime of travel felt like a thick coat on his body. He needed a hot shower more than his next breath. Later, wandering around the old homestead, he was pleasantly surprised to find that someone had done a good job of maintaining the place. That would certainly make it easier to sell. Going through his mother’s papers he found that she had paid Steve Markham to manage the property once she’d had to move into the nursing home. So, his old buddy was still around. He dialed the listed phone number and waited anxiously. “Good morning. Thank you for contacting Markham Real Estate. How may I direct your call?” The strong feminine voice sounded both confident and competent. Well,

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obviously Steve had done all right for himself. Somehow he just could not picture his old buddy in a suit and tie showing houses. Guess everyone had to grow up eventually. “Steve Markham, please.” “May I tell him who’s calling, sir?” “Yes, Blake Carlisle.” “One moment, please.” His senses were assaulted by a boring recorded monotone voice droning on about his friend’s business, how important this call was to them, and assuring that someone would be with him shortly. Then even less pleasant elevator music started to pour through the receiver. Thankfully, Steve quickly picked up the line, saving him from certain boredom. “Blake, man, is it really you?” That voice was one thing that hadn’t changed over the years. “Yeah, Steve. It’s me. How ya doing, buddy?” “Shit, Blake, it’s been way too long. Where the hell are you?” Yup, that was Steve all right. Forget talking about himself, he wanted to know what his old friend was up to. “I’m at my mother’s old house. Just got in yesterday morning. Been sleeping off the jet lag.” A sharp burst of laughter came through the line. “No shit. I’ve got a busy day, but I’ll pick you up at eight for dinner to celebrate.” Steve didn’t even give him a chance to respond. One minute his friend was there, the next he was listening to a dial tone. Leave it to Steve to make plans right away. Some things never changed, but he wondered if they could still possibly have anything in common. The rest of the day was spent working around the house. He opened all the windows to let some fresh air clean out the old, stale smells. The sheets covering the outdated furniture were removed. After tinkering with the vacuum to get it working he sucked up the thin layer of dust. By the time eight o’clock rolled around he was tired, but ready to see a familiar face. He didn’t know any of the neighbors he’d seen during the day. The quiet young family next door was clearly not related to the Markhams. They seemed entirely too normal. He chuckled while remembering the totally flaky Mr. and Mrs. Markham. Once again his thoughts returned to Cathy. Not a day had gone by in the past ten years that he hadn’t thought about her. What had happened to her over the years? It was thoughts of Steve, Cathy, and all the fun they’d shared that had helped him keep it together in extreme, harsh foreign environments. Thinking about them brought peace to his mind, calm to his soul, reminding him what he was striving to protect and the point behind it all. No matter how bad things got, just picturing Cathy’s sweet face made him smile. He wondered what she was like now. 16

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Steve didn’t give him a chance to answer his knock at the door, but instead barreled right on inside. One look at the welcoming smile on his friend’s face and Blake finally felt like he was where he belonged. He was quickly pulled into a fierce hug by the boisterous man. “Damn, Blake. It has been way too long, buddy. I want to hear everything, all your adventures.” They went to a local steak house for dinner, very quickly falling back into the old patterns of their friendship, catching each other up on their lives. Steve chuckled at all his “war” stories. Blake was desperate to ask about Cathy, but for some reason could not summon up the courage. After dinner Blake took him to a local club. “You’re gonna love this place,” his friend claimed, a note of pride filling his voice. The two-story modern bar was certainly packed with the young and beautiful. It felt strange to be going out in his old stomping grounds and not see one familiar face in the crowd though. It was only ten o’clock and the place was jumping. They took the only available table in a darkened corner. From where the two men sat they could just make out the dance floor. Tess, their gorgeous black-haired waitress moved provocatively between the tightly packed tables. She flirted shamelessly with both of them, but paid special attention to Steve. When she finally went to fill their order, Blake commented, “Man, she’s hot.” He looked around briefly. “This place is crazy. Are all the waitresses so…um…friendly?” Steve clapped him on the back. “You ain’t seen nothing yet, buddy. I just wish we could have gotten a table closer to the center of the dance floor.” Blake had to practically holler to be heard over the loud music. “How come?” “You’ve been gone a long time, but you’ll see.” Steve’s cryptic words had him wondering what was so special about this place. It was a nice club, but that didn’t explain the heightened anticipation he sensed in his friend. Apparently something exciting was happening on the dance floor, drawing his attention in that direction. Hoots and hollers originated from the large crowd gathered around the area, which was flooded with colored lights. A seductive song came on and every eye in the place was locked on an elevated dance stage. Finally some of the crowd shifted and he could see the couple moving together sinuously. If they weren’t fully dressed he would have sworn they were fucking right there, front and center in the crowded club. “Holy shit,” he muttered. The beautiful brunette wore a pink bustier top, which could barely contain full, ripe breasts. The tanned skin of her abdomen was bare. Hot pink satin short-shorts rode low over flared hipbones, barely covering her most intimate parts. In fact, the lush curve of

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her ass could be seen peeking out below the soft material. Incredibly long, slender and firm legs were accentuated by strappy silver high-heeled sandals. Every patron in the full house seemed mesmerized by the erotic dance, and the exotic beauty. Blake was absolutely speechless. He could feel Steve closely watching his reactions. The titillating seductress turned toward the crowd and was carried down into their midst by two men. She moved provocatively, sandwiched between the men, further inflaming the partying people. In the instant that she’d turned toward them, Blake could not breathe. There was something oddly familiar about the gorgeous woman he closely watched. He felt as if he should recognize her. Without turning his eyes away from the bewitching sight he asked, “Who is she?” “You’ve been gone too long, man. That’s Cat. She’s the reason most people come here.” Okay, well that didn’t help at all. “Should I remember her, Steve? There is something familiar about her.” His friend threw back his head, laughing heartily. “You sure as hell should. Although, you would remember her best as Catherine Marie, or Cathy, my pesky little sister.” Blake was stunned, shell-shocked, blown away. He knew that running from his attraction to Cathy had been the right thing to do, but why the hell had he stayed away so long? Sure as shit she didn’t look innocent anymore. No, now she looked like a sex goddess. A fierce, possessive rage boiled in his blood. Just the thought of any other man touching his little Cathy made Blake see red. He wanted to beat the crap out of every man in the place who dared to look at her, lust after her. But of course, she wasn’t his Cathy. Never had been. Damn if he wasn’t going to work at rectifying that huge oversight. Things had certainly changed drastically since the last time he’d been home. Later, watching her dance on the bar made his heart stop. Cathy had turned into a sexy siren who set his blood on fire. His cock pressed painfully against the confinement of his pants. It was way past time he rekindled old acquaintances.

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Chapter Three Looking down from her high perch on the bar, Cathy spotted Steve. He reached out and wrapped his big hands around her slender waist, smoothly handing her down. Slinging her arms around his neck, she pulled him into a tight embrace. “I didn’t expect to see you here tonight.” His lips were stretched in a bright, mysterious smile. “I’ve got a surprise for you.” Pulling back she looked up into golden brown eyes sparkling with mischief. She had not seen her brother look so happy in a very long time. “What are you up to, Steve?” Cathy’s already tense nerves sent anxious tremors of anticipation surging through her body. His smile kicked up another notch, displaying brilliant white teeth. Slightly long chestnut hair hung over his brow, giving him a rakish, bad boy appearance. Steve guided her with a protective hand pressed against her lower back. He turned her around saying, “I brought an old friend to see you.” The first thing she saw was a broad, solid wall of muscular chest. Slowly her gaze wandered up the thick vein pulsing in a masculine neck. A firm, square jaw was topped off with seductively curved lips, the top one a perfect cupid’s bow. His nose was as strong and straight as a knife slash down the center of his face, perfectly dividing the two sides. When she gazed into familiar, exquisite sapphire blue eyes she sucked in a shocked, gasping breath. She felt like someone had just hit her with a two-by-four. Those disconcerting, fathomless blue pools had starred in every fantasy she’d ever dreamed up. Cathy had ached for so long to see those eyes staring intently into her own, just like they were now. She had hungered to see emotions swirl within their expressive depths. His silky, golden blond hair was cut much shorter than she’d ever seen it before. While his body had always been muscular, it was now honed to perfection from hard physical work. And if she wasn’t mistaken he’d grown taller over the years. Her gaze drifted briefly down again, noting a trim waist, strong muscular thighs, and a distinctive bulge behind his zipper. Regardless of the changes that had occurred, she would never forget those deep, twinkling blue eyes. She returned her gaze to those sparkling depths, seeing genuine delight, and if she wasn’t mistaken, heated desire. The paralysis of her shock finally released her from its tight grip. With a squeal of joy, Cathy launched herself into his arms. There was really nothing else she could do. She was so thrilled to see him again, even though in the back of her mind she harbored a little resentment, it was overpowered by her happiness. He caught her easily as her

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arms clasped around his neck, long legs around his waist. Burying her face in the curve of his neck, she drank in his scent like she was starved for the sandalwood cologne and underlying natural masculine musk. After a tight embrace she leaned back against the support of the strong arms wrapped firmly around her back. Her hands roamed the chiseled planes of his face like a blind woman studying his features, memorizing with her hands. Was he real, was she actually touching Blake? “Oh, God. Is it really you? I can’t believe my eyes.” She stared for several moments, lost in amazement. “Let me hear your voice, then I’ll know for sure.” Her intense reaction drew the curiosity of the crowd, but she was too wrapped up in Blake to notice. She was not acting very much like the Cat they were used to seeing, but all she cared about was the fact that she held Blake Carlisle in her arms for the first time in ten years, and she had no intention of letting him go any time soon. Blake’s eyes drank in the changes in the gorgeous woman whose sweet kiss had haunted him for years. The kisses he’d shared with other women had always been compared to that one sweetly passionate kiss with Cathy, and they all were found to be somehow lacking in comparison. There was just something special that had passed between them in that exchange that still managed to touch his soul. Now he discovered that she had been transformed into a stunning woman. He’d never be able to hold himself in check around the amazing beauty he now held close. “Ah…yeah…it’s um, it’s me.” What the hell was wrong with him? He never stuttered. He cleared his throat before trying to speak again. “I’m back in the old house again. Just completed my discharge from active duty. Trying to figure out what to do with myself.” He’d be damned if he wasn’t running at the mouth, too. His reaction to her was so incredibly strong. He felt the tremors that coursed through her body as he spoke, along with the goose bumps that broke out over her soft skin. There was no mistaking the effect his voice had on her. Blake took a deep, steadying breath before continuing. The woman in his arms had rocked his world down to the bedrock of its foundation. He watched in fascination as a single fat tear rolled down her cheek. “Damn, brat. It’s so good to see you,” he stated in a raspy, emotion-filled tone. Hearing the nickname snapped Cathy back to their surroundings. She could not show any weakness or vulnerability in the bar. What the hell was wrong with her? With great effort she pulled her Cat persona firmly back into place then slid down his big, hard body with tortuous slowness. There was no mistaking the long, thick erection that she rubbed against. After several years of having every size and shape dick pressed against her butt, hips and abdomen, Cat was quickly able to size up any man. What she felt now was truly impressive. Far better than anything she’d ever felt before. She became flushed with heat, awareness setting her nerve endings to tingling. Just the thought that she’d given Blake Carlisle a hard-on made her feel dizzy. How the heck

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was she supposed to be Cat around him? Conflicting emotions swirled through her head. She still had two more hours to go until the club closed for the night. Pull yourself together, girlfriend, she silently chastised. Putting on a show for her audience, she brushed her body against Blake, circling his muscular form. Long red nails scraped over his firm ass, a slim hip, then up to his fascinating, sculpted chest. Casually she drawled, “You sure grew up, sugar.” Okay, you can do this. You have no choice. Cat can’t be blown away by a man in public. Get your act together. Blake was shocked by the change that came over the enigmatic woman who used to be sweet little Cathy. It was similar to watching a chameleon change its colors to blend in with a new environment. What the hell was up with the seductress act? It made his head swim. Who was the real woman? The sweet girl who had greeted him so warmly, or the siren who now circled him like a land-shark ready to take a bite out of his ass? “Um…yeah. Obviously, I’m not the only one.” He watched the practiced, seductive sway of hips as she moved. “Maybe we can get together somewhere outside here…catch up on old times.” She turned to the bar and filled her tray with drinks. When she turned back he heard her purr. Holy shit! “Mmm. Give me a call sometime, stud.” She glanced down at his crotch suggestively. “Maybe we can work something out.” The double entendre was not lost on Blake. His cock jerked against its confinement, demanding he seize what she was offering, now! Thankfully it had been a long time since he had allowed his cock to make decisions for him. Without another glance, Cathy turned and sashayed away between tables. Blake wanted to rip the arms off the men who dared touch his woman as she passed by. Oh, and make no mistake, she was his woman, even if he wasn’t the kind to settle down. She always had been and always would be his. He was home now, and he meant to claim what belonged to him. One way or another he would get her brother’s blessing. Steve clapped him on the shoulder as they both stood watching Cathy expertly work the captivated crowd. “She sure grew up, didn’t she?” Blake turned toward his friend. “Jesus H. Christ. You could have warned me!” Steve laughed loudly. “Now what fun would there have been in that?” He shot Steve a glare that had given heavily armed men cause to be afraid. One eyebrow arched up mockingly. “Obviously not much for you.” They hung around until closing time. Blake kept a close eye on Cathy, drinking in everything about her. The changes were so total, but something felt off to him. She did not seem to be truly comfortable in her actions, clothes, or even her skin. When leaving the club, Blake couldn’t help but laugh at his friend. Steve was doubled over next to the car waiting for his nausea to pass. He deserved every dry 21

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heave. “Man, just like old times. You never could hold your liquor very well,” he said with barely restrained laughter. Steve groaned, then good-naturedly teased, “Shut up you Navy pussy. I think I have the flu.” That comment sent Blake into uncontrollable fits of laughter. “Yeah, the flu. Sure thing, Steve.” “Bite me,” he said with a weak grin. A piercing scream cut through the quiet night, instantly sobering him. Blake raced around the side of the building as fast as his bum knee would allow. What he saw stopped him dead in his tracks.

***** Lying back against the hard wooden locker room bench, Cathy sighed deeply. Thank goodness the shift was finally over, the bar closed for the night. She’d never had such a difficult time keeping Cat firmly in place at work. “What the hell’s wrong with you tonight?” Tess asked. “Oooh, and who was the hot blond with Steve? Damn girl, you melted all over him like a popsicle on the Fourth of July.” Cathy bit the inside of her cheek. All she had to do was make it out of the bar and into her car. Then she could lose it, but not a moment sooner. “Umm…I think I’m coming down with the flu. I haven’t been feeling very well lately.” “Uh-huh. And the stud?” Damn it, Tess was not going to give her a break. “Old friend of Steve’s,” she said as casually as possible. Cathy felt anything but casual. “Hmm…well if he’s nothing to you, then will it be okay if I make a play for him?” Tess questioned. Fuck no, bitch! Back off, he’s mine. “Hey, go for it, Tess. I’ve got no claim on him.” Touch him and die, slut. “I don’t know. I kind of still want to get into Steve’s pants. It would probably ruin things if I went after his friend.” Tess seemed to puzzle out the right course of action in her mind. After a few minutes she slammed her locker shut and headed toward the door. “Come on, girl. Let’s blow this pop stand.” Cat slowly rose, hooking Tess’ arm in her own. As usual they were the last two to leave the bar. Being majority shareowner meant she spent more time at the Filling Station than anyone else. She didn’t mind the long hours though. It was a labor of love.

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The woman walking with her had become a good friend over the years. Most people only looked as deep as her external beauty and provocative actions, but she also possessed a heart of gold. Cathy knew there was so much more to her friend that no one saw. Tess carefully guarded her true self beneath the bar slut act, much the same way that Cathy used Cat to protect herself. She set the alarm and locked the deadbolt before heading for her car. With every second that passed she could feel Cat slipping farther away and Cathy taking her place. If only Tess would hurry up she could make it out of there without damaging her tough girl act too badly. On the outside she appeared confident and patient as she waited for the other woman to get safely into her car. Once she was securely locked inside, Cathy set out across the lot. Forcing a smile to her lips, she waved goodbye as Tess passed by. The jumbled emotions from seeing Blake had her normally steady hands fumbling with the keys. The short hairs on the back of her neck stood on end. Still she tried not to glance nervously behind herself. Her cute little yellow VW Beetle was a dichotomy, very much like her personality. The car was energy efficient and inexpensive, which pleased her sensible side. The convertible top made it flashy and impractical, which appealed to her wild side. Overall, it was a car that suited both sides of her perfectly. Out of nowhere a hand grabbed her shoulder, roughly spinning Cathy around. She was pressed up against the Beetle and crudely groped, her shrill scream of surprise piercing the quiet night. “Mmm…look what I found. Here, pussy, pussy, pussy. I’ve got some hot cream for you to lick up, kitty Cat.” “Couldn’t come up with anything more original?” Cathy groaned. What a moron. She recognized the drunken man who pushed his pathetically small prick against her belly. He had been coming around the bar for about a month, always trying to hit on the waitresses after getting turned down by the customers. Her voice remained cool, and she appeared calm, collected. “Back off, dillhole.” Cat sprang to the forefront, taking control of the situation, mentally shoving the weaker, gentler side of her personality out of the way. She grabbed his shoulders in both hands, and rammed her knee up into his crotch so hard he’d be singing soprano. A savage right fist slammed into his stomach as he doubled over. Once again her knee came forward, slamming with brutal force into his face. Her attacker dropped into a heap on the ground, holding his abused nuts and moaning as his right eye began to swell shut. The confrontation was over within seconds. Cathy leaned back against the car sucking in great gulps of much-needed oxygen while she fought the adrenaline surge. Groping blindly in her purse she pulled out her stun gun in case the fool was stupid enough to get up again.

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Blake’s deep voice off to her side startled her. Once again her shrill scream pierced the night. “Easy, Cathy,” he said, holding out his hands for her to see he posed no threat. “It’s just me. Looks like you’ve got everything under control. Damn, where did a sweet little thing like you learn to fight like that? And where’d you learn a word like dillhole?” he said with a chuckle. Moving around the car, he looked down at the man lying on the ground. “In the old days you would have let me come to your rescue.” In the old days, sweet little Cathy never could have defended herself like that. Damn, just watching her had given him a hard-on. She was tough as nails, and capable of handling anything. He moved warily, keeping a close eye on the Taser still held against her thigh. “Ugh,” she groaned in response to his comments. “Had to learn to take care of myself when you took off without a word. A lot has changed over the years. You missed it. I fight my own battles now. I don’t need anybody.” Okay, now this was what he had expected. Finally, he saw the pain and anger swirling in her deep green eyes. She still had some more fight left in her though. He knew that he’d hurt her all those years ago. Her words confirmed that fact. Now he just had to figure out how to fix things. Blake leaned down, pulling the lowlife rat to his feet. “Take off, asshole. This is a private conversation. And if you ever come anywhere near her again…” He let the threat trail off uncompleted, figuring the man would get the unsubtle hint. Let him fill in his own worst-case scenario. They both watched as the man stumbled off across the parking lot. Cathy turned toward the car, pulled open the door, and threw her purse and duffel bag inside, then slammed it shut again. She still clutched the stun gun firmly in her hand. Gently, Blake reached out and touched her shoulder. He felt the need to explain his departure to her. “Cathy, I had always planned on going into the Navy. I’d signed up two years before I left. Didn’t Steve ever tell you?” Of course, he should have told her himself before he left instead of taking the coward’s way out. “And that has what to do with the price of tea in China?” she sarcastically shot back. With anger and hurt pouring from her heart, she turned to face him. She’d loved him so much in her young girl’s heart. Still did, even though she didn’t really know him anymore. Could he really be that blind? Hell, she’d done everything but throw herself at him all those years ago. She’d followed him around like a lost puppy dog waiting for any scrap of affection that might be tossed her way. Greedy for any sign that he might feel something, anything toward her. Watching him parade around the many girls he’d dated had been excruciating. Both Blake and Steve had dated the girls most likely to put out. It had never failed to

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break her heart. But she was stronger now. She would not be that needy little girl. No way, no how. That girl was long gone, replaced by sexy, confident Cat. She was feeling very defensive, and all the past pain combined with running on adrenaline made her aggressive. All the hurt was coming back to her big time, as well as the trauma of just being attacked…again. She struck out at him with her anger. “Look, Mister big shot Navy asshole. I’m tired. It’s been a long night. I’ve just been molested by little ‘Napoleon complex’ over there. I just want to go home now. I have no desire to rehash the past.” Her voice wavered dangerously. Damn it, she would not cry. There was no way she’d let him know how much he affected her. Where the heck was Cat when she needed the wily bitch? She said a silent prayer that he not notice the fine trembling in her hands. Blake’s heart lodged in his throat, making speech next to impossible. He could handle the most extreme situations, leading his team on dangerous missions. Nothing ever fazed him. The fearless men he’d worked with had only half jokingly called him “Ice”. There was not much that could make him lose his legendary control, but somehow the sight of little Cathy Markham all grown up and crying just might do the job. “Cathy, there are so many things that I wish I’d done differently. So many things I wish I’d said. Won’t you give me a chance to say them now?” Without another word he leaned forward, feathering his lips over hers. Cathy was instantly swept back in time to that night sitting in his car, receiving her first kiss. Once again time stood still as his tongue traced the contours of her pouty lips. Amazingly her pussy flooded with hot cream, a reaction that only this one man could draw from her body. No matter how many had tried, all others had miserably failed. Just when she was ready to pull him closer, sink deep into the warmth of his knowing mouth, Blake pulled back, leaving her yearning for more. She wanted to know how it felt to be held tenderly in his muscular arms. She wanted to rip the clothes from his body and feel every inch of his skin against her own fevered flesh. More than anything, she wanted to feel his big cock fill up the empty part of her that had never known such carnal pleasure. The heady combination of her heightened emotions and near violent needs drove her sensible side way, way back. Years of aching need clouded her mind. She breathed in his masculine scent and spicy cologne. Her eyes greedily drank in his hard body. She flexed fingers that itched to touch, heedlessly dropping the stun gun. Her pussy lips swelled, and she ached. She’d never felt so empty in her whole life. With a savage need, she fisted her hands in his silk shirt and pulled him up against her body with jarring force. The heat from his body spread through her faster than a raging inferno. She needed to feel the warm contours of his bare chest under her fingers.

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Her pussy clenched against the emptiness. She could feel the hot juices sliding down the tight walls, soaking her panties. Cathy knew exactly what she needed to fill her, to ease the ache. There would only ever be one man who could. Blake never took his piercing eyes off her as she ripped his shirt open. The heavylidded sensuality of his gaze assaulted her senses. She was frantic, her pulse roaring in her ears. Moving forward, his hand cupped the back of her head, fingers tangling in her hair. A slow smile spread over his sexy lips, melting her into a puddle of need pooling at his feet. Then his mouth was on hers, drinking from her, eating at her lips. His other hand grasped her ass, holding her firmly against the hard ridge of his cock as he moved her back against the car. Her breath came out in harsh pants. Cathy let her fingers slide over the warm, muscular wall of his chest. He felt so good, so right. She moaned involuntarily as his lips slid over her jaw, then down her neck. The fingers tangled in her hair pulled her head back, providing greater access to her vulnerable flesh. The other hand trailed down her thigh, hooked under her right knee, then pulled it up over his hip. His cock pressed against her slit, the cold door of the car against her back. The heat of his erection sent fiery fingers of need through Cathy. She was burning alive, melting from her core. Blake began grinding his jeans-clad cock against her pussy. Each upward, rocking motion drove the rough material against her pulsing clit. His tongue tasted the erratic pulse throbbing in her neck. Her arms wrapped around his back, struggling to absorb him into her needy body. Cathy was heedless of her fingernails digging into his skin. “Oh, yes. I’m gonna fuck you so good, baby,” he growled against the hollow of her throat. He wasn’t close enough. She struggled to pull him into her more firmly, to capture him in her soul where she could keep and cherish him forever. The electric streamers of sensation radiating outward from her clit became her entire focus. She was pinned against the car, his strong body holding her firmly in place. Of their own volition, her legs wrapped around his waist, driving his cock more firmly against her needy pussy. Using her muscular thighs, Cathy pumped up and down, faster and faster, as an unimaginable tension built within her. His lips moved to her ear, gently nipping her soft lobe. The sound of Blake’s rough, raspy voice sent her over the edge. “Come for me, sweetheart. I want to watch you explode.” Explosion. That was a good way to explain what happened. The walls of her pussy clamped down so tightly that it became a painful pleasure. Her clit throbbed spastically. Every muscle in her body tensed. Just when Cathy thought she’d die, the world dropped away and she was free-falling. Her head fell back even farther between her arched shoulders, banging against the car as strangled screams gurgling in the back of her throat.

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“So fucking beautiful,” Blake praised. “Just let go. Give me your screams, your passion.” Cathy flew for what seemed to be time without end. She fought for each breath trying to get oxygen back to her brain, which no longer seemed to be working. Every muscle sagged uselessly away from her melted bones. The car pressing into her back and the hard man covering her front like an electric blanket were the only things that kept her tethered to earth. It took an indeterminate amount of time for her senses to return. Somehow she’d always known Blake would be there for her first orgasm. Her mind screamed, No! The unthinkable had happened. She’d allowed herself to become overwhelmed by the most dangerous man in the world for her heart, the one man who could hurt her. Those thoughts had the same effect as a bucket of ice water being poured over her flaming desire. Her heart could not take having her love for him thrown back in her face again, just like when he’d left all those years ago. She was no longer that naïve young girl. Cathy now knew how to be a ball-buster who needed no man. She pulled her Cat persona around her like a cloak, masking the truly needy little girl who still lurked within her. Letting her legs slide down, she settled her feet on the ground. With all her remaining strength, Cathy planted both hands on his chest and pushed. Feeling her soft body suddenly tense up, Blake let go and stepped back. He watched Cathy warily as she tried to get her rubbery legs to support her body. She didn’t have the energy to get angry again. Now she just felt tired. The infuriating man had just given her the most incredible pleasure, but she couldn’t allow her mind to accept the gift. He would leave again. She could not come to depend on him. Not like she used to. “It’s late, Blake. Although it’s really nice to see you, we’ll have to talk another time. I just can’t do this now.” She turned away from him, and Blake just stood there staring at her back. He didn’t try to stop Cathy as she picked up the stun gun and climbed into her car. Unaccustomed emotions assaulted him. No matter how many women he’d fucked and left behind, she was the one who’d always held his heart. It didn’t matter that he’d never had her. She was the one woman in the world with the power to bring the mighty Lieutenant Blake Carlisle down to his knees. He didn’t know what had happened, why she’d wanted him to stop. Yet it had been obvious that’s what she’d wanted. He would allow her the space she needed, for now. Soon he would make her so blinded with that incredible passion she held firmly in check. He’d make her so hot there would be no possibility of turning away. First he had to square things with Steve. He felt a little guilty over what had happened, but once he had his friend’s approval, Cathy would be his. Jogging around the building to the car, he pushed a very green-around-the-gills Steve into the passenger seat. The least he could do was make sure she made it home

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safely. He assured himself that he didn’t harbor any ulterior motive like finding out where she lived.

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Chapter Four “Do you really think I’m that stupid?” Cathy angrily shouted into the quiet of her car. She wouldn’t stop to analyze why tears were streaming down her face right now. Blake had always deeply twisted her emotions, bringing about intense reactions. “I’ve worked in bars long enough to watch my ass while driving home. And like I wouldn’t see you tailing me with my stupid brother hanging out the window in case he pukes.” They were in his damn Caddy with the business name plastered on the doors, for cryin’ out loud. “Not very damn inconspicuous, guys.” She had a distinct advantage since she had lived in the small coastal town all her life. Cathy knew the roads like the back of her hand. Blake on the other hand had only lived there for five years, and that had been ten years ago. All he had was her very drunk brother, who was likely not being very helpful. She needed to put some distance between Blake and herself. He too easily overwhelmed her senses. She couldn’t let him make her begin to hope for a future that would never happen. Not when she knew he’d just leave again. At first she drove very sedately until she reached the neighborhood she wanted. Then she began winding her way in a seemingly random pattern through the quiet streets. It didn’t take long to lose her tail. Of course, if Blake really wanted to know where she lived all he had to do was ask the drunk slumped over in the passenger seat. Her brother, Steve, was the one person who knew most of her secrets. Hell, he was her silent partner in the bar. She suspected that he also knew her true feelings about Blake Carlisle. The two men being together could wreak havoc in her well-ordered life. She’d have to hope Blake would not be sticking around for long. By the time she made it back to her apartment, Cathy was restless. There was no way she’d be able to get to sleep any time soon. Ever courteous of her sleeping neighbors, she put her CD in a portable player and popped on a set of headphones. Her workout music was a custom mix that Mike had created. Sweat rolled off her body as she pounded the stuffing out of her punching bag. The hard rock classics pounding in her ears helped fuel the workout. Once the bag was sufficiently beaten, she moved on to free weights. In her profession it was important that she be agile and strong, as well as attractive. A girl had to work hard to defend herself from all those touchy-feely, horny men. She also had to be intelligent enough to diffuse heated drunken fights. By the time she’d showered and collapsed into her big bed it was after five in the morning. Although her body was physically ready for a deep, rejuvenating sleep, her mind was not ready to be quiet. She kept mulling over the changes in Blake. While he’d been a handsome teenager, he’d matured into a devastatingly gorgeous man. Time 29

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spent in the military had honed his body into a finely tuned machine. Mmm…how she’d love to trace all that incredible sinew with her fingers and tongue. He looked good with his cropped hair, but she had always dreamed of running her fingers through the slightly long, silky strands he’d previously worn. She could vividly picture the shiny strands that resembled golden sunlight sliding between her slender fingers. Even standing nearly six feet tall in her high heels he’d towered over her by a few inches. Just the thought of all those luscious inches covering her sent shivers of anticipation through Cathy. Blake had swiftly disproved the theory she’d lived by for the past ten years. Until tonight she’d thought herself to be immune to lust. No man had been able to heat her body, or spark any sexual desire since he’d left town. In only moments Blake had turned her whole world upside down. At the tender age of sixteen, for all intents and purposes, everyone had left her at once. Blake had joined the Navy, Steve had gone off to college on a baseball scholarship, and then her flaky parents had bought an RV, taking off to explore the country. They would come back often, staying for different intervals, until she turned eighteen. At that time she had moved into an apartment with a friend, so they sold the house and hit the highway. Steve had visited when he could, but the freedom and party lifestyle of college kept him away more often than not. They had still remained close during that time, but he knew she could take care of herself. Cathy had also encouraged him not to spend the little money he had traveling back and forth. She wanted him to enjoy himself at school. She’d never had many close friends. Because of her fierce independence and early maturity, she’d never really fit in. The women she worked with were all much older. The girls in school were too immature. She’d been the odd man out in every situation, leaving her isolated and lonely most of the time. It didn’t take long for her to figure out that working minimum wage was not going to get her far. While she had no desire to follow in Steve’s footsteps by going to college, she dreamed of owning her own business and home. At the age of eighteen, she had developed the Cat persona when she’d started working in the strip club. It was a way to keep that part of her life separate from who she really was. A way to set free her wild side, and deal with a not well-respected way of earning money. While not the most desirable profession, the pay was excellent. She had to take care of herself and her future. That meant earning as much money as possible to finance a secure, independent existence. After four years of working as a stripper she’d had almost enough money tucked away for the down payment on the Filling Station. Steve returning home from college had been the final push. He’d blown a gasket when he’d found out she danced the pole for a living.

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Her brother had worked hard to earn enough commissions to help with the down payment. They shared a seventy-thirty split ownership in the Filling Station, with Steve being a silent partner. Cathy didn’t like being dependant on anyone. After two successful years she’d tried to buy him out, but Steve had refused. He wanted to keep a close eye on his little sister. Plus his share of the profits helped with the operating costs of his own business. That money was essential until Markham Real Estate became respected enough to support itself. At least he didn’t try to make any changes in her club and was supportive of her independence. He seemed to be happy that she was no longer stripping, respected what she had accomplished, and satisfied that Cathy was happy with her life. Her apartment was in a nice area. The bar brought in enough money to keep her comfortable, and each month her financial portfolio grew fatter, although much of the profits went right back into the business. Although it had been painful on her bank account, she had been thrilled to be able to loan her parents money, helping to fund their travels. That she could manage that feat had given her such a sense of triumph. She loved being able to run the bar how she saw fit. Her management and inventive ideas had led to the Filling Station’s books moving into the black. If things kept up the way they were, Cathy would be able to pay off the loan and buy a house earlier than anticipated. There was just one little complication. Blake Carlisle had dug himself out from under a rock, and come back to disrupt the harmony she’d fought so hard to establish. Her traitorous body’s response to him had quickly changed her outlook. She wasn’t asexual at all. It had just taken the right man to light her fire. Just his clean, masculine scent had managed to do that. Several fitful hours later, Cathy gave up trying to sleep. Her mind just refused to rest. Wearing baggy jeans and an old T-shirt, she tucked her hair into a baseball cap and headed to the farmers’ market. On the way out she checked with her elderly neighbor, Mrs. Daniels, to see if the housebound woman needed anything. Walking the aisles, wicker basket dangling from one arm, she bought a week’s worth of fresh fruit and veggies. She pretended not to hear the workers’ conversation as she shopped. It was a familiar litany coming from the busybodies. “Such a shame to see a young woman not try to look attractive. She could be so pretty if she just tried. Put on some clothes that fit, some makeup, fix her hair. If poor Cathy could get past her shyness maybe she could find a good man, or at least get a date.” People like these women were one of the drawbacks to living in a small town where everyone was in your business. Still, knowing that it was a fact of where she lived didn’t make it any less hurtful. Why couldn’t people just let her be herself? She hated it that a few casual remarks could make her feel less about herself. Really, that was the only opinion that should matter—her opinion of herself. Yet their comments did manage to hurt Cathy. She still managed to smile and treat the women

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with respect when she paid for her purchases, but thoughts of what they’d said plagued her even after she left the market. What did they really know about her? Nothing. She certainly didn’t need a man. Did they want her to act like the women who came to the club hunting for men? Why stoop to such a degrading level? That just was not her. If a man didn’t like her for herself, the person on the inside, then what good was he to her anyway? She knew that she could make herself look heart-stoppingly gorgeous. Each night she worked the club, Cathy transformed herself into a sex kitten. That was for work though, not real life. In her real life she just wanted people to accept her for who she really was without the glitz and seduction.

***** Blake had an equally restless night. The changes in Cathy had shocked him. She’d gone from an innocent, frumpy teenager to knowing sex goddess in his absence. For just a moment last night he’d glimpsed the shy, quiet girl she’d once been behind the tough chick attitude. She had been so transformed when she had given herself over to passion. He related it to watching a caterpillar transform into a magnificent butterfly and take off on a sensual flight. What had caused such a drastic change in her? And why the hell did he care? He could have, and usually did have, any woman he wanted. Gorgeous, experienced women who chased after him. Blake Carlisle did not have to chase any woman. They practically fought each other to throw themselves at his feet. So why did his friend’s forbidden younger sister make him want to give chase? Why had she always affected him so deeply? There had always been something about Cathy. She possessed a special spark that could be seen burning in those beguiling deep green eyes. And there was a refreshing white, radiant light that seemed to surround her, making him think of angels. Regardless of the exterior changes that had turned her into a siren, Blake still sensed that incredible inner spirit which had always drawn him like a moth to the flame. Damn, she sure had grown up though. The braid, glasses and braces were long gone. In their place was a long, cool drink of water that made him feel like a man dying of a thirst that only she could quench. She wasn’t just shapely and curvy. No, Cathy Markham was a strong, finely tuned, sexy woman. Well-defined, muscular arms and legs testified to strenuous exercise. Mmm…and the healthy, vibrant glow that radiated from her bronzed skin made him want to lick and sample every glorious inch of her exquisite flesh. The shy, quiet girl he’d known had turned into a confident, wild siren. Just watching her expertly work the crowd at the bar had been a turn-on. The sharp, quickwitted woman knew exactly what she was doing, and the effect she had on men. He wondered briefly if she was bisexual, or if her intimacy with the other waitresses was just an act to get the crowd going? Just the thought put erotic pictures in 32

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his head of taking her and another one of the girls right there on the big glass bar. Yeah, that was just what he needed to calm down his raging erection. Taking a cold shower had no effect on his hard-on. When Cathy had launched herself into his arms, Blake had thought he’d died and gone to heaven. Her luscious body had fit him perfectly. It had felt so good to have those long, exquisite legs wrapped around his waist, taking all his self-control to keep from ripping open his zipper and sinking into the heat of her pussy, which had been pressed so tightly against him. And those full, ripe breasts pressed against his chest…shit. They’d fit wonderfully in his hands. The contrast of her soft, supple flesh against his thick, calloused fingers would be incredibly erotic. Finally giving up, Blake took his throbbing, inflamed cock in hand. As he slowly stroked its length he thought of sinking into the heated depths of Cathy’s scrumptious body. He pictured holding her pressed up against the wall with those strong legs wrapped tightly around his waist. Holding her flared hips, he’d thrust into her heat over and over again. He’d pound his hard cock into her tight, grasping pussy. Go so deep and hard that he’d find himself thrusting up against the back of her teeth. Not literally, of course. He just wanted to be so totally immersed in her that neither of them would ever be able to forget. Deep enough that she would always feel him there. Mmm…and that silky mane of hair that caressed her body in riotous waves. Blake pictured taking her from behind, wrapping his fingers in those glorious locks and riding the primal waves of passion. That beautiful round ass slapping against his lower abdomen, kneading his fingers into the firm muscles, sliding along that glorious curve where rounded bottom met thigh. That would be pure bliss. He could imagine flipping her over, letting his tongue curl around her hard, pebbled nipples. At some point he’d have to sink his tongue between the delicate pink folds of her pussy, drink in her sweet nectar. The musky scent of her arousal had been burned into his senses last night. He had to taste those hot juices before he died of the need. Stroking rapidly, hot jets of his seed splashed over his abdomen and hand. Just the thought of spreading her open and licking her pussy had thrown him over the edge. He wouldn’t wait long. Soon he would have Cathy Markham in his bed, best friend’s sister or not. Hell, it was Steve who had taken him to the club to see his reaction. Blake would just have to take that as permission. He could not remember the last time he’d had to take himself in hand. There had always been an available, hot woman in his bed to take care of his desires. He was never left wanting. But he knew instinctively that no other woman would be able to put out the flames Cathy had ignited. There could be no substitute. After he got her into his bed he could reconcile the vast differences in her personality. After cleaning up he called to see if his friend wanted to try for a repeat of last night. Steve quickly agreed, but tonight they’d get to the club early. Blake wanted to be seated front and center in her section when Cathy came into the bar. He wanted to make sure he stayed on her mind all night. 33

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Chapter Five Cathy felt decidedly wicked as she packed up her clothes for work that evening. She chose a tiny micro-mini denim skirt, black cowboy boots, white silk shirt with pearl snaps, and black Stetson hat. She included a tiny pair of Lycra shorts to wear under the skirt. It always felt kind of weird to be selecting such a seductive outfit while wearing her normal frumpy, casual clothes. Slipping in the back door, she made her way to the locker room. While dressing, she wondered if Blake would make a return appearance tonight. The anticipation had her spending a few extra minutes primping, just in case. Picking up the house phone she called the sound booth. “Spread the love,” Mike said upon answering. A small smile spread across her mouth. Cathy reveled in how deeply her employees got into their jobs and roles. “Save a horse, Mikey!” “I love it when you go native on me, Cat.” She could hear him pushing buttons and turning dials. “You’re on in thirty seconds, baby.” “Thanks, Mikey.” She was the only one he allowed to call him by that nickname. Normally she didn’t set the stage for her entrance, but tonight was different. It wasn’t often that she was feeling so sexy, and she meant to take advantage of the sensations coursing through her body. Tonight she was going to be a very naughty girl. She didn’t know what had gotten into her, but she was taken over with sensual energy. Well, that wasn’t exactly true. She knew what had gotten into her. One tall, hunky, blond SEAL had gotten under her skin and back into her blood. Closing her eyes, Cathy let the rhythm of the current song wash over her, getting into character. One hand rested on the door handle waiting for the first strains of Mike’s dance mix version of “Save a Horse, Ride a Cowboy”. While her club did not play country music as a rule, the song had been turned into a funky dance mix. The original track already had a rockin’ beat, complete with screaming guitars. Mike had cut out the twangy country-sounding banjo, and edited in some crazy verses from other songs. Part of the mix even used some of AC/DC’s hard rock song, “You Shook Me All Night Long”. You wouldn’t think the two songs would go together, but somehow Mike had made it work. He was a true genius when it came to creating innovative music mixes. Cathy waited through the first introductory strains of music before opening the door wide and dancing out into the bar. Holding onto the Stetson perched on her bent head with one hand, the other was held out in front of her to work the imaginary reins. 34

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Her body moved in a two-footed hop with her weight balanced on the balls of her feet. Each small jump was accentuated by a forward thrust of her pelvis. The customers went wild. As she neared the main bar, Ray climbed up and lay down on the shimmering surface. She climbed up between two men seated on stools, using their bodies and the chairs as a makeshift ladder. At first she just stood over Ray, legs spread wide, gyrating in an erotic motion. When the AC/DC lyrics kicked in, she dropped to her knees over his hips and proceeded to gyrate over her bartender. The roar of the crowd echoed through her body, fueling her play. With one hand on her hip the other waved her hat over her head like she was riding a mechanical bull. About halfway through the song she bent over and covered Ray with her body. The crowd was going wild. He hollered in her ear to be heard, “Holy shit, Cat.” Every time the song came to the title words, Mike lowered the volume as the rowdy crowd yelled out the lyrics. Looking around she saw how heated up everyone was becoming. A wicked smile lit up her face. In one fluid motion she pushed up using only the strength of her legs, and landed in her original position standing over the bartender. Then she danced down the length of the bar until reaching the end, to find her eyes locked with Blake’s. A thrill of anticipation raced down her spine. He’d come back. Before she knew what was happening he stood before her. With a dramatic motion, Cathy swept both arms back, simultaneously throwing back her head and closing her eyes. With total trust that he would catch her, she fell forward into his waiting arms. Strong bands of steel closed around her, lowering her gently to the floor. Keeping her eyes closed, Cathy gave herself to the music with reckless abandon. The mix cycled through several hard rock songs before returning to the cowboy tune. Heat coursed through her veins as she rubbed seductively against Blake. As she’d done the previous night, she launched herself up onto him, clasping her ankles over his ass. Leaning back against the support of his arms she rocked her hips in a suggestive motion. The rigid length of his erection caressed her dampening pussy in the most exquisite way. His arms tightened around her, causing her breasts to smash up against the hard wall of his chest. His breath sighed over her ear seconds before his tongue licked a hot, wet path over the tender edge. His teeth nipped at her lobe. She had to bite back a moan of pleasure. He blazed a steamy path with lips and tongue down her throat, sucking lightly where neck met shoulder. The sensations quickly engulfed her in an overwhelming surge of passion. With every rocking motion of her hips the thick material of his fly ground against her sensitive, swollen clit. Tension built within her, climbing toward a pinnacle that scared Cathy. Even though she wanted to just give in to the incredible fireworks

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exploding through every nerve ending, she loosened her legs and slid down his hard body. She had to get control of herself. There was no way she could let Blake have such a profound effect on her while working. With a great deal of drama she put a hand flat against his broad chest, then shoved him back. The move made it look like she’d become bored with the man. If she wanted to keep her customers happy, Cat had to get away from Blake. Now! It only took two long strides for her to be safely inserted between Reggie and Bernie. She finished out the song dancing between the two handsome young brothers. It took incredible restraint to subdue her desire and not search out Blake’s face in the crowd. What would he think of her little performance? She wished it didn’t matter to her. When the music finally ended she made her way back to the bar, retrieving her tray from Ray. Once again he muttered, “Holy shit, Cat. You’re on fire tonight, baby.” She just mumbled some nonsense in response. Her concentration and ability to focus on her job were very precarious at the moment. It was going to be one hell of a long night trying to keep her attention on pleasuring her customers with her panties in a wet wad pushed up against her slit. Taking a deep breath she headed out into her section, struggling to get securely back in control of herself.

***** He was having a heart attack. That was the only explanation for what Blake felt. Watching Cathy first simulate riding a horse, followed by simulating riding the bartender—wow! Pain shot through his chest, a line of perspiration formed on his brow, and he couldn’t breathe. “Fucking A,” he cursed. Steve leaned in next to his ear to be heard above the noise of the throng. “She’s not the same plain little girl who used to moon after you all the time, buddy. At least not when she’s working.” Blake took a long look into his friend’s eyes. He felt overwhelmed, pissed off, and possessive as hell. “How can you condone this shit? You’re her big brother for crying out loud.” Steve seemed to be lost in thought for a minute. His words chilled Blake when he finally spoke again. He’d had no idea what Cathy had gone through to reach this point in her life—the trials and struggles to make her way in the world. It was obvious she was a great success and had come up with a concept that would likely become a new trend in the industry. He found himself respecting her smart business sense. “It’s a hell of a lot better than having her dance the pole in the Pink Pussy strip club. Here she’s safe, having fun, and making more than enough money to support herself.”

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Steve’s shoulders shrugged in a what-can-you-do gesture. “I watch out for her, and so does Ray,” he said, pointing to the bartender. “She’s hired a great group of employees, built something to be proud of.” Blake must have heard his friend wrong. Cathy had danced in a strip club? Impossible. The sweet girl he remembered would never do such a thing. Of course, she obviously had gone and grown up. Cathy was now a fully-grown woman, an extremely sexual creature. And he’d missed out on being there for the changes. That’s probably why the result felt so extreme to him. She had matured while he’d been out playing wild bad boy. She’d found a way to combine her dancing abilities with a latent sensuality into a business that was going to be big time. Regret washed over him in waves. Why the hell had he been such a coward, running from what he felt for Cathy instead of being there for her and with her once she was an adult? He had considered not reenlisting when his first tour ended, coming home. By then the Navy had been a big part of him. He hadn’t been ready to give that up. “Why did you bring me here, Steve? When we were growing up you made it clear that you didn’t want me getting too close to Cathy. So what is the point in this?” Steve sighed deeply. “Things changed, we all grew up. Old rules no longer apply.” He stared at his friend for several moments. “I want her to have everything she’s ever wanted. You two always shared a close connection. While I can’t make her dream of a house come true, maybe I can have a hand in seeing this dream become reality.” Just like that, he had Steve’s go-ahead. Now Blake had to decide what he was going to do about it. As she danced along the bar Blake got up and moved in closer. He was unerringly drawn to her sexual magnetism. He had to touch her, taste her, and smell her feminine scent. The enigmatic woman had done what ten years of military life hadn’t succeeded in doing. She had made him lose his cool. Made him dream impossible dreams. Spotting him, Cathy closed her eyes and fell trustingly into his arms, then clung to him closer than a wet T-shirt. When she wrapped her legs around his hips and held on tightly, he almost came in his pants. He could tell that she was close to coming herself. Her face was flushed so beautifully, eyes dilated. Just a few more strokes over her clit and she would come right then and there. He saw the fear that finally surpassed the desire flicker through her green eyes. Blake wanted to punch someone when she pushed him away to dance between the twins. She’d set him on fire then moved away without dousing the flames. Shit! Her soft skin had tasted so sweet and slightly salty with perspiration. He’d wanted nothing more than to lick, suck, and nip at every delicious inch of soft bronze flesh. Peel away her clothes and discover the texture and color of her nipples.

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Every time she came near, Blake was thrust back to the years he’d lived in this town. He’d lived life with a young man’s disregard for time. All he’d been concerned with through high school was playing ball, impressing girls, and going on grand adventures. Once he’d embarked on his covert lifestyle all he’d thought about was fucking the women who seemed to stand in line for the pleasure, and coming out on top of his missions. He’d ridden on an adrenaline high with no care for the future. Sure, Cathy was always there in the back of his mind, but he’d been selfish, focused on being a bad boy and having fun. Part of his reason for that had been to help maintain his distance. Now he wanted to kick his own ass for being such a dickhead. He should have been here for her, with her. Should have followed his heart instead of his fool head. Hopefully he hadn’t let too much time go by. He knew what he needed to do now. Blake had to spend some time getting to know the woman Cathy had become. He wanted to know everything about her, and learn who she was outside of work. Then he could figure out where to take things from there. Later, while she served drinks, he got a little more of the story out of Steve. He’d had no idea that his leaving had been only the first of a mass exodus of familiar people from her life. She’d had no choice but to become a tough, world-wise woman at a young, tender age. It must have been so hard for Cathy to survive, let alone make it through high school while basically alone. He admired her strength and determination. It would have been so easy to ask for help, but she hadn’t done that. She had been determined to make it on her own terms, and had become a success story. Steve said she’d shared a small place for a brief time with a friend until she could afford to get an apartment of her own. In her limited contact with Steve she had kept her work life private. She’d realized that if he had known, Steve would have left school to take care of his baby sister. Blake had been floored to find out that she owned the bar. Her hard work and suffering had paid off—turning her into the strong, independent woman he watched so skillfully working the room. If he’d known what she had gone through, he would have come back for her years ago instead of playing soldier, gallivanting around the globe. Or would he have? Blake was confused by the conflicting emotions that assailed him. Steve told him about her dreams of owning a house. A house represented the ultimate security to Cathy. And financial independence and security were her primary goals in life. “She’s going to be upset, but I have to sell my share of the Filling Station. I need the money for my own business. I know she is saving for a house and if there was any other way, I’d never take the money from Cathy. I just don’t have any other options.” A worried look creased Steve’s brow. “Just when she should be able to sit back and relax, have the security she desires, I have to take it away.”

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From the little Blake had seen and heard, he knew that she would not let Steve sell the shares to a stranger. And buying him out would put a major snag in her ability to obtain the security she so desperately desired. It didn’t surprise him when Steve said that she was totally different outside the bar. Once outside those doors she left work behind and was once again shy, sweet Cathy. Just as Blake had suspected, the wanton sex goddess was the product of a creative actress along with a little bit of a wild side. He had no idea how she managed to pull it off, but she handled it with aplomb. He watched her handle a variety of situations with intelligence and attitude. He’d cringed when she’d stepped between two drunks ready to come to blows, but Cathy had used her quick wit and feminine wiles to effectively diffuse the situation. The more he observed her, the more impressed Blake became with her strength and smarts. She ran a profitable business and handled the toughest situations with a smile and good humor. The inner light he’d always seen in her now shone brightly for everyone to see, if they only took the time to notice. Right then and there he decided that no matter what, no matter how, she would never have to suffer or sacrifice again. Somehow he’d make sure that the amazing woman who’d captured his heart all those years ago had everything she ever wanted. Blake would also make sure she no longer had to work so hard to earn a living either. He was not thrilled by the act she performed every night, jealousy he’d never before felt reared its head. He wanted to claim her as his own, the same way she seemed to have claimed his heart long ago. He didn’t say anything about the bar, but Blake had no intention of letting Cathy buy her brother out or of letting Steve sell his share to anyone other than him. He’d wanted to invest in a business. It was starting to look like that investment would also be in the future of one beautiful, smart, sexy woman, too.

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Chapter Six Rain splashed against the roof in a desultory rhythm that was a soothing balm to Cathy’s frazzled nerves. She loved to sit on the balcony at her apartment, cuddled up on a chair under a warm blanket, enjoying the sights and sounds during storms. Summertime in Florida provided lots of afternoon showers for her enjoyment. Although sitting in her office at the bar was not quite the same experience, she still enjoyed the syncopated rhythm beating against the roof. Leaning her head back against the high-backed chair she let the tension seep away. Staring at her financial accounts was not going to change the bottom line. It would take at least another six months with no major unexpected expenses before she could buy her house. If she hadn’t made the loan to her parents or made improvements in the bar she could have already had her house, but she had no regrets with the choices she’d made. Not much longer and she would have almost everything she’d ever wanted. A steady income from the bar, and the security of owning a home would make her very happy. And buying a house for cash would keep the banks away. No one would ever be able to take her house away. It would be one hundred percent hers. In a house she could decorate any way she pleased without a landlord or anyone else dictating what was acceptable. She could pound nails in the walls to hang pictures, or even knock out walls to make a room bigger. Heck, she could sit naked at the dining room table and swing from the ceiling fans if that’s what she wanted. There would be no one to tell her no. Her mind flashed back to the surprise Steve had sprung on her. Seeing Blake again had thrown her for a major loop. God, she’d practically fucked him in the parking lot, and then again in the bar. No other man had ever affected her the way he did. When she saw desire in his eyes for her nothing else mattered. That look was everything she’d wanted years ago, but became reality a little too late. She did not need this distraction now, nor could she give in to it. She needed to focus on the future, and attaining her goals. Mmm…but what a delicious distraction. He’d only gotten better with age. Small laugh lines had added character to his handsome face. That gorgeous body of his didn’t come from any gym either, but from hard, physically demanding activity. And those eyes. The deep sapphire pools still had the power to reduce her to a witless pile of mush. No one else could set her on fire like he could. With just a look or light touch she was engulfed in a blazing inferno of need. That was very dangerous for her.

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Maybe he would leave again soon. If nothing else, that was certainly one lesson she had learned well. Everyone leaves eventually. The only people I can count on are me, myself, and I. Giving herself a mental shake, Cathy pushed away the unproductive thoughts. She had too much to do. First thing on the list was to deal with the leaky roof. Yesterday a large tree branch had been struck by lightning and fallen onto the back portion of the bar’s roof where it was only one-story high. Now that it was raining again a small drip had begun. Water splashed down into the cozy, semi-private party room. Earlier she’d placed a plastic trash can beneath the drip, but that temporary fix would not be acceptable while the bar was open and packed with customers. It was time to stop procrastinating and get to work. She loved being in the bar when no one else was around. It was a completely different place with the lights on. And it was relaxing when she did not have to meet the customer’s expectations and play her part. At times like this she looked over what she’d built with utter amazement. This was her place, built with her blood, sweat, and tears. She loved every inch of wall, floor, and ceiling. Every chair, table, and glass was hers. And it was her job to keep it all in tip-top condition. She positioned a ladder beneath the trapdoor in the ceiling. From past experience she knew the ladder was too short, but she could manage to pull herself up into the narrow opening using her upper body strength. With a flashlight tucked into the pocket of her shorts she headed up the ladder. Long ago she’d torn the yellow caution sticker off the top step that said it was unsafe to stand there as she did now. After moving the wooden panel out of the way she stood with her head just peeking through the small passageway. Placing a hand on the wood beams to either side, she pushed off with her feet and used every muscle in her arms to pull herself upward. Luckily she was able to go high enough to swing a foot up over the beam straight ahead, then pull herself inside. It was a good thing she was so flexible. Cathy quickly turned on the flashlight. The hot, musty space gave her the creeps. She was always afraid of coming face-to-face with a rodent, bat, or some other creepy creature. Those were the kinds of animals one found in attics and crawl spaces, right? Well, she had absolutely no desire to meet one in the small, dark space. She’d developed a distinct dislike for small spaces and their inhabitants when she was a little girl. It only took a few moments for her to start sweating in the intense heat. Moving through the tiny attic space was difficult at best in only four feet maximum vertical height. On top of that she had to be careful to walk only on the beams. Step anywhere else and she’d find herself falling through the ceiling to the hard floor below. Shining the light around the roof, Cathy looked for any signs of damage or vermin. Her skin crawled just thinking about the horrible little creatures that could run up her leg, or fall into her hair. The very thought made the panic rise up inside her, and caused

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her to sweat even more than the normal response to the temperature in the attic. Please, let me make it out of here without encountering anything creepy. To calm herself, Cathy tried to focus on the job at hand and push away the panic. She would cope with the underlying fear by taking deep breaths and try not to think about little creatures. It didn’t take long to spot the problem. The branch had broken a board inward, leaving a gap where rain could enter. Cathy had to walk with her back hunched over to reach the damaged area. Sweat dripped down her face into her eyes. It had to be more than one hundred degrees in the closed-in space. After carefully examining the damaged area she decided it wasn’t that bad. She could easily make some quick fix repairs herself, which would be good enough for the time being. No sense getting the whole roof redone right now when only a minor repair job would protect her investment. Just as she turned to make her way back to the trapdoor she heard something move behind her. A short little squeal escaped her lips, the anxiety she had pushed away hitting her full force. Shit, shit, shit! Cathy swung around quickly, almost losing her balance. Her heart beat in a frantic rhythm as she fought to stay on the beams and not fall through the ceiling. Moving the flashlight in a wide arc she swept the crawl space with light. If she saw a pair of beady eyes reflected in the light… A scream welled up in her throat. Catching her balance, the arc of light became steady once again. Oh God. Two bright red eyes were reflected in the light… It took a moment for her to even realize that she was screaming. Cutting off the shrill sound, one word became a chant in her head. Out, out, out, out. She had to get the hell out of there, now! She may be cool and competent in the rest of her life, but when it came to her irrational fear of small enclosed spaces and creepy, crawly creatures, there was just no rational thought left. Cathy scrambled across the beams. Forget being calm and collected—she was just going to get the fuck out of there. Blood pounded in her ears and her breath came out in harsh pants. She tried to quiet her body in order to listen for any more furtive sounds, but her body just would not cooperate. She’d gone into panic mode. By the time she reached the trapdoor her entire body was covered with a slick sheen of perspiration. She was literally drenched. The cooler air coming from the club below felt wonderful. She sat for a moment on the beam letting her heart rate settle down once again. She used the shock of cold air to collect herself as much as she could, pushing back down the panic and focusing so she could get out of there. She didn’t feel calm, but had to get down the ladder safely.

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Climbing down would be the tricky part of this whole adventure. She needed to be calm when she attempted the acrobatic feat. Yet in the back of her mind a little voice was screaming to get out, it’s still creeping up on you. She sat at the edge of the opening with her legs extended, feet resting on another beam across the gap. Taking a firm grip with each hand she braced her arms to take her weight. With all her body weight supported by her arms she would not be able to hang for long. After a few deep, cleansing breaths she dropped her feet and moved her body into the opening, but just on the edge of the beam. Making sure her arms were ready she slid her bottom off the beam and lowered herself. As she searched for the ladder with her feet, one of her deck shoes slid from a sweat-dampened foot. The hollow sound of the shoe hitting the hard floor struck a note of panic in her heart. Ah, shit! The barely controlled panic began to rise up and choke her again. Where the hell was the ladder? Cathy searched in vain with her swinging legs for the ladder. Her arms began to tremble with the effort to support herself while she dangled precariously. Sweat dripped into her eyes, blurring her vision. Once again she heard a furtive movement somewhere in the dark crawl space. In her tenuous position she was totally vulnerable to any creature that chose to attack. Shit! Get out, gotta get out. NOW! Her naked foot made contact with the cold aluminum of the ladder. Yes, I found it! Just a little more. Just get your whole foot on the ladder, Cathy. Scrabbling around with her toes, trying to find a solid surface, her foot hit against it again, slipped and… Bang! Aw, fuck… The unthinkable had happened. The ladder tipped and teetered, falling over with a loud bang. Sweat was making her hands slick, loosening her grip, and something she couldn’t see was moving closer in the darkness. Cathy groaned inwardly. This was so not turning out well. What was normally a relatively easy task had turned into a dicey maneuver. Her arms were too tired to climb back up, and without the ladder to act as a springboard helping propel her upward she’d never get her foot up over the beam.

***** Surfing the internet on his notebook computer, Blake pulled up his financial accounts. He’d been frugal over the years. As a result he had a rather nice portfolio. He’d invested in diverse but relatively safe bonds and funds. Still, liquidating the one hundred twenty thousand dollars it would take to buy out Steve was going to be

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painful. He would have to pay some penalties, but it was workable. No matter what, he would not let Steve sell his shares in the bar to anyone else. Investing in the club would serve to keep him involved in Cathy’s life. After all, a silent partner was still a partner. Right now he’d take whatever connection he could make to keep her in his life. He wanted more than anything to be able to help make her dreams come true. She deserved to have the feeling of security she desired. Heck, she deserved a great deal more than that. If he could have a small part in making sure her heart’s desire was fulfilled it would do his jaded soul good. Hopefully, Steve would keep his promise and wait before telling Cathy he had to sell. The thought of Cathy being stressed with worry about her livelihood was unsettling. If at all possible, Blake would prevent that. All he’d need were a few days to liquidate the funds and have them wired to a Florida bank. He certainly understood her goal of owning a house without banks being involved and being independent. Cathy had been through some rough times that would have crippled someone weaker and less intelligent. Distractedly, Blake looked around at the progress he’d made cleaning up his mother’s house. He’d gladly give Cathy this place, but he knew she would never accept something she hadn’t earned. It had to be her work that paid for her security. Otherwise, the victory would be tainted, not really her own. He’d already arranged with Steve to put his mother’s house on the market. When it sold he’d find a small apartment to live in while he decided what to do with the rest of his life. There was no way Blake could sit around idly. He was used to action. Already he was becoming bored. Snatching up his keys from the hall table he headed out into a light summer rain shower. He’d always enjoyed living near the beach, and the tropical climate. Driving around the town made him realize how much had changed, and how much was exactly the same as when he’d been in high school. The area was much more built up now, more densely populated, yet there was still that same small-town feeling of community. Workers in restaurants and stores were usually quick with a warm welcome and friendly smile. It was one of the things that had always made this coastal community feel like home. There were also the odd signs of urban decay though. Businesses that had failed were boarded up and the buildings left behind as a bleak reminder of lost dreams. Driving along the beach road no longer provided a clear view of the ocean. Condos, apartments, and restaurants had been built in every available space. If you were lucky you would catch a brief, fleeting glimpse of water from between the buildings. Kids still rode their bikes to the beach where they played Frisbee and volleyball. Lots of pretty girls still lay around on towels covered with shiny oils trying to capture the golden tones of the sun in their flesh. Mmm…but now they wore thongs and gstrings to show off bare, glistening ass cheeks. That was certainly an improvement.

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Parking his truck, Blake climbed out and took a deep breath. The air was heavy, sticky with humidity. Through the clean scent of rain he could still smell the salty sea air. Maybe he’d get a boat. He remembered slicing through the blue-green water on his friend’s small racing boat, getting the craft nearly seventy degrees up onto its side out of the water. They’d hook their feet under the center strap and lean all their weight back to keep the slim boat from tipping all the way over. What a rush. Those times on the water had always been magical. They would take to the waterways in whatever craft was available. Rowboat, sailboat, or speedboat—it didn’t matter. The best fun had been being pulled behind a fast boat on inner tubes. Those were such good memories created in a time when life had been simpler. Blake stood drinking in the fresh rain-scented air before moving toward the imposing building. Pulling open the heavy front door he made a mental note to address the issue of security. Being in the building alone with the doors unlocked was not a good idea. This wasn’t such a small town anymore. He was surprised by how different the bar really looked with all the lights on. Without the wall-to-wall crush of humanity it seemed much larger than he’d thought. And everything was first class all the way, which wasn’t surprising considering the owner. Figuring that the office would be at the back, Blake headed in that direction. Bang! The sound of something large slamming down onto the floor was almost as loud as a gunshot in the absolute quiet. He was instantly on alert. Something wasn’t right. What he saw after moving around the big center bar did not register at first—it was just too bizarre. It took him mind a moment to catch up and process the information being received by his stunned eyes. A short aluminum ladder lay collapsed on the floor with a shoe nearby, and dangling from the ceiling were a torso and flailing legs. Shit, he’d know those mile-long, luscious legs anywhere. The crazy woman was trying to kill herself. With quick, deft movements he repositioned the ladder and stood on it directly beneath her. His arms wrapped around Cathy’s slender waist, taking her weight from her trembling arms. In her panic she fought against him. Blake had to push away his own fears and pounding heart in order to take care of her. Seeing her dangling precariously had scared the shit out of him. Right now he had to reassure Cathy, calm her down. “Cathy, it’s me, sweetheart. If you don’t stop wiggling we’re both gonna end up on the floor.” “Blake,” she squeaked in a high, frightened voice. She allowed him to take the brunt of her weight off her arms with a sigh. “That’s it. Now, let go with your arms.” He felt her begin to relax into the support of his body, then backed down the ladder very carefully. When they reached the bottom 45

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she turned in his embrace, wrapping her arms around his neck, burying her face against his chest. Her shirt was soaked with sweat. A thick sheen glistened on her face and arms, which were beet red from exertion. The slender body he supported trembled uncontrollably against his own. Speaking soothingly, Blake rubbed her back. He was upset by her reckless actions. “You just scared about ten years off my life. Holy crap! What the hell do you think you were doing, Cathy?” From the high-pitched sound of her voice, Cathy had scared more than ten years off her own life. The feel of her continued trembling wrapped a tight fist around his heart. The crazy woman had almost killed herself. Sweeping her up in his arms, Blake carried Cathy to a nearby loveseat. He sat with her in his lap, not ready to let her go. He’d just come very close to losing her permanently. “I have to fix the leak in the roof before we open tonight. Can’t have water dripping on my customers,” she explained, knowing how lame it sounded. Shaking his head he looked down into her eyes, noting the stubborn set of her jaw. “Hell, Cathy, that’s what repairmen are for. Why didn’t you just call someone to come take care of the problem?” That damn stubborn, independent streak reared its head. He watched her pull her attitude around her like a shield. She pushed against his chest and jumped up onto legs that were still shaky from the close call. “Why should I call a man to make a minor repair that I am more than capable of handling myself? Hmm…maybe so I can pay an over inflated rate for labor while he takes long breaks and doesn’t get the work done on time. Then he can add in extra charges for things that a woman just wouldn’t understand were not needed for the job. All this so he can drool over my body, and try to get into my pants. No thanks.” Damn if she didn’t look cute standing with her hands fisted on her hips, spine ramrod straight, trying to look tough. It took a supreme effort of willpower to keep his eyes on hers instead of letting them roam that gorgeous body. Without a word, Blake stood and walked behind the bar. He pulled a glass down from an overhead rack and scooped in some ice. Grabbing the drink nozzle, it took a moment to decipher which button dispensed which beverage. After filling the glass with water he took it over to where she stood, hands still fisted on her hips. He wasn’t going to give her the fight she so obviously wanted, knowing full well it was just her way of coping with the adrenaline of her barely averted disaster. “Here, sweetheart. Sit down and take a drink.” She stood for several moments longer, the defiant gleam still sparkling in those deep green eyes. Finally she relented and sat down, the glass only slightly trembling in her hand. “Thank you.” Her tone reflected the agitation she was reluctant to give up so easily. “You could have called me, sweetheart. I would’ve been happy to come and fix that leak for you. It’s okay to ask for help once in a while, you know.” 46

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Her hackles rose at that last comment. “I don’t need any help. It’s a simple repair. This is my bar, and I can take care of it myself.” Blake raised his hand, cutting off her protest. “It would be a simple repair if you had the proper tools. It must have been immediately obvious that the ladder is too short. Damn, woman. You could have fallen and broke your pretty little neck. Not to mention you are alone in this building with the front doors unlocked so anyone can walk right on in.” He was beginning to get frustrated, the feeling clearly reflected in his sharp tone. “I…er…” Blake talked right over the top of her response. Kneeling at her feet he looked deeply into her eyes. The fear of losing her and agitation because she didn’t understand his emotions caused his voice to rise above her own. “You’re not alone. Don’t be ashamed of asking for help. It would kill me if something happened to you.” Cathy began to tremble again as his calloused fingers stroked over her flushed cheek. Her response had nothing to do with her earlier fear, and everything to do with his touch. “Shit, come here, sweetheart.” Blake pulled her forward onto her knees, her body flush against his much larger one. His big arms wrapped around her in what was meant to be a comforting embrace. Instead the feel of his body pressed so tightly against her own sent electrical surges arcing through every nerve in her body. His clean masculine scent filled her senses as she snuggled her face into his neck. “Blake, how do you always manage to rescue me just in time?” Feeling a little wild, Cathy did something that she normally wouldn’t even consider. She tasted him. It felt like she had no control over her actions. One moment she was snuggled against his neck, accepting the comfort he offered. The next she was overwhelmed with desire. Her tongue flicked out and slowly slipped into the prominent hollow at the base of his throat. Feeling his whole body stiffen, hearing his sharply inhaled breath only made her bolder. With the tip of her tongue she traced the strong column of his neck up to the corner of his jaw. Blake’s hands moved down her back and over her ass. He took one firm cheek in each hand, pulling her tighter against his body. She gasped at the feel of the hard and thick, rapidly enlarging erection pressed against her soft abdomen as she became lost in the dizzying response of her body. They were pressed tightly together from shoulder to knee. Blake kneaded and spread her ass cheeks. He pushed one thick thigh in between her legs, spreading them apart. The soft material of his denim-clad thigh pressed against the heat of her dampening pussy. One hand moved up her back to tangle in her hair. With a firm pull he turned her face up and his lips came down in a possessive kiss. Heat exploded from that small point of contact and spread outward in her overheated blood. “Open up for me, sweetheart.” 47

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Her lips parted and his tongue surged forward into her mouth, searching and probing. Lost in the sensations she sucked him in deeper. The pressure of his thigh against her engorged clit had her rocking against him. Blake guided her movements with a firm grip on one hip while his tongue mated with hers in the same primal rhythm. With each movement the seam of her shorts rubbed in a delicious friction over her clit and her pebbled nipples rubbed against his chest. Fire shot from the sensitive peaks straight down to her core. Hot cream gushed from her sopping wet pussy, dampening his jeans. Blake trailed kisses over her jaw to the sensitive area behind her ear. His breath was a warm caress. “Damn, you are so hot. That’s it, baby. Ride my leg. Come for me, Cathy. I want to watch as you’re overcome with pleasure.” His sexy words felt like another caress. Cathy was lost in the powerful sensations. His lips, breath, hands, and thigh were too much. Pressing closer still, she did as he instructed as the tension in her core rose higher. Every rasp of hard thigh and denim against her sensitive clit had her reeling until his lips closed over the pulse in her neck. Then one devilish hand snaked down the front of her shorts. When the blunt, rough tip of his finger stroked over her clit, Cathy exploded in a thermonuclear meltdown. Her orgasm stole her breath. She panted his name along with choked sobs, giving herself over to the intense sensations and emotions. It was such an incredible feeling to soar high above the world, Blake her only connection to earth. She needed this, needed him, more than she was comfortable to admit. Damn, he’d made her lose control again. A few kisses, lingering touches, and she melted in his hands. What the heck was wrong with her? She was tougher than that. When she finally felt recovered, Cathy once again pushed Blake away as was becoming her habit. She really did need to get her head on straight at some point, but not right now. Right now she let herself feel angry at him for having this effect on her. “What the hell are you doing, Blake? Why are you following me around?” She stared at him with a look full of righteous indignation. It didn’t matter that she had instigated the physical contact, she was still furious. The thought that she was just pushing him away because of her fears briefly filtered through her brain, but Cathy ignored the idea. Blake looked confused and hurt. She considered letting down her walls, but then anger overtook his handsome features, turning his face hard, his eyes steely and cold. “Not again. This is getting old. You go from flying at warp speed to a dead halt in seconds flat.” He shook his head briefly. Cathy could see him pull his anger around him like a shield, covering his physical need. “Give me a call when you finally decide to grow up, pest.”

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Blake sharply turned on his heel and marched out of the bar, letting the door slam shut behind him. The loud bang echoed through the empty bar. Cathy felt like she’d just driven a nail into her own coffin.

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Chapter Seven After another night of feeling restless and struggling for the comfort of sleep which never came, Cathy was ready for some relaxation. Thankfully the bar was closed on Sundays. With the Labor Day holiday on Monday she’d have two whole days to herself. It turned out to be a gloriously clear, sunny day. She packed up a cooler and headed out to the beach with all the other heathens who didn’t go to church. Driving with the top down had her looking forward to spending the day lazing around on a towel, soaking up the warmth of the sun. She loved this secluded stretch of beach that the tourists had not managed to find since it was in a residential area. After setting up her towel, Cathy kicked off her flip-flops and wiggled her toes in the cool sand. Her swimsuit was the one concession Cathy made regarding her baggy clothing. In order to look bronzed and sexy for work she’d chosen a tiny bikini to tan as much skin as possible while remaining covered. The little scrap of material was barely decent. Although she had to admit that somewhere deep down inside it gave her a private little thrill to wear the tiny garment in public. Mmm…a whole day to just take it easy. Nothing to do but breathe in the warm salty air. No more worries about the bar since she’d gotten Ray to patch the roof. She covered every exposed inch of skin with suntan oil. With a cold drink in her hand, she lay back on a big fluffy towel. Dark sunglasses shaded her eyes, as the sun warmed her oil-slicked skin. To avoid tan lines she lowered the straps from her neck. Small triangles of material lay over her full breasts, covering not too much more than her nipples. One day she’d own one of the houses along the private beach. Then all she’d have to do would be walk out her back door to be on the beach. She’d scrimp, save, and continue to work hard until she never had to depend on anyone. Her favorite house was a typical wooden structure on stilts that raised it above sea level. It was not the most majestic of the beach houses, but the simple two-story home had an easygoing tropical feel that appealed to Cathy, reminding her of Key West. The big bay windows, and balconies didn’t hurt any either. Hopefully, one day… Lying back she let all her cares melt away. Relaxation and calm flowed through her as she listened to her portable CD player. Even the situation with Blake didn’t seem like such a big deal to her anymore. The popular country crooner Kenny Chesney sang about not having to deal with anything related to work. That’s the way she felt—no complications, no problems. Just the sun reflecting on the sand, and a cold drink in her hand. Perfect. Who needed anything else? She certainly didn’t. Cathy felt like a lazy lump after lying there for a while, but soon she’d have to think about turning over to tan her

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backside. Somehow she just didn’t have the energy or desire to lift even a tiny little bare toe. A slight chill spread through Cathy as a shadow fell over her body. Propping herself up on her elbows, she slid her sunglasses down her nose, squinting to see what the heck was between her and the sun. Her heart nearly seized at the sight of Blake standing over her half-naked, backlit by the sun. She could just imagine that his dazzling sapphire eyes were twinkling with mischief, and feel the need burning in his heated gaze. It felt rather intimidating. He looked like a sailor who had been on a long tour and was now ravenous for a woman, namely her. Cathy averted her eyes. That heated look was just too intense. Slowly, her gaze wandered over his magnificent body. The man was a work of art, no doubt about it. A light smattering of curly blond hair randomly sprang up between well-formed pectorals. Flat, dusky male nipples piqued her curiosity. She’d love to run her tongue over those small discs. She’d never seen more highly defined oblique abdominal muscles as were displayed along his rigid, washboard abdomen. Following the trail of muscular ridges down, she mentally traced the indentation above each hip that disappeared at an angle down into black swim trunks riding low on narrow hips. Cathy felt a strong desire to follow the little trail of fine hair that started below his navel before dropping in a straight line into his waistband. Her fingers itched to be set free on his hard body. Unconsciously her tongue flicked out, wetting suddenly dry lips. Her eyes continued their downward path, devouring every splendid inch. A fascinating bulge nicely filled out the front of his trunks. Long, thick muscles covered hairy thighs. Even his big feet were appealing. Just as slowly, she made the return trip up to Blake’s handsome face where she found a devilish smile curving those kissable lips. Absently, she wondered if the backside was half as delightful as the front. A deep ache began in her abdomen, spreading out through her body. Sensations that only he had ever inspired sparked to life. She was a goner. It was all over and she waited for the credits to roll by declaring the end of a hard-fought battle. Her heart leapt at the chance to be reclaimed by the boy from next door whom she’d always loved. Really, it had been over from the start. Cathy had never stood a chance, regardless of how hard she’d fought to keep the feelings pushed back. He’d had her heart from the first moment she’d seen him when she was only eleven. What had started as a child’s crush had grown into young love during the five years that Blake had lived next door. Her heart and mind had never relinquished its hold on that love, making it quickly flourish into the mature love she felt at this very moment. It was a good thing she was lying down because his rich buttery voice melted her into a gooey, pliant mass. “Hey there, good lookin’. Should I turn around so you can check out the rear view?” he perceptively teased. Blake fought off the urge to drop down over her scantily clad body, covering her from anyone else’s view. Instead he laid a towel out next to hers, surreptitiously

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sneaking glances at her amazing body. He’d gotten over being upset about her constantly pushing him away. Hell, he was a SEAL who always succeeded at his missions. Conquering Cathy was another mission that he was determined would be successful. Her little antics and games were not going to stop him. Being a SEAL, he was well trained in succeeding at all costs, in any place, and in any situation. And all of his missions had been successful. Conquering Cathy would be his most important mission, and his pure determination, along with that extensive training would ensure that he would be the victor in this battle of wills. He nearly tripped over his own feet watching her take her breasts into her hands, holding her top in place, while turning over onto her abdomen. The new position provided a heavenly view of her high, tight ass cheeks. The sight had Blake’s cock fighting to get her attention while straining painfully against his shorts. Down boy. This is going to require some finesse. Can’t just fall on her, no matter how badly I ache. Picking up the bottle of oil from the corner of her towel, Blake went to work. At first her muscles tensed under his hands. Soon she relaxed and enjoyed the sensual massage he gave while spreading the oil over every glorious inch of her back. Her skin was warm, and soft as silk. With practiced skill he kneaded her shoulders and back. He pretended not to notice her sharply indrawn breath or the incredible sensations radiating up through his arms as his fingers stroked along the sides of her plump breasts. God, how he wanted to taste her skin again. But if she was ever to trust him, then he had to keep himself under tight control. He would not mess this up. It was too important. He would plan his attack and follow through. Nimble fingers plucked at the strings holding her bathing suit in place, rendering her back completely naked. His fingers walked down the ladder of her spine to discover twin dimples above the small G-string bikini bottom. Her firm, rounded cheeks were gloriously bare. Closing his eyes, Blake fought to control his ragged breathing while playing his fingers over the small indentations. Moving his hands over her hips, he avoided her exposed ass, no matter how tempting. He spread oil under the tiny straps tied at each side before moving down her long, delectable legs. Squatting at her feet he spent several minutes massaging her instep. A deep, throaty purr passed her lips as his oil-slick fingers intertwined with her toes. He wanted to suck each dainty digit until she melted. With slow motions he stroked her ankles and began moving up her calves. When he reached the sensitive flesh behind her knees, Blake could plainly see the dark, damp spot soaking her bikini bottom. He was turning her on. Taking deep breaths he worked to keep his fingers from wandering too far. He had to take this slowly. As he made his way farther up her legs he caught the slightly musky scent of her arousal.

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Taking a moment, he rearranged his throbbing cock within the confines of his trunks. What he really wanted to do was rip them from his body, raise her hips, and slide home. She was hot, wet and ready for him. In less than two seconds he could have the little scrap of material out of the way and have his cock buried deep within her pussy. His oily fingers itched as they finally flexed over her firm ass cheeks. The smooth skin felt like silk under the calloused flesh of his palms. Sliding his hands over her curvy bottom provided the most sinful sensations. Cathy’s little moans of pleasure heated his blood. Blake convinced himself that to do the job right he needed to rub the oil under the elastic edge of her bikini bottom. Wouldn’t want her to get an uneven tan. Yeah, that justification made perfect sense. Starting at her hips he slid his fingers just under the edge of thin fabric, working his way over generous curves. How far would she let him go? Inch by glorious inch his fingers moved closer to her core, delving into the deep crevice between her cheeks. Gradually he let more of the length of each digit slide beneath the cloth. Amazingly, she lifted her ass slightly, giving him free access to go as far as he desired. At the last possible second before encountering her puckered little hole, Blake pulled his fingers away. Damn it, he wouldn’t take her out in the open on a beach. When he came together with Cathy they’d be somewhere no one would disturb them. Someplace where he could spend hours learning every beautiful curve and dimple. He’d slide his hands all over her satiny smooth skin. Once he had her to himself, Blake planned to lick, suck, tease and make love to every glorious inch of Cathy Markham. No matter how many lovers she’d had in the past, he’d bring her to new heights of pleasure. He’d show her every way a man could love a woman. And once he got her into his bed, he’d never let her go again. Dropping carefully onto his abdomen to hide his erection, Blake buried his head between his folded arms. Never in his life had he been so hard and aching, and if he kept touching her, there would be no stopping. Cathy was burning with need. Why the hell had he stopped when he’d just about reached the very place she needed him, wanted him? Hell, she’d done everything but grab his hand and shove his fingers into her empty pussy. She was sorely tempted to slide her own hand beneath her body to stroke her pulsing clit, knowing that for the first time she could actually succeed in bringing herself pleasure. It would probably only take one or two quick caresses to send her over the edge. She’d almost come just from him stroking her ass so tenderly. Each breath pushed her aching nipples into the towel, sending frissons of heat straight to her core. It took a great effort of will to keep from attacking the man who seemed to have gone to sleep on the towel only inches from her own. She’d been so ready. Cathy wanted nothing more than to have him slide between her thighs and take her right there on the beach. She couldn’t care less at the moment if anyone saw them. To hell with it, she needed some relief.

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As inconspicuously as possible she slid her slender fingers under her abdomen and beneath the elastic of her bottoms. With her thumb and pinky she spread her drenched labia open, using her index finger to pleasure the small bundle of needy nerves. She was unable to prevent a small moan from escaping her lips. Instantly, Blake was alert. She could feel his eyes devouring her body. On the third stroke her hips bucked as she exploded, soaking her fingers with hot juices. Biting her lower lip she was barely able to keep from crying out. The man was having a definite effect on her libido. She’d never masturbated before, now she was doing so in public during the middle of the day. “Oh fuck,” Blake groaned from her side. Before she knew what was happening he had her turned over, flat on her back. Seizing her wrist in a tight grip, he pulled her dripping fingers to his lips while she struggled to make sure her top was in place with the other hand. With a look of pure delight he sucked her fingers languidly, not missing a drop of her hot juices. The heat of his mouth and feel of his tongue swirling around each digit had her writhing in agony, stretched tight on a rack of desire. It didn’t matter that she’d just come. Her body was already preparing itself for more. His eyes remained closed as he devoured her fingers like they were an exquisite delicacy. Small humming noises rattled up from his chest. Releasing her wrist he said, “I need another taste, sweetheart.” Stunned, Cathy just stared at him. She had no idea what he was asking of her. Sensing her confusion, he provided details. “Slip your fingers inside that wet pussy and get me some more of your sweet juices. I need to taste more of you, Cathy.” When she hesitated he growled, “Do it now, before I embarrass both of us.” Okay, come on, girl. You can do this. Heck, you just masturbated in front of him. Give the man what he wants. With seductively slow movements she slid her fingers over her flat abdomen. Blake groaned as they slipped beneath her bikini, sliding through her wet slit. For a moment she was tempted to stroke her clit again, see if she could bring on another orgasm. “Cathy,” Blake growled. His eyes narrowed on her, threatening retribution if she didn’t follow his command. She wanted to employ her wild Cat persona, see exactly what would happen if she denied him. Yet on the other hand, she wanted to give him everything, anything. How wonderful it would be to let someone else worry about everything. To just relinquish control and relax. Blake was someone who would easily manage things for her, allowing Cathy to take a true breath for the first time in years. No, she screamed in her head. You can’t depend on anyone. He’ll leave again, then where will you be. Alone again, begging for scraps. You can’t go back to that life. You have to be strong, independent. You can’t depend on or need anyone.

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Going against the voice of caution in her head, and with tentative motions, she pulled her hand from her bikini, holding out her slick fingers in a silent offering, which Blake eagerly seized. The intensity in his sapphire gaze was too much for her. Cathy closed her eyes, letting her flesh melt in his hot mouth. Her emotions were so conflicted. An internal war was being waged to decide between following her head and following her heart. Her hard-won independence was in danger. Wasn’t this what she’d always wanted? She had longed to be loved by this man ever since she’d been eleven years old. Would it really be so bad to let down her guard, let him inside? How terrible would it be to just feel for once? “Well, well, well. Isn’t this a cozy scene?” Cathy gasped in horror at the familiar sound of Steve’s voice. A bright red flush spread from her cheeks, down to her breasts. Hopefully he would just think she had a sunburn. She struggled to free her trembling hand from Blake’s grasp, only succeeding in jerking her fingers from his mouth, but he held her wrist in an iron-hard grip. With a cocky casualness he responded to her brother. “Hey, Steve. Beautiful day, isn’t it?” No matter how hard she pulled while still trying to be discreet, he held tightly to her wrist. Looking up at her brother, Cathy watched him take in every nuance of the tableau at his feet. Glancing over she winced at the sight of the prominent erection Blake did nothing to hide. Thinking of her own disheveled state, Cathy wanted to crawl into a hole and die. How mortifying. Thankfully her top had mostly stayed in place when Blake had flipped her over. There was nothing she could do about the straps dangling at her sides, or the wet material covering her crotch. In an attempt at modesty she pressed her thighs tightly together. Covering up the scent of sex in the air was another issue altogether. She prayed Steve did not pick up the smell. She bit back a moan by sinking her teeth into her bottom lip. Pressing her thighs together had not been the best idea. The pressure against her clit and swollen folds sent streamers of aftershocks through her body. She fought to remain quiet. With a casualness that belayed the tension surrounding them, Steve plopped down on the end of her towel. Reaching into the cooler he pulled out a soda and tossed it to Blake, forcing him to release Cathy’s wrist since he was leaning on the other arm. He pulled out a second can for himself, and popped the top. Blake could tell the prick was enjoying every second of his sister’s discomfort. If it wouldn’t have upset Cathy, he’d have told the jerk off. As it was he just sat quietly. He didn’t have to wait long for his friend’s next move. “Imagine my surprise and delight walking down the beach and spotting my two favorite people together, enjoying the sunny day. I said to myself, ‘self, you should go over there and invite them to lunch. They look awful cozy, but they won’t mind the interruption’.” 55

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As impossible as it seemed, Cathy turned an even brighter shade of red. Blake wanted to deck the big idiot. What did Steve hope to accomplish by trying to play big brother now? He watched in agony as Cathy secured her bikini straps with obviously trembling hands. Then she pulled an oversized T-shirt from her bag and quickly covered herself. Steve’s eyes narrowed as he looked between the two of them. The idiot had succeeded in embarrassing the hell out of his little sister. “Um…no,” she stammered. “No thanks, Steve. I was just heading out. I have to get home and do some…um…laundry. Yes, I have to do laundry before I run out of things to wear.” “Hell, Cathy. Don’t run off on my account,” Steve said, wearing an amused grin. “No,” she practically yelled, “I really have to go.” Without a glance in Blake’s direction she gathered her things and headed for the parking lot. He could tell it took great effort on her part not to run. Blake waited until she was safely out of earshot to address Steve. “You’re such a prick. What the hell was that about?” Steve’s brown eyes had turned dark and menacing. Blake held his gaze, never breaking eye contact. He’d had stared down much fiercer characters than Steve Markham. “While your intimidation techniques might work on Cathy, they won’t get you anywhere with me. What’s your deal?” Blake asked. His friend chuckled without any real humor. “No, I wouldn’t expect the ex-SEAL to be intimidated by a simple look.” Taking a deep breath, Blake said, “Just spit it out, man.” Steve stared a moment longer before speaking. “I don’t care how much of a Barneybadass you were in the Navy—hurt my sister and I’ll make you pay. One way or another, I’ll make you pay.” Blake just stared at his friend. He knew the drill. Steven had to make a show of protecting his little sister even though he’d already given Blake the go-ahead. “Do you disapprove?” he asked candidly. “Of you seducing her? That depends on your intentions.” Blake remained silent for only a moment before deciding to risk it all. “What if my intentions are serious? What if I intend to never let her go?” Steve’s brow rose at that. Blake was certainly not known for serious relationships. Hell, most of the time he never spent more than two days with any one woman. “Is that what you have in mind? How does Cathy feel about it?” In a gesture that reflected his frustration with the conversation, Blake raked his fingers through his short hair. For several minutes he searched his heart. No other woman had ever made him want to stay around for more that a quick wham-bamthank-you-ma’am. Was he really contemplating staying in one place with one woman? 56

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“If you hadn’t interrupted, I might have found that out,” he complained. The thought of being with anyone else left him feeling cold and hollow. Just the few stolen moments he’d shared with Cathy were better than anything he’d ever experienced. His emotions were involved. She called to his heart, reached into his soul. He would kill any other man who dared touch her. She was his woman. And there it was, plain and simple. “Surprising as it may seem, yes! Never letting go is exactly what I have in mind. I want her tucked safely against my side where no one can ever touch or hurt her. I want to spoil her rotten, make babies, and grow old with your sister.” He stared into Steve’s eyes. “You have a problem with that?” Holy shit. Had he just said make babies? It only took a moment for Blake to realize that he meant that. He wanted kids and marriage, but not with just any woman. Only with Cathy. Several very tense minutes passed, making Blake begin to sweat his friend’s reaction. Steve’s eyes revealed nothing, but eventually a smile crept across the other man’s face. “No problems here as long as you never hurt her. You might have a few problems getting Cathy to agree though.” Blake smiled mischievously. “If you hadn’t interrupted us, I’d already have her melting in my arms.” This time Steve threw back his head and laughed heartily. “Don’t count on it, man. Cathy is a hell of a lot more stubborn than you think. She’s had to be to make it as far as she has. It won’t be easy to get past her independence.”

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Chapter Eight Shivers racked her body every time Cathy thought about that afternoon at the beach. How much had Steve seen? It had been two days, and she hadn’t heard a word from either man. She’d never been more embarrassed in her life, but the fear of discovery had added a zing of excitement to the whole encounter. At the time it had happened, all that had existed in her world was Blake. She’d lost all sense of where she had been. The only thing that had mattered was the man at her side and the wonderfully wicked things they’d done. He was extremely dangerous to her self-control. That afternoon she would very willingly have given up all her hard-won independence and comfort without a second thought. She’d given him complete control over the steamy encounter. Shit, she’d masturbated where anyone could watch. That was so far out there for her. Cathy paced restlessly back and forth in her office. She had no idea why she’d bothered to come to the bar. It wasn’t like she could concentrate on work. She had bigger things to worry about. Somehow she had to find a way to fortify the barricades around her heart. Blake Carlisle could easily screw up her well-ordered life. He could ruin everything she’d worked to build. Or he could make everything so much better. Do you really want to keep him at a distance? Isn’t between your legs where you really want the man? “Shut up,” she hollered at her inner voice. Damn wicked thing was constantly giving her conflicting information, playing devil’s advocate. No. You’ve got to face reality. We’re talking about Blake Carlisle. The love of your life. The sooner you admit your true feelings the better. You already belong to him, always have. Your heart, body, and soul have been his since the first time you saw him. His impact on you is even more intense now than when you were a teenager. Cathy wanted to scream. She wanted to throw something against the wall. “Why now? Why the hell has he come back?” In another year she would have everything she’d dreamed of. A home, security, total independence. She would be immune to his charm then, right? When she’d driven along the beach that morning, she’d had a major shock. The house she’d always loved had a “for sale” sign staked out in the yard. A clear tube attached to the sign held information sheets. They were only asking two hundred sixty thousand. Having kept a close watch of waterfront home prices in the area, she knew that was a really good asking price for the house. She looked over the papers on her desk again. If she cut back on the entertainment budget and how much she put back into the bar, maybe she could just manage to buy 58

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the house. Of course, she would have to really tighten her belt for the next year. There could be no unexpected expenses, and no new outfits for work. She’d really have to watch her budget. If she took a loan for the house… No. She would not do that. When she got her house, Cathy did not want a mortgage hanging over her head. She wanted it to be completely hers. It had been bad enough that she’d had to take out a loan for the bar. Doing so for the house was not a compromise she was willing to make. Someone knocked on the door, drawing her attention. Great. Wonderful timing. She was in no mood to deal with anyone right now. Muttering curses that would burn the ears of a sailor, Cathy forcefully yanked open the door. Her stomach dropped down to her toes, like the feeling you get as a roller coaster plunges toward the earth. “Aw shit,” she muttered weakly. From the look on Steve’s face she could tell whatever had brought him here was not good news. “Nice greeting,” he grumbled, and stalked past her into the room. “What do you want, Steve? I’m in no mood for games today!” she warned. He really looked like hell. His hair was mussed, and his normally neat suit appeared terribly wrinkled. It looked like he’d slept in his clothes. Worry lines creased his brow, and a scowl thinned his lips. “I’m not going to beat around the bush, Cathy. I’m really sorry, but I am having some problems with the agency. I’m going to have to sell my share of the bar to keep my business afloat.” Her heart rate skyrocketed, beating double time as blood pounded in her ears. This can’t be happening. Not now. Oh God, why is everything going crazy now, just when everything she’d ever wanted was almost within her grasp. She tried to speak but all that escaped her suddenly tight throat was a slight squeak. Grabbing the bottle of water off her desk, she choked some down to moisten her dry mouth. Her voice was barely a whisper when she tried again. “You can’t sell your shares, Steve. I won’t let you. I’ll have to buy you out myself.” All the strength left her body. Cathy slid down into her chair feeling like a quivering lump of Jell-o. There goes my house. Steve paced nervously back and forth across the office, feeling like a total heel. “I’m so sorry, Cathy. I know the house you want just went on the market. Hell, one of my agents took the listing. If there was any other way…” “I know, Steve. It’s all right. There will be another house. I’ll call my accountant and get the money liquidated. How soon do you need a check?” Staring into his sister’s defeated eyes, Steve wanted to roar with rage. “What if I can find someone acceptable to buy my share of the bar?” 59

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Cathy was shaking her head before even hearing a name. “No. There is no one else I could put up with as a partner.” Seeing the distress in his eyes she walked to her brother and enveloped him in a hug. “It’s okay, Steve. Now the Filling Station will finally be all mine. You know that’s the way I’ve always wanted it.” He brushed a kiss against her forehead. “I’m so sorry, honey.” Cathy was certain Steve was sorry. He looked years older and stressed to the max. “Don’t worry about anything. I’ll have my accountant liquidate the funds. You’ll have a check by the end of the week.”

***** Blake drove to the real estate agency prepared to seal the deal. In his breast pocket was a certified check that would bind him and Cathy together as partners. On the seat next to him was the signed contract for Steve to sell his mother’s house. So much had changed in the brief time since he’d been discharged. He would now be part owner in a successful bar with his best friend’s little sister. And he had no intentions of being a silent partner. He was greeted by a cheerful, elderly receptionist who made him think of grandmothers. She told him Steve had stepped out to take care of some business, but was expected back shortly. After offering him something to drink, she seated him in Steve’s plush office to wait. The man had certainly appeared to have done all right for himself. The huge oak desk sported a state-of-the-art computer system. The furnishings were lush and expensive. Hell, his leather executive chair alone must have set him back a pretty penny. It wasn’t even five minutes later that his friend slunk in and dropped dejectedly into the chair behind the massive desk. He looked like he’d been pulled through the wringer. “Wow, who shit in your toy box?” Blake teased. The old wisecrack did not have its normal result. Steve did not look amused. “Some days you just want to ask what the hell else can go wrong, but you don’t say those words out loud, because the moment you do…you find out.” Planting his elbows on the desk, Steve dropped his face into his hands. After several moments he dropped his hands again to stare at Blake. “Just spit it out, man.” Steve nodded. “Okay. Everything is all fucked up.” “Well, sure. That explains it.” He laughed, but the sound was not the least bit merry. It took several minutes for the whole story to unfold. Blake was so mad he wanted to hit someone. The house Cathy had always wanted had gone on the market, but she 60

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wouldn’t be able to buy her security because of her stubborn, independent determination that no one else would take a share in her bar. She was going to buy Steve out, then sit back and watch while someone else moved into her dream house. “I had to tell her since the house went on the market. She was already going through her finances trying to figure out how to swing buying it ahead of her schedule.” Now it was Blake’s turn to stand up and pace. Damn it, he wouldn’t let this happen. That stubborn woman was just going to have to put up with having another partner. Hell, he’d even be a silent partner if that’s what she wanted, but he wouldn’t stand by and watch her lose her dream. “Has she given you any money yet? Have you signed any papers?” he asked. At first Steve just stared at him. “No, but it doesn’t make any difference. There’s nothing I can do to help her now. Cathy won’t let me.” Blake turned to face his friend and slammed his fist down on the desk with anger swirling in the depths of his eyes. “Shut up and let me think.” For several minutes he paced the room before turning to Steve once again. “Do you have the papers drawn up to sell me your shares?” “Yes, but I can’t sell to you.” Pulling the check from his pocket, Blake slammed it down in front of Steve. “Sign the papers. Finish our deal. Then you get the money you need, and Cathy can buy her house.” Steve sputtered and stammered. “I…she’ll kill me. We…no. We can’t do that to her.” Blake slammed his hand down on the desk again. “You idiot! Think about it. We will be helping her get what she wants. It’s not like you’re selling your shares to a stranger. This is what we have to do so Cathy can have what she wants, what she deserves.” They were both quiet for a long time, each lost in his own thoughts. Finally, Steve broke the silence. “She’s gonna be pissed. Probably never talk to either one of us again.” Blake dropped into the chair once again. “What the hell else are we supposed to do? It’s the only way, and you know it.” With a silent nod they formulated a plan and closed the deal. Papers were signed, and money changed hands. Steve had the funds he needed, Blake was a partner in the club, and Cathy would have her house if everything worked as they hoped. If she didn’t murder both of them it would be a miracle. Steve all too happily agreed to let Blake be the one to tell Cathy.

*****

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During the short drive to the club, Blake thought about the best way to handle breaking the news. He finally decided on being open and up-front about what they’d done, but the moment he walked into her office all his good intentions flew right out the window. Cathy stood before the floor-length mirror adjusting the way her breasts spilled out of her top. The black velvet and lace bustier hugged her ribs, pushing her bronzed breasts up over the satin-trimmed top. Ivory satin laces snaked up the front of the incredibly tight garment that belonged in the bedroom, not in a bar. A great expanse of skin was visible between where the top ended and her lowslung shorts began. The satiny black micro-shorts left the delicious curve of her ass visible. Shiny black patent leather boots rose to mid-thigh from four-inch spiked heels. Her chestnut tresses had been curled and piled haphazardly on her head in a freshly fucked look. Bouncy strands curled down over her shoulders, framing her gorgeous face. Dramatic makeup gave her catlike eyes even more of an upward turn. Her luscious lips were painted a dark cinnamon color. Just one look had Blake picturing them on his throbbing cock. But the thought of her prancing around all the horny men in the bar looking like she did made his recently discovered green-eyed monster rear its ugly head. It was a weird feeling for him. He’d never been jealous of any other woman. “Holy shit! You look like a prostitute.” The words escaped his mouth before his brain had a chance to protest. Blake regretted it even while speaking the hateful comment. He was just so stunned there was no way to stop the words from tumbling out. Cathy turned on him with daggers shooting from her cold, hurt gaze. Seeing the pain and fury in those normally warm, expressive green eyes was like a knife turning in his chest. “Who asked you, Blake? I don’t remember soliciting your opinion. Frankly, it’s none of your business.” Her hands were fisted on her hips in that defiant stance she took when angry. Seeing the fire and passion rise up in Cathy had a visible effect on his already rock-hard erection. The blood that was needed to help his brain function all headed south. When her eyes connected with his ragging hard-on, Cathy gasped. Blake’s brain still was not connected to his mouth, as evidenced by his next statement. “As a thirty percent partner in this bar it certainly is my business!” The heated flush that had colored her high cheekbones quickly faded to a pale, sickly white as the color drained from Cathy’s face. There was no going back now. All he could do was stand firm. Grabbing the desk for support, Cathy lowered herself into her chair. “Oh God, he didn’t,” she cried. Her turbulent eyes searched his for the truth. Blake’s grim determination must have said more than his words. Cathy dropped her head down onto the desk, covering it with her now shaking hands. She had no legal 62

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way to keep Steve from selling his shares to whomever he chose, and knew her brother would go against her wishes if he thought he was helping her. A vise tightened over his heart as Blake watched her distress. The worst part was that it was distress he’d created, something he’d never wanted to cause her to feel. Was it really so bad to have him as a business partner? Everything he’d done was for her benefit. He had to find a way to make her see that. Moving around the desk, he knelt at her side. He gently moved Cathy’s hands and lifted her chin. “Sweetheart, what was I supposed to do? Steve told me about needing the funds, and about the house. I’ve been looking for a business investment. His selling the shares to me made sense. This way everyone gets what they want, what they need.” She stared at him with an incredulous look on her sweet face. Blake noticed that flecks of gold and black shot through those amazingly turbulent sea green windows to her soul. Every emotion and feeling was clearly expressed in her eyes. “We did it for you, Cathy.” His eyes begged for her understanding. Her laugh was high-pitched and lacked any real humor. “You two morons took it upon yourselves to decide what was best for me? What about what I want? I told Steve that I did not want another partner. This is my bar,” she said, slamming her hand down on the desk. “I created this place from the floor to the rafters. No one else. I don’t need anyone else!” Her need for independence drove a wedge between them. It was just beginning to dawn on Blake how she perceived his interference. From her point of view he’d manipulated things to work in a way that suited him, without concern for her feelings, when actually everything he’d done was for her. Damn, he’d really screwed up. “Cathy—” With a sudden surge of adrenaline, she shot up from the chair. “No! I don’t want to hear it. Go back to Steve’s office and undo what you two have done. I am not going to have you as a partner. The last thing I need is another big brother looking over my shoulder.” Blake was stunned. He stood in shock, looking at the woman he’d thought he knew pretty well, but she really had changed. He moved in closer, stalking her around the small room, not stopping until she was backed against the wall. Planting a hand on either side of her head, Blake trapped her in place. “Is that how you see me, Cathy? As a big brother? ‘Cause I sure don’t look at you like a little sister. I thought I made that pretty clear already, both here in the bar and on the beach.” Her sharply spoken response made his head spin. “Those were mistakes that should never have happened.” With both hands planted flat against his chest she shoved him. Blake remained stock-still, staring into her eyes, refusing to move. Finally, after several tense moments of watching her pained expression he backed away.

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“What we’ve shared has not been a mistake, Cathy. Don’t ever think that.” Turning once again, Cathy walked to the door. “Yes, it was. I have to work now. Get out of my bar, Blake.” Before he could respond she stalked out with her head held high, back ramrod straight. She slammed the door to punctuate her statement. The woman wanted nothing to do with him. Well, he’d just have to change her mind. Lieutenant Blake Carlisle, exNavy SEAL officer, had a new mission in life. He’d never failed in any mission. This would not be his first.

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Chapter Nine As was becoming a tiring pattern, Cathy did not sleep again that night. The events of the past week swirled around in her head, refusing to let her rest. She moved through her usual routine on automatic pilot. After a cup of coffee she would perform a strenuous workout. Then she’d shower and head off to work. Even being in the bar no longer held its normal appeal. It was becoming increasingly more difficult for her to maintain her Cat persona. Earlier in the day, she’d written the check that would make her sole owner of the Filling Station. Steve said he’d take care of everything with Blake. It had been a great weight off her mind to finally have the issue settled so she could concentrate on business and forget her silly dreams of owning a house. Standing before the bathroom mirror she took in the dark circles under her eyes. She sure didn’t look like the seductress that Cat was supposed to be. Something had to change before she lost her mind. She’d called in sick for the night. It was time for a mental health day off. Her whole body was tense. She stalked around the apartment talking to herself, finding no answers to the many questions plaguing her mind. Time and again she kept going back over what had transpired. It irritated her that the two men had thought they could just do whatever they wanted. “Just what the hell did Steve think he was doing?” Cathy laughed out loud. The answer is in the question. The idiot didn’t think. He just let Blake bulldoze him into selling him the shares. “And what the hell is Blake’s motivation?” Was he still trying to be her knight in tarnished armor? Oh, and didn’t he have some nerve coming into her bar and criticizing her clothes and actions? The more she thought about the events of the past several days, the more frustrated she became. Men were so stupid. It was no wonder that only one man out of their entire gender could turn her on. “If he thinks he’s getting into my pants, well then he has another think coming. Of course, if I keep losing my good sense around him that’s exactly what he’s going to think.” What was it about the man that got beneath all her defenses? A sharp rap on her door pulled Cathy out of her musings. Who the heck would show up here in the evening? It couldn’t be the elderly widow next door knocking that loudly. No one who knew where she lived would know that she’d skipped out on work for the first time ever, so they wouldn’t come here looking for her. She pulled the door open with more force than necessary, feeling irritated with the interruption. She audibly groaned at the sight that greeted her.

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“Aw, shit. What the hell do you want now?” Cathy rudely questioned. Of course it had to be the man who had her so tied up in knots standing on her doorstep. Damn if he didn’t look scrumptious too. He wore a crisp white button-down shirt tucked neatly into black slacks. The first few buttons of the shirt were open, displaying a tantalizing glimpse of his muscular chest. A bouquet of sterling roses dangled casually from one hand. Yummy. “Um…hi! Am I interrupting something?” One eyebrow arched up in question. “Wh-what? Oh…ah, no. I was just getting ready to make some dinner.” “Oh, okay. I thought I heard you talking to someone.” “No, and again, what do you want? I don’t have time for games right now, Blake!” Cathy gave him the coldest look she was able to manage, but it was decidedly difficult. He looked like a little boy standing there—shy and unsure. Her senses were tantalized by a heavenly scent as he held out the flowers. “Your favorite, if memory serves. No thorns, just perfect pale lavender blooms.” Oh God. Her heart was beating triple time. How was she supposed to resist the gorgeous man of her dreams standing at the door with her favorite flowers, looking repentant? She’d dreamed of this for so many years. Just the slightest bit of his attention focused on her. “I’m sorry, Cathy. I was only doing what I thought was best—trying to help.” Cathy was absolutely speechless. She actually felt tears forming at the corners of her eyes, her anger quickly dissipating. Down by his feet sat two large brown bags. After she took the flowers he bent down to retrieve the sacks. She caught the fragrant scents of chili sauce, curry, and ginger. Her stomach grumbled, letting her know in no uncertain terms what it wanted. “May I come in so we can discuss it? I brought some takeout.” Shit, she had no willpower where he was concerned. When he focused those intent, sparkling blue eyes on her, Cathy was lost. This was all her greatest fantasies come to life. Blake Carlisle standing at her doorstep asking for her attention. She could not turn him away. “I hope you like Thai,” he said. “I wasn’t sure, so I got a little bit of everything.” She just stood there staring at him. It took her a moment to gather her wits about her. A pink flush spread across Cathy’s cheeks. She couldn’t be bought with flowers and takeout. Could she? Apparently the answer was yes. Without really thinking about it she moved to the side allowing him to enter her apartment. “I…um. I’m sorry. Please, come inside.” She led the way to the kitchen. “I love Thai food.” Cathy almost clasped her hand over her mouth. Why the hell was she inviting him inside? Her head screamed for her to push Blake away. Her heart and body obviously overrode her good sense, having their own agendas. When the hell had she become so 66

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wishy-washy? She was melting inside, barely able to keep up a steely demeanor on the outside. Blake looked around, quietly taking in the comfortable apartment. It was decorated in calming earth tones. Breathtaking black and white photographic posters of beach scenes hung on the walls presenting views of sun, surf, and sand. Everything about the apartment was as unpretentious and relaxed as Cathy. There was none of the flash and fanfare visible like she displayed at the bar. The furniture was made to be comfortable. He could tell she was the kind of woman who liked to sit back and put her feet up on the coffee table. There was nothing frilly, or overly modern. He instantly felt at home. Cathy watched him take in her belongings. When he visibly relaxed, so did she. In her head that wicked little inner voice was laughing its ass off. Oh yeah. That’s it, round over, ring the bell. There is no escaping the charming, delicious temptation. Why bother trying to fight it. Standing with her arms crossed over her chest, Cathy tried to look formidable while her insides were melting. He set the bags down on the kitchen counter then turned to face her. All she wanted to do was move in close and take shelter in his embrace. “Steve had every intention of following through with selling his shares to you, Cathy. When I heard about the house, I just couldn’t let him do that. I started looking out for you the first time we met, and it’s hard for me not to follow a habit that I enjoy so much. I’m sorry. I just wanted to help.” He paused, staring deeply into her eyes. Cathy felt that look pulling at her heart. It was impossible to stay mad at him over a botched effort to help her. “In a way I manipulated Steve, worked things the way I wanted them to go. I was looking for an investment, something to do now that I’m a civilian, but it was more than that. I couldn’t pass up the chance to get closer to you.” She couldn’t speak. And really, what could she say after a statement like that. It was a dream come true—Blake Carlisle standing in her kitchen saying he wanted to get closer. She couldn’t believe that this was real. He was wearing his heart on his sleeve. All she had to do was reach out and grab it, but could she? “I love what you have accomplished with the Filling Station, and I wanted to be a part of that.” It felt like her heart was swollen, beating in an erratic pattern against her breastbone. Briefly she was thrust back into the whole situation. She was thankful that Steve had straightened that mess out. Now here was Blake talking about wanting to work with her, and she was tempted. But she couldn’t just come out and agree to him being involved with her business. She chose a copout. It was time to move on to another subject before her heart let him take over and she did something stupid, like inviting him to invest in the bar. “I really prefer to own the bar by myself, without taking on another partner. Thank you for trying to help, but this is the way I want things.” 67

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For a brief moment she glimpsed vulnerability and disappointment as his eyes lost a little of their sparkle and light. Blake was quick to stow those emotions and sail into safer waters. “Sure, sweetheart. Take all the time you need.” He reached out and placed a hand on her arm. Cathy felt tingles flow up her arm and spread throughout her entire body. “Hey, come on. We need to eat before the food gets cold.” She wanted to reassure him, but it was difficult to move past her fears. Instead she busied herself with setting out the dinner he’d brought. They moved around the kitchen in companionable silence. Cathy had to fight the urge to lean closer into the heat she felt radiating from his hard body, invisibly drawing her nearer. Blake transferred the exotic food into the bowls she set out while Cathy set the table. He watched her chew nervously on a fingernail. It was wonderful to see that he had been right about the way she behaved at the club. Cat was apparently an attitude she adopted for work—an act to keep that role separate from the rest of her life. At home she was the wonderful hometown girl he so fondly remembered. She was so beautiful that it left him feeling stunned. The baggy clothes did nothing to detract from her firm, curvy body. Nor could her shyness mask the sexy woman lurking somewhere deep inside. Like a fine wine that revealed subtleties of character gradually, Cathy was slow to show her inner self. That’s what you forgot, you moron. Wine to accompany the seduction and free that inner fire you’ve caught glimpses of. “Oh, I almost forgot,” he said then rushed out the door and headed for his car. A few moments later he was back with a bottle of white wine. Without a word she added wineglasses to the table setting. Cathy knew she’d never be able to eat. Her stomach was tied up in knots. Finally, she broke down and turned toward Blake quickly before losing her nerve. She had to know. “What is all this really about?” she said, while her arm made a sweeping gesture toward the table and kitchen. It was obvious that she was indicating the flowers and dinner. He smiled and caressed her cheek with a butterfly-light brush of his fingers. “It’s about two old friends getting together. The celebration of friendship and my hope that maybe you want to be more than friends. And hopefully a celebration of embarking on a new, more intimate relationship.” More than friends. More intimate. Relationship. Had she heard him right? Her hand fluttered to her mouth again where she worried her nail. Tenderly, Blake reached up and took her hand, feathering a kiss over her knuckles. Cathy couldn’t help but remember when he’d sucked her cream from those same fingers. The heat of his mouth, his tongue swirling around each digit, made her tremble inside. A devilish smile curved his lips and she knew he was remembering too. Flames erupted in the center of her abdomen, shooting out in every direction. There was no

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way she could resist him. Blake Carlisle was everything she’d ever wanted rolled into one sexy package. Putting all thoughts of the bar out of her mind, Cathy wanted to focus on him. Of course, that was not a very difficult task. He held her attention whenever he was near. “Hot…er, I mean cold. The food’s going to get cold,” she stammered. Sensing her need for some time and space, Blake backed off. He returned to setting out their dinner and pouring the wine. “You’re not still mad, are you?” he questioned. Cathy could only shake her head. How could she stay angry at him? As they sat at the table she couldn’t help but remember back to when she’d followed him around in a lovesick stupor. Why were things so different now that she had captured his attention, something she’d never felt truly able to accomplish before? Was it just the physical changes, or something more? She watched mutely as Blake took her plate and filled it with a little of each exotic dish. Her stomach rumbled as delicious scents filled the air. He just smiled and heaped more food on the already overloaded dish. They stuffed themselves with fluffy, steamed jasmine rice, spring rolls, rice noodles, shrimp, chicken, duck, and a variety of vegetables. Normally, Cathy loved the different flavors rushing over her tongue, but the subtleties of lemon grass and coconut milk were lost on her. Tonight she could have been eating the cardboard containers for all she tasted of the food. When she finally allowed herself to relax they had a great time catching up. As much as he’d changed, Blake was still the same sweet boy she’d fallen in love with all those years ago. And it was happening all over again. Each moment they were together, she fell a little more in love with him. Blake talked and laughed comfortably about the past, joking about her obvious childhood case of hero worship over him. Cathy barely heard the words. She couldn’t help watching the way his full lips moved as he chewed, talked, and laughed. A small drop of peanut sauce at the corner of his lip held her attention. She’d love nothing more than to lick it away. She knew how wonderful those lips would feel from the kisses they’d shared, but how would those soft, lush curves feel on her nipples? More than anything she wanted to find out, and soon. Erotic images flashed through her mind, as heat pooled between her thighs. She wiggled in her seat, but that only made the ache worse. It amazed her to just be sitting here with him like this. Butterflies invaded her stomach, fluttering wildly just like they always did whenever Blake was near. She was not conscious of the way she played with her chopsticks. At first she just slowly rubbed them over her wet lips. Before long her tongue swirled over the tips in a slow, sensual caress. Her nimble tongue flicked back and forth, lapping up every last drop of sauce. 69

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Blake groaned inwardly as her lips closed around the sticks and she lightly sucked, drawing them deeper into her mouth. Visions of her licking and sucking his cock so carefully had blood surging into his crotch. His cock rose hard and insistent against his zipper. He intently watched as her tongue once again began its tantalizing movements as she wiggled in her chair. Cathy was slow to realize he’d stopped talking. He looked to be on edge, contemplative. She wondered what was possibly going through his quick mind. “Penny for your thoughts,” she offered. He took a sip of wine to give himself a moment to gather his thoughts, pushing the erotic images away. Blake struggled to calm his raging lust. Cathy felt like he’d read her mind when he began speaking. “I was just thinking about the ways you are different, and the many ways you are exactly as I remember you. I’ve come to the conclusion that most of the changes are on the outside. While they are exciting, I’m thrilled to find that you are still the same sweet, caring girl who captured my heart all those years ago.” In her head, Cathy heard a needle scratch across a record. Say what? Captured his heart? She nearly choked on her food. She must have misheard him. There was no way he’d just said what she thought he had. “More than ten long years I’ve thought about being with you. I had to stay away before. You were too young. Heck, you’re my best friend’s little sister, forbidden fruit. I won’t stay away anymore, Cathy. I’ve waited too long, wanted you too much.” Oh my God! Her entire world tilted on its axis. Here she was eating dinner with Blake Carlisle, and he’d just told her that he wanted her. Always had. She felt utterly dumbfounded. She’d waited so long for this moment. For as long as she could remember Cathy had wanted Blake to look at her with desire shining in his eyes, as he was now. “I’m sorry that I stayed away so long. I knew that if I saw you again, I wouldn’t be able to hold back.” His low, husky voice vibrated through her sending delightful shivers over heated flesh. She nearly whimpered with need. He stared intently into her eyes, and she felt like he could see into her very being with those piercing blue orbs. One look and she melted. He continued to watch her with those sexy, expressive eyes eating her alive. “Tell me you want me too,” he pleaded. Say what? How could he not know? She’d done everything but take out a front page news ad. She’d made a fool of herself pining after him. Cathy gave up any pretense of eating. She laid her chopsticks down and stared into his eyes. God, she could lose herself in his eyes. “Blake, how can you ask that? You know I’ve always wanted you. Not a day has gone by where I haven’t thought about being with you.”

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He rose slowly then moved to her side, pulled her chair back and helped Cathy to her feet. One hand settled against her lower back, the other cupped the back of her head. “Oh God, Cathy. I need you so much that I ache.” He wants me. Ohmigod! Blake Carlisle finally wants me—pesky little Catherine Marie. Wow! She felt dizzy, overwhelmed. His head lowered, lips brushing hers. The light caress wasn’t enough. Cathy needed more. With a boldness she’d only ever experienced playing at being Cat, she tasted his lips with her tongue. Blake needed no further encouragement. “Open for me,” he commanded. Cathy complied with a sigh of longing. His tongue slid past her lips, tasting every nook and cranny of her mouth. She felt herself melting into a molten pool at his feet. His kiss was everything she remembered, and so much more. The exotic flavors she’d ignored before filled her mouth as his tongue explored. Overlaying everything else was the taste of Blake—like bold, clean sunshine on her tongue. If she died this moment, Cathy would have no regrets. His kiss was heaven. “Give me your tongue,” he ordered. She could deny him nothing. Whatever he wanted was his for the taking. All her previous doubt melted away, along with her barriers. They were useless when it came to Blake anyway. Cathy slid her tongue over his lips and began exploring the warm recesses of his magical mouth as he sucked lightly, pulling her deeper. His hands lowered to her ass, pulling her more firmly against the length of his hard cock. Her hardened nipples poked against her bulky shirt, pressing tightly against his chest. Moisture flooded her panties. Her body was a blazing inferno of need that only Blake could extinguish. Unconsciously she rose up onto her toes, fingers threaded through his closecropped hair. She could not get close enough. No matter how tightly she pressed against his body she needed to be closer. And they had too many layers of clothing between them. She wanted—no, needed—to feel him skin-to-skin. An overwhelming, empty ache caused her to cry out. “Blake,” she gasped. “It’s okay, sweetheart. Just relax. I have been waiting so long for this moment and want to savor it, savor you.” Could she do that? Could she give him total control over her body? The feel of his tongue mating with her own in a suggestive rhythm answered her question. There was no way she could not give the man she’d always loved everything. And there was no doubt that she did love him, more than she ever had. His incredible strength called to her. Not just the physical, but also the strength of his beautiful spirit. Pushing all worry and fear aside she gave herself over to his care. She put all the things she couldn’t say into their kiss. Somehow she knew he’d understand.

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Blake couldn’t believe that he finally had Cathy in his arms. Never before had he been so swept away by just kissing, but kissing Cathy was like walking on the sun. Her total giving response felt like liquid golden rays surging through his veins. He felt ten feet tall, master of the world, able to conquer any obstacle in his path. Yeah, she made him feel invincible. He wanted to beat on his chest, grab her hair and drag her off to his cave, then howl at the moon. Blake struggled to suppress his baser instincts. The heat of her pussy pressed tightly against his crotch. When he finally got inside she’d likely burn him alive, and he’d love every minute. They fit together so perfectly. Never before had any woman felt so right in his arms. Damn it, he’d wanted to take this slowly, but his body had other ideas. And his cock was insistently demanding attention. He prayed that he would not embarrass himself by coming in his pants. Breaking the kiss, in a husky voice full of need he asked, “Which way is the bedroom?” He refused to let their first time together be up against the wall, or on the dinner table. Maybe the second or third, that had definite possibilities, but not the first. They stumbled and bumped their way down the hall, pulling at buttons and fasteners, leaving a trail of clothing in their wake. Each kiss, each touch driving them into a frenzy neither could suppress. As each barrier was removed they began exploring newly discovered territory. Blake’s entire being was focused on bringing Cathy as much pleasure as humanly possible. Her bed was the only thing in the room that even registered in his consciousness. His eyes were too busy taking in every inch of her luscious body to notice much else. Cathy could barely breathe. Blake Carlisle wanted to make love to her. Finally, she would know the pleasures of his body. She would truly be a woman. She’d waited so long, fantasized so many times. She needed him, now. Yet he just stood there staring at her naked form. Why had he stopped? “Blake!” Her voice was deep and husky, tortured, barely recognizable.

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Chapter Ten Damn, what the hell was wrong with him? He had a hot, wet, gorgeous woman standing naked and ready. A woman he had dreamed of for way too long. All he could do was drink in her delicious curves while trying to ignore the warning bells clanging in his head, making him hesitate and bringing back the old demons. That is Cathy Marie Markham, you moron. What the hell are you doing? He really had to stop thinking like that. Cathy was a grown woman. Steve had given his blessing. She wanted him as much as he wanted her. Heck, he’d always wanted her. Now she was old enough that he could follow through. She wasn’t the sweet, innocent little neighborhood girl anymore. She was now a combination of wild seductress and sweet friend. Proving the point and putting an end to the battle, Cathy dropped to her knees at his feet. She tugged down his zipper, allowing his aching cock to spring forward. Damn, if the little minx didn’t purr as she reached out and wrapped his throbbing shaft in her long, slender fingers. With her other hand she massaged his balls, taking their weight in her palm. Her eyes darkened with desire as she stared up at him, revealing a wealth of need. He nearly came just from the feel of her warm breath caressing his shaft. It felt so good, almost too good to bear. With a wicked smile her tongue darted out, licking a glistening drop of pre-cum from the slit. That initial hot lick felt like a live electrical wire had been run over his cock, the tingling pulse surging through his body. After wetting her lips she opened wide and sucked the head into the warmth of her mouth, teasing the ultra-sensitive underside with her tongue. “Aw, shit,” he moaned. He would not survive this. Although she seemed very tentative and unsure at times, Cathy was too skilled and he’d waited so long. Her tongue swirled over the tip in a slow, erotic caress. It flicked back and forth, lapping up every last drop of cum that dripped from the slit. Then her lips stretched around the head again and she lightly sucked, drawing him deeper into her mouth, coaxing more cum from his balls. He’d never last. Shivers coursed through Blake as she worked his cock with that beautiful mouth. Her luscious lips were still swollen from his kisses. Damn, they looked so good wrapped around his cock. Her lips slid over his erection and she enveloped most of his length with her mouth. Easing back, she licked her way around the end then retraced a path over the pulsing veins in a slow, erotic caress with her tongue, nipping lightly with her teeth. Her mouth was so hot, searing his tender flesh.

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Oh God. She sure knows what the hell she’s doing. His fingers tangled in her silky hair, holding her in place. Her lips slid over his cock as she swallowed more than half his length within her mouth. Sliding back she swirled her tongue around his shaft again, still massaging his balls in her hand with just the right amount of pressure. Cathy continually varied her movements, keeping him on edge. One moment she caressed him gently with her tongue, the next she sucked him deep, not stopping until the head hit the back of her throat. She used her teeth gently, making small nips over his length. Meanwhile, her knowing fingers moved to stroke his sensitive perineum. Sparkling green eyes, dilated with passion, stared up at Blake as she sucked so hard her cheeks hollowed. Muffled moans of pleasure vibrated over his cock. He didn’t want to gag her, but Blake couldn’t help bucking his hips forward, fucking her luscious mouth. She took everything he offered and demanded more. “Oh…fuck,” he growled before pulling back quickly. His engorged cock left her mouth with a pop and a look of disappointment filled her eyes. Maybe later he’d come in her mouth, but not now. Right now he needed to feel the heat of her pussy gripping him. Cathy whimpered in protest. She very obviously had been enjoying her ministrations. With an animalistic growl he pulled her to her feet. Firm hands gripping her waist, Blake lifted her effortlessly and tossed her onto the bed. “You’re too good at that, sweetheart. Maybe we’ll try that again later. Right now I need to be inside you.” “Oh, yes. Hurry, Blake!” Cathy’s mind spun. He thought she was good at giving head. Wow, paying attention to the women at the bar and reading those magazine articles had sure been worth it. Mmm…she hadn’t expected him to taste so good, all salty-sweet and masculine. But no matter how much she’d wanted to deep-throat him there was no way. He was just too damn big. Hearing that he’d enjoyed what she’d done, that he thought she was skilled, bolstered her confidence and gave her a sense of feminine power. She knew more about sex from just paying attention than most women who got laid on a regular basis. She would do her best to dazzle Blake and keep him in her bed. Cathy knew he liked to sleep around. It had killed her to see all the girls throwing themselves at him when they were younger. She could only imagine how the women flocked to this handsome man now. Somehow she’d push all those other women from his thoughts. Somehow she’d succeed where the others had failed and she would capture his heart. At least she had succeeded in making him want her as badly as she wanted him. He was frantic with need, purely wild. His eyes had gone dark, filled with passion.

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She watched as Blake pulled a condom from his wallet, ripping the package open with his teeth. In a flash he had his huge cock sheathed. Cathy was still amazed and awed that she had him here, so obviously aroused beyond belief. She’d given him that massive hard-on. And soon it would all be hers. “Hurry,” she once again choked out. Without a word he moved between her legs, spreading them wide with his knees. He pressed against her hungrily, their bodies melded from shoulder to thigh. Those wonderfully firm lips descended, devouring her mouth. Their tongues mated with a wild abandon as his hands massaged her breasts, driving her wild. She ran her hands up his sinewy arms, enjoying the way the muscles flexed and bunched beneath her questing fingers. When she reached his wide shoulders, Cathy trailed her fingers over his muscular back. It felt so good to finally have him to touch and hold. She wanted to caress and discover every hard curve of muscle, every tantalizing indentation. His kiss turned possessive. Ripples of pleasure shot through her body. His calloused fingers wrapped around her taut nipples, twirling them with a firm pressure that was almost painful. Electric bolts of pleasure flowed to her throbbing clit and Cathy’s body turned to mush. All she could manage was to hang on tightly to his shoulders, gripping with her fingernails as he overwhelmed her senses. He nibbled her earlobe, swirled his tongue over the sensitive inner whorls, and then trailed kisses along her jaw. The heat of his body pressed so tightly against her sent her into a meltdown. Her breath rasped out harshly. The reality of his touch, his kiss, was better than any fantasy she’d ever dreamed up. Her whole body shuddered, throbbed with need. The muscles of her vagina pulsed in time with her aching clit, hot cream dripped down into the crack of her ass. She needed him to fill her up, stretch her wide and make her a woman, his woman. She wanted that more than her next breath. “Blake,” she whimpered. He growled at her as his mouth moved lower, latching on to a diamond-hard nipple. His lips were firm and insistent. Heat poured through her body. His tongue flicked over the sensitive peak, twirling in circles. When he sucked it deep into his mouth, pressing her nipple between his tongue and roof of the hot cavern, she gasped. Her hips bucked wildly against his crotch letting him know exactly what she wanted. Blake quickly became intoxicated by her sexuality. She was on fire. She was so hot, sexy, and wild. Heat speared through him. Cathy was so damn responsive to every touch, every kiss. Her skin felt like the finest silk, tasted like a warm summer day. And her nipples were amazing. The ripe pink berries pouted for him as she arched closer. She melted in his mouth, against his tongue. Never had he been with a woman who made him so wild, snapped his control so completely.

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When her hips bucked up against him, Blake gave himself over to his need. Slowly he rubbed his cock along her slit, covering himself in her hot cream. He rose above Cathy, slid a finger along her slit. She was soaking wet, burning hot, and absolutely ready. He caressed her slick lips, spreading her moisture to her engorged clit. She gasped at that first caress, bucking against his hand. “Come for me, sweetheart,” he demanded. His finger circled the engorged little bundle of nerves. When he stroked over its length she became mindless. Her head tossed wildly from side to side against the mattress. Her fingernails dug into his muscular shoulders. Every fiber of her being tensed seconds before she shattered into a million pieces. Her breath caught in her lungs. She bucked her hips wildly against his fingers as her crashing orgasm took control of her body, and she convulsed spasmodically. He would never get enough of watching her in the throes of passion. She was so damn beautiful, abandoning herself to the overwhelming sensations. Her cheeks flushed, hair in wild disarray, strangled noises bubbling up from her throat. Blake could wait no longer. He’d waited too long already, and needed relief for his raging desire. Giving her no chance to recover, he pressed the bulbous head of his cock against her hot, drenched lips. With a gentle thrust the head of his cock sank into her blazing heat, the walls of her pussy gripping him as she writhed, caught up in her orgasm. His dark, heavy-lidded gaze locked on her wide, wild eyes. With one hard thrust he drove his throbbing cock inside her grasping pussy to the hilt. She was so fucking tight it felt like he’d torn her in two. He felt the fragile barrier rip, but could do nothing to prevent the inevitable. She’d been a virgin. The tight, burning grip was enough to take his sanity. He almost missed her cry of pain, but it penetrated his lust-fogged brain. Every muscle went tense as Blake held himself perfectly still. He could see the pain clearly in her eyes. Never had he considered that she could be a virgin after her sexy, wanton display at the bar. Not after the way she’d given him head like an experienced wanton. “Oh God, Cathy,” he gasped, “why didn’t you tell me?” Anger and something she couldn’t identify flashed in his eyes. He moved to pull back, but she wrapped her legs tightly around his hips, clasping her ankles over his ass. The brief flash of pain she’d felt had passed and been replaced with need. There was no way she’d let him leave her like this. She needed to feel him move within her body. “No, don’t stop,” she begged. “It doesn’t matter, Blake. There always has to be a first. It’s not something that can be taken back. I don’t want it back. I want you to fuck me.” Her eyes begged him to understand, while his conscience screamed at him. She’d seemed so experienced, knowing. He’d never taken a woman’s virginity before. Now he’d taken the virginity of his good friend’s little sister. Good God, and now she lay there begging him to fuck her.

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“Blake, I need you,” she whispered. Her hands cupped his face, her eyes staring into his. “There’s no turning back now. Please, Blake,” she begged. “I always wanted it to be you. For you to be my first, to make me a woman. It means so much to me.” A single tear made a slow journey down her cheek. He could only presume it was a tear of happiness. Shock speared through him as she began to rhythmically flex and release her pelvic muscles, caressing his cock. No, there was certainly no way he could stop now. “I don’t want to hurt you, sweetheart.” A bright smile spread across her pouty lips. Her voice was rough, husky, and sexy as hell. “It doesn’t hurt anymore. Please, I need you.” Blake took a deep breath and fought for control. She deserved candlelight and romance, not wild rutting. He began moving slowly, sliding out on a long, even stroke, watching her face closely for any sign of distress or pain. Cathy was still on fire. She tilted her hips, taking him deeper, stretching herself farther around him. The slight sting of pain in previously untried flesh only increased her fervor. She felt incredibly full, complete. Her heart pounded against her ribs, her blood raced through her veins. She’d never dreamed it would be like this. The friction of his cock stroking her sensitive walls had her trembling. There was a building sensation that bordered on pain, but she knew would lead to incredible pleasure. His slow strokes were torture. She was on the verge of reaching an elusive feeling that flickered at the edges of her awareness. She needed more to reach that unseen goal. With all her strength Cathy met each thrust, pulling him deeper with her legs. Each movement of his thick shaft brushed against an area in her pussy that made her eyes want to cross. She could only guess that it must be her G-spot he was brushing against. “Blake, please. I…I need…more. Harder…faster,” she panted. The sensual demand undid him. He could see her struggling to find completion. She was almost there. He made each thrust deeper, harder, faster. Each stroke sending her higher as she bucked wildly beneath him, slowly driving him insane. Her pussy gripped him tighter than a fist, grasping his throbbing cock. So hot, tight, and wet. It was the most incredible thing he’d ever felt. He fought to keep from exploding, wanting Cathy to come again first. His cock pounded into her tight pussy. The combined smell of their sex filled the air. The wet sound of flesh slapping against flesh filled his mind. He slammed into her hot, grasping cavern over and over. With each powerful thrust his cock butted up against her womb. He was so deep inside Cathy that they became one body, one soul. There was no way to differentiate where one ended and the other began. He’d never experienced anything like it before, and knew that it was because, for the first time ever, his emotions were involved. Blake moved rapidly in and out, over and over, again and again. With each movement he felt the friction of her tight walls gripping every millimeter of his throbbing length. Nothing had ever felt so good, so utterly perfect.

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His lips moved over her ear, his tongue stroked the sensitive swirls. His strained voice sent shivers down her spine, which he profoundly felt. “Ah, Cathy. You feel so damn tight, so damn good. Come for me again, sweetheart. I need you to come for me. Don’t fight it, just let go.” His words, spoken in a gravelly sexy tone of voice, sent her over the edge. Crying out harshly, she threw her head back. Her muscles convulsed around him as she soared so beautifully. The world fractured as wave after wave of rapture burst within her body. She held him tightly, the only anchor to keep her from disappearing in the blast. Watching the pleasure take her so completely threw him over the edge. His balls were drawn up tightly against his body, slapping against her ass. Lightning shot down his spine, through his sac, and out the tip of his pulsing cock. He shouted out her name. It felt as though the top of his head blew off when he came, filling the condom with seemingly endless jets of his seed. Each contraction of her pussy milked his cock mercilessly. Blake had never experienced such a mind-blowing climax. It was like a dam had burst as every ounce of cum was drawn from his body. He had just enough of his senses left not to collapse on top of Cathy, catching the bulk of his weight on his forearms. He couldn’t breathe, couldn’t move. Cathy trembled beneath him, also fighting for breath. Their chests heaved, pumping like bellows with the effort to circulate much-needed oxygen. Gathering his last drop of strength, Blake rolled to his side and pulled her into the shelter of his embrace. Their bodies were drenched in sweat. Perspiration dripped down over his face, and her thighs were coated with sticky juices. Tears trickled from the corners of her eyes, driving a stake through his heart. “Are you okay?” he gasped. “Unh,” was all she could manage to mumble before snuggling closer against him. She rubbed her face over his damp chest, planting small kisses against his heated flesh. The small, tender gesture finally allowed Blake to relax, reassuring him that she was all right. His body felt like a boneless mass. Amazingly enough, his cock still had energy as evidenced by his semi-erect state. Not that he could do anything about it. Feeling her against him, knowing that hot, tight pussy was so close had his cock recovering more quickly than he would’ve ever thought possible. Blake ignored his body’s silent demands. The sweet little vixen in his arms needed rest, and he needed to use his thinking head for a while, get his blood flowing in the other direction. He wanted to smack himself silly. What an idiot he was. He might have just made the biggest mistake of his life, and the most incredible discovery all rolled into one. Shit, he’d just taken the virginity of his best friend’s kid sister. He’d fucked her hard and fast. And she’d given him the most mind-blowing orgasm he’d ever experienced. They were so damn good together. It was obviously so much more than sex. That was the scary part.

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She was the best thing that had ever happened to him. She’d always been such a good person. Reflecting on his past, Blake knew this was true. Cathy was the best person he’d ever known. She was so sweet, giving, loving. She’d been innocent until he’d gotten hold of her, regardless of the bawdy act she put on in the bar. Trying to wrap his mind around the facts was going to make him insane. He’d just banged the hell out of Cathy. She’d been a virgin. This could change everything. That thought kept echoing through his head. He felt lower than the scum of the earth and higher than the highest mountain peak all at the same time. That hadn’t been his intention when he’d come over with dinner. Well, okay he’d hoped, but all he’d wanted was to spend time with her, catching up and reestablishing their friendship. But no. He had to let his dick lead the way. Blake looked down at her face, so peaceful and innocent in repose. Tenderly he brushed shiny, damp tendrils of hair away from her cheeks. She was such a beautiful person, both inside and out. She deserved the world. And he would do everything within his power to give it to her, to be a better man— the kind of man he felt she deserved. If she let him stay in her life he’d make love to Cathy, spoil her rotten, and give her everything. He would take the time to listen to her dreams and desires, and then he’d move heaven and earth to make sure they came true. A good place to start would be making sure she was comfortable. Gently unwrapping himself from her grasp, he went into the bathroom for a warm, wet cloth and began cleaning her up. Seeing the evidence of her virginity in the blood on her thighs made him cringe. She’d given him such a precious gift. Somehow he’d prove himself worthy.

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Chapter Eleven Waking up from a delicious dream, Cathy snuggled into the warmth of her blankets. She was startled to hear the sound of a heart beating beneath her ear, to feel the rise and fall of her head with each breath drawn into the chest pillowing it. Memories flooded her mind. She wanted to shout loud enough for the whole world to hear. Blake Carlisle was in her bed. He’d made her a woman, fucked her senseless, given her the most incredible pleasure, and now held her tightly against the warmth of his magnificent body. Inside she jumped for joy, whooped and hollered. He had been so wonderful. Brought her favorite roses and Thai food. He’d made love to her with such passion. Mmm…and she distantly remembered him gently cleaning her with a warm cloth. The whole experience was more than she’d ever dreamed. Some cosmic power must have aligned the stars perfectly or something for Blake to have even noticed her as a woman. To be lucky enough that he take her to bed… Wow! Snuggling into his warmth, she breathed deeply of his delicious scent. He smelled like pure sex. If she could capture and bottle his slightly musky, masculine essence she’d make millions. Oh, but she couldn’t share such a treasure. She’d carefully ration every drop, using it on her pillow each night. Rising to her elbows, Cathy stared down into his handsome face. As always, his full lips drew her attention. How could one describe such firm, tender perfection which contrasted his hard, chiseled features so wonderfully? Even with his eyes closed she felt the power of those sparkling sapphire pools that she’d gladly drown in. She felt pleasantly sore and well-loved. When she’d come, something inside had shattered into a million tiny pieces. She felt different now. Blake had rearranged the pieces, forever changing her. If her life ended in the next moment she would die a happy, finally complete, fulfilled woman without any regrets. Nothing in the world could ever come close to the pure bliss, rightness, and joy she felt just knowing she was wanted by such an incredible man. She felt at one with everything in the world, saw how she fit into the bigger picture, felt things click into place, filling her with a sense of wonder and awe. The way she felt right now would provide enough fuel to keep her soul going past the next millennium. Cathy knew she would never be able to describe the sensation of her soul being fed. There was not one thing she could think of that could surpass this high. Yeah, she felt that good.

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With childish delight she jumped up and ran into the kitchen. They had never made it to their fried banana dessert last night, and she had a wicked idea of just what to do with the honey sesame sauce. For several moments she stood at the foot of the bed, looking her fill. Oh, man. What a magnificently honed body. The sheet covered him from navel to toes. Slowly she pulled it away, revealing one fascinating delight after another. Moving to his side, Cathy let her fingers trace lightly along the strong column of his neck, dipping down into the sweet hollow at its base. She traced the slightly curved line of his prominent collarbones. With a wicked little laugh she drizzled honey over his nipples, down the center of his chest and abdomen, down his flaccid cock, and over his scrotum. She studied every curve, dip, ridge and valley of his body. The light sprinkling of golden hair on his chest tickled the sensitive flesh between her fingers. Purely and simply, his body was a work of art that the most talented sculptor would be privileged to attempt to do justice to, but would likely fail to adequately capture. The still angry scars along his right knee, complete with staple marks, were the only things that marred his perfection. Even they could not truly detract from the pure masculine form lying before her. She couldn’t resist the temptation to take little tastes as she intently memorized every inch of gloriously hard flesh. His salty, masculine flavor was like the sweetest ambrosia on her tongue. She gasped when his flat male nipples puckered under the warmth of her mouth. Taking her time she absorbed every luscious detail. It continued to blow her mind that Blake was really in her bed. The sweet sauce was the perfect contrast to his salty skin. She eagerly licked up every drop of the sticky confection. At his navel, Cathy dipped her tongue into the tempting little cavern. She loved watching his washboard abs tighten and ripple as she bathed his flesh with light licks. She couldn’t help giggling when his rapidly rising cock began tapping against her cheek, begging for attention. “Mmm…how about a nice tongue bath?” she whispered to the insistent tumescence. When she’d gotten a brief taste earlier, Cathy hadn’t wanted to stop. She found that she wanted to taste his seed as it shot down her throat. Unconsciously she purred with the thought. Touching and tasting his entire body was her ultimate goal. She wanted to know him more intimately than he knew himself. Glancing up she saw that his eyes were still closed. Soon she’d know if he was just playing possum, or was actually asleep. In the back of her mind Cathy wondered where she found the confidence to behave so boldly. After all, Cat’s confidence was all an act, a mask she wore. Yet Cathy felt sure of every touch, lick, and kiss. She no longer felt like timid, shy, quiet, naïve little Catherine Marie. At some point during their lovemaking she’d changed into a woman who was somewhere between the two extremes. Feeling decidedly wanton, sexy, and curious, she knew that this time there would be no stopping. She intended to suck him until she got her reward. A fierce

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determination filled her as she wrapped her slender fingers around the thick base of his shaft. Blake watched her through narrowly slitted eyelids. In the SEALs he’d learned to control his breathing and motions upon waking in order to covertly survey his surroundings. The sweet little witch touching and tasting his body was severely testing those skills. And how the heck had she come up with the idea of covering him in honey sauce? He didn’t know how long he could maintain the appearance of sleep. Her hot little tongue moved with a sureness that shocked him. His sweet little Cathy had a devilish streak. Blake struggled for control as she licked, nipped, and tasted every inch of his grateful cock then dropped lower to tease and taste his balls. He couldn’t suppress a gasp as she sucked his sac into the hot cavern of her mouth, sweeping her tongue over the sensitive globes. The little vixen gave him a seductive look from under long, dark lashes. Her vibrant green eyes shone with mischief. Releasing his tortured flesh she innocently asked, “Does that feel good?” Blake panted, trying to suck in much-needed oxygen to power his mind. “C’mere and I’ll show you just how good it is, sweetheart.” With aplomb she said, “No. You said I could try again later. Well, it’s later. And I intend to finish every drop of this delicious dessert.” Blake moaned as her tongue delved into his slit, lapping up a glistening drop of cum. Her sounds of pleasure allowed him to enjoy the intimate act more deeply. And the passion filling her eyes went straight to his cock, which swelled with even more blood. Cathy found pleasuring Blake made her hot. She could feel her juices sliding down her thighs. Each little noise he made, each buck of his hips, caused more cream to surge forward. She carefully watched his face, noticing the vein that began to pulse in his forehead from his efforts to hold back. “Blake, I want to taste you. All of you.” She used his earlier commands. “Come for me, Blake. Quench my thirst.” “Aw…shit. Suck me harder, Cathy. That’s right, sweetheart. Take it all.” Each word he gasped out only made her more determined. She increased her efforts, sucking harder, tongue swirling faster, fingers massaging more firmly. She poured the feelings of love surging in her heart into loving this man. His fingers clenched tightly in her hair. The slight tingle of pain drove her passion higher. Watching him fight for control made her work even harder. She very much wanted to see the big man lose himself to her loving. It was exciting how powerful she felt in that moment. When his cock swelled and tensed in her mouth, she knew he was about to come. Blake tried to pull her away, but she just drew him in deeper. Although swallowing was not something she would have ever imagined wanting, Cathy now felt it was vital to her existence. She had to taste his pleasure at least once. 82

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Silky tendrils of her luscious hair spread over Blake’s abdomen and thighs. The soft, butterfly caress was intoxicating, driving him crazy. Soon he had no choice other than to give in to the pleasure, and began fucking her mouth. He was in limbo—between heaven and hell. The blissful sensations Cathy was providing gave him a close-up glimpse of nirvana. Yet attempting to keep his legendary control intact dropped him into the darkest pits of hell. He wanted to give her everything she was demanding, but he didn’t want to choke her. She didn’t know what she was asking for. “Cathy…no…stop…please. Oh God, yessss,” he groaned. The moment he felt her hummed response against his straining cock, Blake knew that was the beginning of the end. The vibration spread through his burning, aching flesh. His balls were drawn up so tightly he was afraid they’d ascend into his pelvis. Intense arcs of lightning shot down his spine and through his sac, signaling his impending climax as he bucked against her mouth. The sexy little witch was insatiable. She greedily swallowed the head of his cock into the back of her throat, only faltering once. The feel of her throat working on his cock head brought on the powerful release of endless jets of his seed. His whole body shook with the violence of his release. As his cock began to shrink she continued to lick and suck every last drop of his essence. Only once Cathy was satisfied that she had everything he had to give did she give him a final kiss and curl up over his abdomen. Holy shit! Every gasping breath hurt. The wild little witch curled like a kitten had just given him the best blowjob of his life. She’d sucked him hard, so hard he’d been sure his cock would come off under the pressure. She was going to kill him. He’d been such an arrogant, jaded prick to think that no one could make him lose his steely control. If the guys could only see him now. The icy soldier had just been very quickly and efficiently defrosted. Mmm…bring on the heat wave. As soon as he’d sufficiently recovered, Blake pulled her up next to him. Cathy’s face held a very proud, self-satisfied smile. Well, he’d show her the true meaning of satisfaction. “My turn,” he growled. “Yay,” she cheered with genuine enthusiasm. Blake tenderly turned her onto her back. He knew she’d be too sore to fuck for a while, but he could certainly return the sexual favor she’d so generously and selflessly given. He’d make it so good for her. She lay stretched out like a brazen little hussy, arms over her head, legs open wide. Blake drank in the sight. The delicate pink folds of her pussy were open before him, glistening with her cream. It would be a memory he’d always savor.

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“I hope you left some of that honey for me,” he whispered. “I’m feeling very hungry.” Without another word, Blake closed the distance between them, covering her lips with his as he licked and teased. He sucked her lower lip into his mouth, nipped at it then soothed away the brief pain with his tongue. The salty flavor of his semen permeated her mouth, sweeping across his taste buds. Under normal circumstances he would have avoided kissing a woman after she had given him head. In this instance the incredible intimacy of sharing his taste with Cathy just felt right. Holding her gaze with the intensity in his eyes, Blake began to move down her body—kissing, licking, sucking and nipping his way lower. He teased the sensitive hollow at the base of her throat and feathered kisses over the swell of her breasts. Closing her eyes, Cathy completely gave herself over to his ministrations. It was so freeing to surrender all control to Blake. The sensations were so intense. His fingers made slow, sensual circles around her breasts. He started at the base, gradually making the circles smaller as he moved closer to her aching nipples. His tongue teased her rosy areolas, but stayed away from where she needed him. When his lips finally brushed over one turgid peak she gasped. He teased the sensitive, beaded tips with his tongue until she was mindlessly begging for more, writhing on the bed. “Mmm…you taste so good,” he mumbled against a nipple, sending pleasurable sensations vibrating through her taut flesh. Cathy thought she’d died and gone to heaven when he finally sucked her nipple deeply into the warmth of his mouth. He spent an excruciatingly long time circling, flicking, and teasing each mound equally. Lightning flashed through her veins as his hand slid lower, gently tracing intriguing patterns over her abdomen, pausing to dip into her navel. She giggled as he lightly trailed his fingertips down her side. A wicked smile crossed his lips, but her laughter quickly died when Blake’s hand found her mound. A lusty moan escaped her parted lips. With butterfly lightness his fingers teased her soft pubic hair, and fluttered down over her thighs. She sucked in a breath in anticipation as his lips trailed down her abdomen. He planted soft kisses along her flat belly. The ache in her clit was becoming a painful, insistent demand. Hot juices covered her slit, dripping down over her ass. Teasingly he stroked her sensitive inner thighs before finally sliding his fingers over her slick pussy. “You’re so hot and wet for me,” Blake praised. His warm breath caressed her fevered flesh, making Cathy shudder. The excruciating tease he was performing had her bucking, straining to get his touch were it was most needed. His fingers tenderly spread her labia wider. For several moments he just stared at her pussy. Cathy thought she’d go insane if he didn’t touch her soon. Her clit throbbed, and her juices flowed as he breathed in the scent of her arousal, nostrils flaring wide. 84

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She whimpered at the first flick of his tongue against her sensitive inner folds. All inhibition forgotten, Cathy lifted her hips and wantonly pressed against his mouth, seeking a firmer caress. The ache between her legs grew unbearable. Blake delighted in her response. Her head tossed wildly from side to side, hands fisted in the sheets. She arched her back, bucked her hips, and squirmed. A light flush tinted her bronze skin, which was coated with a fine sheen of perspiration. He wondered once again how he’d ever managed to stay away for so long. She was so totally addictive. Lightly, his tongue swirled over her silky, heated folds. He moved languidly from bottom to top. Her breath caught in her throat when his tongue flicked over her distended clit. His fingers stroked as his tongue teased. He moved her legs up over his shoulders, angling her pussy up toward his mouth. Then he pumped one finger into her vagina, stroking the sensitive inner walls. The tip of his tongue began a flicking dance against her clit, which throbbed in the same rhythm as her rapidly beating heart. Cathy whimpered again when she felt him begin to suck the little nub into his mouth. Hearing her response, Blake sucked the swelling bud even harder. Cathy was out of her mind with the erotic sensations. Her hips bucked wildly. Frenzied moans, whimpers, and pleas filled the air. Just looking down at his head buried between her legs drove her higher. His short golden hair tickled her thighs. The sounds of him eagerly lapping up her cream blew her away. A second finger pumped into her vagina, stroking a maddeningly sensitive spot on the upper wall. Her strong muscles grasped at his fingers, drawing them deeper. She tossed her head as her body tensed. Blake stroked his fingers harder, sucked her clit deeper. Waves of inconceivable pleasure rolled through her as the orgasm peaked. Her breasts heaved rapidly with the effort to draw oxygen into her lungs. Her body shook uncontrollably, and she screamed out his name. Blake redoubled his efforts then brought her slowly back to earth. Incredibly, once recovered, Cathy curled up trustingly in his arms. The satisfied expression on her face pleased him greatly. There was nothing sexier than a well-fucked, satiated woman, her hair in wild disarray, skin deeply flushed. Seeing Cathy like that sent warm, unfamiliar feelings surging into his heart. He was overwhelmed with emotions unlike anything he’d ever experienced with other women. Love and sex had never joined forces within him before, and the result of this joining touched him very deeply. The incredible woman who had just climaxed violently at his touch was reshaping Blake. Well, everything he had been, if he were to be honest. The smooth, cool, incontrol man who fucked for sport was gone. She challenged him like no other had before. His legendary control was no match to her uninhibited, unselfconscious, giving touch.

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He’d considered it his mission to learn about her, capture her, but she’d turned the tables on him. Cathy had drawn out his heart, sculpted him into a new man, and completely captured him.

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Chapter Twelve Conflicting emotions tore through Blake as he lay watching Cathy sleep. That old mindset still hung around, confusing him, how he felt now. He’d never spent the whole night with a woman before. It just wasn’t his style. Once he’d had a woman he usually made a quick exit. Fucking was a dirty, sweaty activity. Getting away and into a hot shower normally dominated his post-coital mind. So why the hell couldn’t he stop touching Cathy, unable to get enough. Even with her skin coated with dried perspiration and their sticky juices, she felt incredible. He just couldn’t force himself to callously roll out of her bed and disappear into the night. These feelings were so new and almost frightening. He was pretty sure what they meant, but was unwilling to give voice to the alien emotions he’d never before experienced with anyone. What he really wanted was to wake her up and sink deep into her ultra-tight pussy over and over, until neither one of them could move. Feel her strong pelvic muscles clenching against his shaft—drawing him deeper, demanding everything he had to give. Just the thought had his blood pumping thickly through his veins. The allconsuming need to possess her rose hotly within him. He was still shocked and amazed that she’d been a virgin. No other man had ever fucked Cathy. As possessive as Blake felt right now, no other man ever would. Yet he worried that before long the wanderlust would hit and he’d be itching to move on. He’d never been able to stay in one place for very long without feeling stale, and becoming bored out of his mind. He craved stimulation, excitement, and activity. Could that actually change? He also worried that no matter how possessive and satisfied he felt with Cathy now, eventually he’d feel the need for variety. Would he end up straying? He couldn’t bear the thought of putting Cathy through such a tortured existence. He felt like a changed man, but leopards didn’t change their spots, did they? Hurting her was the last thing he wanted. This self-doubt, coupled with the unfamiliar emotions, was irritating the hell out of him. He’d never been indecisive except when it came to Cathy. He needed to sort through everything and get his head back on straight again. This woman had always captivated him. Now that she was his, there was no way he’d feel the need to move on or to stray. Rolling onto his back, Blake threw an arm over his eyes. Instinctively, Cathy followed the warmth of his body, rolling up tightly against his side. When she rubbed her face against his chest, Blake could not suppress a needy growl. He couldn’t take it

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anymore. He had to have her again, now. He needed to seal their connection, bond them together. With more force than intended he grabbed Cathy and flipped her over onto her stomach. He didn’t even give her the chance to wake up or catch up with him. Kneeling between her thighs, spreading her wide open, he pulled her hips up, settling her onto her hands and knees. He covered her back with his body, arms flush against hers, boxing her in completely. Cathy’s throaty little moan snapped the last of his restraint. “Fuck, I’m sorry, sweetheart. I need you,” he gasped against her ear. Her body quivered beneath him. In one smooth thrust he drilled his cock into the hot depths of her body. She was still wet enough that he slid easily into her tight passage. Her startled gasp slowed him momentarily, but Blake couldn’t hold still for long. Although she was probably still sore from how hard he’d pounded into her earlier, he couldn’t stop. The little witch wiggled her fine ass closer against his pelvis, snapping his control. “I’m sorry,” he gasped against her neck, “I need…” All words left Blake as his body took over, turning him into a machine. Muscles flexed and rippled as he began a relentless, hammering rhythm. No matter how completely each powerful thrust drove him into her body, it just wasn’t enough. He wanted to disappear inside Cathy, to completely join into one being. To mark her in an indelible way so that it was immediately clear that she belonged solely to him. Yet at the same time he wanted to run from these overwhelming feelings. Cathy’s gasping breaths, moans, and cries barely penetrated his lust-fogged mind. If it wasn’t for the hot juices pouring from her body, or the multiple times he felt her tight walls tighten against him in orgasm, Blake would have felt like he was taking her against her will. Each punishing thrust drove her body farther up the bed. He pulled a pillow into place between Cathy’s head and the headboard to keep from hurting her. Still he slammed into her relentlessly, again and again. He was a man possessed. Something primal seized control of him, turning him wild, savage. This was not fucking, certainly not making love, or even sex. No, this was a primal mating. He was claiming her body, marking her as his. He held her hips tightly with one hand as her strength gave out, her body sagging beneath his. Still, Blake kept pounding away. He drilled her hard. Rough. Wild. Out of control. Cathy welcomed the crazed onslaught of jumbled, overwhelming sensations rocketing through her body. “Blake,” she cried out, “please…” “Can’t stop. Sorry,” he gasped, fighting for each breath. She had no idea how long he could continue at such an incredible pace. “Fuck,” he chanted repeatedly. She took everything he gave, and her body demanded more. Each time his cock drilled into her hot pussy, Cathy’s body clamped down tightly, struggling to hold on to him. 88

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Tears streamed down Cathy’s face as she screamed out her extreme pleasure into the pillow. Her tender labia burned with the friction created by every violent, punishing thrust. It bordered on pain, but sent incredible sensations shooting through her every nerve. The line between pleasure and pain blurred, reshaping into something that confused her, yet stimulated the burning needs of her body. She was going to have bruises from his fingers clamping so hard onto her hip, and if he wasn’t holding her she would collapse into the mattress in exhaustion. The fingers of the other hand tangled in her hair, pulling back roughly. She’d be lucky to have any hair left when he was finally finished. But it didn’t matter. The sharp streamers of pain through her scalp intensified how deeply she felt every powerful thrust of Blake’s relentless body. Nothing mattered except the exquisite sensations spiraling through her, combining in a way that consumed her, scattering her thoughts and making her dizzy. The slight physical pain was nothing compared to the emotions bursting from her heart. Thankfully, Blake did not treat her like a fragile little virgin. No. He treated her like a real woman who needed a good hard fucking. He manhandled her, taking what he needed, and giving twice as much in return. With each forceful thrust her swollen, heavy breasts swayed, providing further fuel for the wildfire that surged through her body. Cathy knew that his wild fucking was binding them together. She felt an unbreakable bond being formed between them. Neither one was likely to be the same again. “Please,” she begged, although she had no idea what she wanted or needed. She only knew that she needed everything he had to give, as much as he had to give. “Oh, yes…” Cathy cried out as another powerful orgasm gripped her quivering flesh. Blake growled something unintelligible, the raspy sensual sound of his voice heightening every sense. His hot, masculine scent washed over her as each slap of his flesh against her own sent sparks of fire shooting out through her taut muscles. Every fiber of her being worked toward capturing his flesh within her hot pussy until something deep inside burst, filling her with pleasure beyond anything she’d ever known. She climaxed endlessly, leaving her with only one reality—Blake Carlisle’s complete and total ownership of her body, and heart. His cock swelled and lengthened within her pussy, stretching her on an almost unbearable rack of pleasure. Blake slammed into her two, three more times before erupting, filling her with his hot seed. Her body greedily drank every glorious, heated blast of his cum. Blake continued to move in short, shallow thrusts as she convulsed around his invading shaft. She cried out in both relief and disappointment when he finally collapsed on top of her, pinning her to the bed. She didn’t want the intense session to end, but she knew neither of them could have continued at the breakneck speed at which they had been flying.

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Struggling to breathe with his weight crushing her chest, Cathy managed to jab an elbow back into his ribs, forcing Blake to the side. She couldn’t move. He’d fucked her senseless. His repeatedly mumbled apologies in a guilt-ridden voice ripped a hole in her soul. How could he fuck her like a wild man, then lie there muttering useless platitudes? And just what did he think he needed to apologize for anyway? One trembling arm reached over her back, pulling her into his body spoon fashion. She lacked the strength or will to resist. The adrenaline ebbed from her system, and Cathy gave in to exhaustion, sinking into the dark, welcoming depths of a dreamless sleep. She felt content to be wrapped in the sheltering embrace of her lover. For Blake, this had to be the biggest, most colossal screw-up of all time. Never in his life had he acted with such total, irresponsible lack of regard for doing the right thing. Okay, so he liked to sleep around. So what? He had an insatiable sexual appetite for beautiful women. Didn’t most red-blooded men? He always acted responsibly. But damn, how could he have messed up so badly with her, the only woman who really mattered. Cathy had always been his biggest temptation, his most profound weakness. Even when she’d been a skinny little runt with braces and thick geek glasses, she had blown him away. Now? Well, now she was the most gorgeous woman he’d ever laid eyes on. Just one look at her and his normally quick mental processes became muddled. Still there was no excuse for being irresponsible. Never in his life had he forgotten a condom. At least not until he’d gone caveman and fucked Cathy Markham like a wild animal in heat. Hell, she’d been a fucking virgin before he got hold of her. Then he’d gone all primal, pounding her to a pulp, marking her as his. When it came down to it that was exactly what he’d done. He’d branded her with his cock, marked her with his cum, claimed her as his mate. Blake had finally come to the realization that if he had Cathy he’d no longer feel the need to sleep around. That’s what had driven his wild behavior. Now he just had to figure out how to keep her. A few ideas played through his mind as Blake sorted out a plan of action.

***** Before her eyes even opened, Cathy sighed with deep disappointment. She didn’t have to look around or reach out to know that she was alone. Typical of his character, Blake had skipped out after another one-night stand. Reaching across the bed she felt a little bit of his warmth still held within the sheets. At least he hadn’t been gone long. “Son of a bitch,” she muttered groggily. Never had Cathy pictured herself as being a one-night stand. Chalk another one up to world against Cathy—world three, Cathy zip. Old feelings of abandonment clouded her mood.

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Not one to sit around and indulge in self-pity, Cathy got moving. She went through her daily routine then headed to the Filling Station. Going over the books would give her something to occupy her mind. Not that she had to worry about the books. Ray did a wonderful job in managing the day-to-day business of the bar. It would be easy for her to take time off, maybe do some traveling, put Ray in charge. Problem was she wouldn’t know what to do with herself. All she knew was work. Having downtime tended to make her nervous. Maybe she would take some time for herself. Go on a Caribbean cruise or something. Cathy spent several distracted hours in her office surfing the internet for travel deals until it was time to work the crowd. Getting ready for the evening made her feel antsy. Something fundamental inside had changed last night. She didn’t feel like the same person anymore. Cathy didn’t seem to fit right, and neither did Cat. Staring in the mirror, she searched her image. There was no visible outward sign of the change she felt deep in her soul. She still looked exactly the same no matter how different she felt. Leaving the locker room and entering her bar felt anticlimactic. The normal rush she felt at being transformed into Cat just wasn’t there. Sure, the normal catcalls, whistles, hoots and hollers met her entrance. But somehow she was unaffected. Ray seemed to notice the difference in her immediately. When she approached the bar without her normal panache his expression turned quizzical. Not knowing what to say, Cat chose to remain silent. She went through the motions, flirted, danced, and played up to the crowd. The entire atmosphere in the bar seemed changed. Did they all feel the differences that she had yet to fully realize? Later, Tess tried to corner her in the locker room when she took a break. Cathy diligently avoided the attempts of her staff to discover what was happening. After all, she could hardly give them answers when she had yet to figure things out. The moment Blake walked into the crowed bar, she was aware of his larger-thanlife presence. Great, how to handle the day after. This was certainly an area where she was greatly lacking in experience. Her attempt to ignore his presence quickly fell flat. Anger boiled through her veins as she watched Tess saunter up to Blake and begin to flirt with him. The woman was like an octopus. Her hands roamed all over his hard body while she worked to capture his undivided attention. Tess sure knew how to vamp up her act. While she could not really see how he reacted since his back was to her, Cathy saw red. Everything in her wanted to march up to the little slut and beat the tar out of her, whether they were friends or not. But she had given Tess the go-ahead when she’d told the other woman she had no claim on him. Damned if she would stand in her club and have a meltdown as her lover was played with by one of her staff. No, she’d give him a little of his own medicine instead, let him know how it felt.

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Spotting the twins, she made her way to the dance floor where she began a noholds-barred seduction of the two young men. Using every trick she knew, Cathy captured and maintained Reggie and Bernie’s undivided attention. At the same time the trio captured the attention of most of the bar. What the hell am I doing, she eventually began to wonder as her emotions began to cool down. This was really stupid, allowing her jealousy to get the better of her. Before she could put and end to the immature farce a deep, primal growl assaulted the trio. “Back off, boys. You’re barking up the wrong tree. That’s my woman. You’ll need to find your own.” Cathy didn’t have to look up to recognize that voice. What surprised her was the primitive emotion she heard. She finally looked into steely, icy blue eyes that were unrecognizable. Blake looked every inch the cold, determined warrior ready for battle. His lips had thinned into a firm line in his hard jaw. Every finely honed muscle was rippling with power. Although his stance looked casual, he was poised for action. Reggie and Bernie saw the possessive rage written on the big man’s features and made haste in vacating the area. “Ah, we’ll catch up with you later, Cat,” one of them mumbled. “Yeah, it’s getting kind of crowded in here,” stated the other twin. The two of them were gone before she could bat an eye. Oh, no sir. She would not be intimidated by his dominating alpha male attitude. Her independent nature shaped her reaction. The last thing she would do would be to allow him to use his greater strength to pin her down. Without a word she breezed past Blake and headed for the main bar. Not normally much of a drinker, Cathy felt it was a good time for a strong shot of liquid fortitude. That was exactly what she would need to douse her irrational jealousy and deal with Blake. “Give me a shot of Cuervo Gold, Ray. Hell, make it a double,” Cathy said as she approached the bar. She did not need to see the look on Ray’s face to know that Blake stood behind her. The heat of his anger rolled off his body in waves, along with the spicy smell of his cologne. Combined with his distinctive masculine scent it produced a heady effect. After licking the sensitive curve between thumb and forefinger, Cathy shook some salt onto her hand. When Ray set the shot on the bar she licked up the salt, slammed back the shot, then sucked a slice of lime between her lips. The fiery liquid burned a path between her mouth and stomach. Immediately, warm fingers spread the alcohol through her body. With a sassy comment on her lips, she turned to face Blake. Before she could utter a word the Neanderthal grabbed her waist and threw her over his shoulder. She let loose a startled yelp, and kicked her feet toward his crotch. Blake quickly pinned her calves against his abdomen with one arm. The other hand came down with a resounding smack against her ass.

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Hanging upside down over his shoulder, hair hanging like a veil over her head, all she could see was his solid back and firm ass. Not a bad view all in all, but the blood was rushing to her head, making her dizzy. She squealed when his hand slapped against her ass again as she attempted to squirm free of his grasp. The sharp sting radiated heat directly to her pussy. She hated being manhandled, and felt weird to be getting turned on. “If you don’t want to be spanked again then you better hold still, sweetheart,” Blake gritted out between his teeth. He turned and began marching toward her office, pausing only briefly for Ray’s menacing warning. “I suggest you put her down. Now,” the bartender firmly stated. With both hands, Cathy gathered up her hair. Straining her abs she flexed her neck so she could see. “It’s okay, Ray. I’m fine. I’ll take care of this jerk.” No sooner had Blake put Cathy onto her feet in the office than she turned on him. A deep red flush of anger spread from her cheeks, down her neck, and disappeared into her blouse. Her hands were tightly fisted at her sides. Glorious waves of brown hair floated in wild disarray over her shoulders. Damn, she was more than beautiful. She was an angry goddess ready for battle. Before either of them could get a word out his cell phone rang. Of all the times for an interruption, this had to be one of the worst. Snatching the offending device off his belt, Blake glanced at the caller ID display, barely holding back a string of expletives. “Sorry, sweetheart. I have to take this.” Turning his back on a very angry woman was probably not the best idea, but Blake walked into the hallway to take the call. Any call from the Navy would not be something good. The caller was short and to the point. Keeping a wary eye on the very upset bartender, Blake hit the disconnect button and turned to face an empty room with no other door. “What the hell?” He looked around for a few minutes trying to figure out how Cathy had pulled her disappearing act. No one seemed to have any idea where she could be, although Blake knew her loyal employees wouldn’t tell him anyway. Eventually, he gave up, unable to spend any more time searching for her. He had to go. Duty called. He returned to the house and packed quickly. Pushing his time constraints, Blake stopped by Cathy’s apartment. It was readily apparent that she had not returned home. He took the time to write a quick note explaining what was going on, and left it tucked into the doorjamb. That would have to be good enough. He didn’t have time to track her down after her disappearing act before reporting for duty as directed.

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Chapter Thirteen Three weeks later

One of the first things Cathy had done when she’d bought the bar was to have a special room built to hold cash and protect her in the event of a robbery. With the amount of money that passed through the bar a safe was essential. The small room served the dual function of both housing the large safe and creating a panic room. When Blake turned to take his phone call, Cathy had wasted no time disappearing into that room until he left. No way would she let him take control of her or their argument through his greater physical strength. Nothing made her blood boil more than a man thinking he could push her around because of his muscles. Throwing her over his shoulder and dragging her off had accomplished just that. It had been weeks since her escape, and Blake’s disappearance. Although things had settled back to normal for the most part, Cathy still felt his absence like a physical blow. Waking up alone after they’d made love, she had known their night together meant a whole lot more to her than it ever would to him. Still, it hurt to know that her virginity had become just another notch on his bedpost. It didn’t matter that he had apparently spent most of the night. She’d still woken up alone. Things at the bar had become somewhat strained. None of her longtime staff seemed to know how to act around her anymore. Hell, even she was unsure how to be Cat now. Keeping the act up became more difficult with each passing night. Nothing was as simple as it had been BB—before Blake. Even Steve was treating her differently, behaving secretively. He’d taken off on some mysterious trip, and wouldn’t be back for several days. While she wondered what her brother was up to, Cathy lacked the interest required to figure it out. Increasingly she had turned more and more of the daily running of the bar over to Ray. Cathy just showed up when it was time for her shift. No more long hours. She was really looking forward to having the night off tomorrow with absolutely nowhere to go, and all day to get there. Maybe she wouldn’t even get out of bed. The twins had invited her to go boating with them on Sunday since the bar was closed. She had maintained some distance since that heated night, and couldn’t imagine spending the whole day in the close quarters of a thirty-foot boat with them. They would most likely expect it to be more than just a friendly trip. To avoid an awkward scene she had declined their offer. After work she had put on pajamas and flopped into bed. This was the worst part of her day. Trying to sleep in the bed where she’d shared so much with Blake always left her restless. For a while she hadn’t even washed her sheets because they’d smelled like 94

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him. Eventually, when they lost his scent and took on a rather heinous odor she’d had to give in and do laundry. Jeez, how pathetic. Cathy knew she was depressed. Admitting it was supposed to be half the battle, right? Well, she could admit it. But pulling herself out of it was another story. Nothing interested her anymore. Not even the thought of owning her own house held the same appeal that it had BB. While channel surfing, she stumbled on a weather report that froze her cold. A hurricane with sustained winds of one hundred forty-five miles per hour was battering the Caribbean. The projected storm path originally had the storm skirting the east coast, then heading harmlessly out to sea. Over the past several hours a dramatic change had occurred with the storm. The damn thing had made a loop and headed south of Cuba. As was typical, when hurricanes dropped below Cuba they ended up in the Gulf of Mexico. The wicked storm had now crossed Havana, and was projected to make landfall somewhere along southeastern Florida during the night. Both her apartment and the bar were in the potential strike zone. The news only got worse as the day continued. The storm was gaining strength as it cruised along the warm waters of the Gulf. It had become a distinct possibility that by the time it made landfall it would be a category five hurricane with winds in excess of one hundred fifty-five miles per hour. Reports began to fill the screen showing the extreme devastation throughout Cuba from the killer storm. Cathy watched for a short time before deciding on a plan of action. The apartment and its contents didn’t mean much to her. What mattered most was the Filling Station. She had to get over there and secure her livelihood. Dressing quickly in jeans and a T-shirt, Cathy donned a baseball cap and old sneakers before heading out into the rain. Already the coastal community was feeling the effects of the powerful storm poised on the brink of indiscriminately destroying everything in its path. Winds pushed her little car around on the short drive. At the small bridge that would take her across the Intercoastal Waterway to the club, Cathy was stopped by a police barricade. Only residents of the area were being allowed across the bridge to close up their homes. Thankfully the officer was a regular patron of the Filling Station. He expressed concern about her attempting to secure the bar by herself. Cathy lied to the man, telling him that Ray and several other employees would be there to help. Finally, he relented and let her pass. The ride across the bridge felt eerie. Dark, ominous rain clouds hung plump and heavy in the sky. The few other cars she encountered were all going the other direction, evacuating from the island.

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There was not much that could be done to protect the Beetle while Cathy secured the bar. She parked as close to the shelter of the building as possible, and on the highest bit of ground. Having lived in the area for her entire life, Cathy was always ready for storms. Everything she would need was prepared and stowed in the storage room. Each piece of pre-drilled plywood was labeled as to which window or door it had been cut to fit. Dragging the large pieces of plywood was difficult due to the increasing winds and their weight. The rain that pelted her made things worse. Cathy used wooden latches bracketing each window to hold the wood in place while driving the screws home with a power driver. Regardless of having her hair pulled back through the slit at the back of her cap, the thick ponytail kept lashing across her face. After more than two hours of exhausting work while fighting the elements, Cathy had only secured half the bar’s windows and doors. Sheer determination and fear drove her to finish the preparations. The bar was everything—her key to the future. She would not stand by and watch it get blown away. No, she would fight to the bitter end to protect what belonged to her, even if it meant fighting Mother Nature. The wily bitch! When Cathy finally had everything battened down, the road was flooded and water was rising toward the building. There was no way she would make it over the bridge in her little Bug. She’d have to ride out the storm in the bar and pray for the best. She was soaked to the bone and freezing cold. Thankfully she had clothes in the locker room. After a hot shower she turned on the local weather station to see what was happening. Shock and trepidation filled her as she watched the latest reports. The storm had indeed strengthened into a category five with winds currently clocked at one hundred fifty-eight miles per hour. While she’d been working the path had changed slightly. It was projected to hit just north of her island, putting the bar on the worst side of the deadly wind. Residents were being told that evacuation was no longer an option. The best advice being offered was to hunker down where you were until the hurricane passed. Bam! Something large slammed into the side of the building, wrenching a startled scream from Cathy. Seconds later the power went out. Okay, now she was getting scared. After searching behind the bar, she finally located a flashlight. Sitting in the dark listening to the storm rage outside was making her crazy. Realization slowly dawned that no one knew where she was. Steve was out of state. Her staff would think she was hunkered down at her apartment and most likely not even think about checking in on her. The cop who’d let her across the bridge would most likely have already forgotten. She was utterly and totally on her own. No one would even know to look for her. As time slowly passed the sounds from outside grew steadily worse. She could hear the tortured screams of metal being bent and crushed. Large objects kept slamming into

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the side of the bar as the wind howled out its incredible fury. With all the windows boarded over from the outside she could not even get a glimpse of the world around her. Cathy was effectively sealed off from everything and everyone. What a horrible feeling. It seemed like she was the only person left in the world— alone and isolated. After emptying the bucket under a leaky portion of roof for the third time, Cathy curled up on one of the loveseats. Water had begun to make its way under the heavy front doors. She’d stuffed towels into the gap under the door and weighed them down with heavy cases of liquor, but it hadn’t done much to stem the tide. There was not much else she could do but wait. The combined effects of physical exhaustion, too many sleepless nights, and the tequila she’d been indulging in while waiting out the storm pulled her down into the murky depths of a restless sleep.

***** Sweat poured over his body in small, dirty trails. Never before had Blake felt so dirty and smelly. Although he was only handing out bottled water it felt like a much greater task. The people were so thankful to receive something so basic that many others took for granted each and every day. Water, clothes, shoes, prepackaged meals— these people were thankful for every small item they were given. He had been in too may different countries over the years to count, and seen the lowest, most evil aspects of human nature. Never had he experienced anything quite like the people of Asia. Instead of giving up to despair after their country had been ravaged by the most recent deadly tsunami the people rejoiced in life. A strong spirit of community prevailed. Yes, they were saddened by the lives that had been lost, but they looked at the positives. Thousands of people from all over the world were offering assistance and support. They took this as a beautiful result of a tragic event. Even the children seemed to be truly happy. The different relief workers and military personnel gave the children small toys made of empty bottles, cans and scraps of cloth. He had not seen one child who did not cherish the crudely made toys. It was truly the most amazing thing he had ever witnessed, and Blake was thankful for the opportunity to see this side of human nature. It provided a much-needed balm to his very jaded soul. In the midst of this tragedy he finally fully discovered what it was about Cathy that had always attracted him so completely. She held the same kind of indomitable spirit within herself as the people he was witnessing. Cathy looked to the positives of any situation and found a way to be at peace with both her surroundings and her self. That beautiful inner spirit shone like a beacon from her soul, bringing light and happiness to those whose lives she touched. It was why he loved her. Amazing. It had taken traveling across the world to a disaster-ravaged land and seeing how its people handled the horrible situation to make him truly realize how

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much he loved Cathy Markham. It didn’t matter what she looked like on the outside. Never had. It was the beautiful soul burning brightly inside that had captured his heart. While he did not want to leave the people who had come to mean so very much to him, Blake needed to get home. He needed to take Cathy in his arms and never let her go.

***** Startled awake by a loud noise, Cathy sat for a moment trying to absorb the current conditions. She felt groggy and slow from her nap. The noises outside seemed to have only intensified while she dozed. A loud banging on the front doors grabbed her attention, scaring her and making her heart feel like it had seized up in her chest. The loud pounding was repeated several times, followed by a brief silence. Then the banging started up again. “Holy shit!” Someone was out there in the hurricane. She raced to the big doors and began struggling to move the barricade of boxes and towels so she could bring the poor soul inside. When the banging started up again she pounded back so the person would know she was working to get the doors opened. Once the doorway was finally clear and she turned the deadbolt the door crashed open. Cathy didn’t even have time to look at the person as together they battled the wind to close the door again. It took every ounce of strength and body weight they both had to finally wrestle the door into place. She was freezing again, standing more than ankle deep in cold salt water. Cathy turned to drag the boxes back in front of the door, but was grabbed by strong hands and quickly spun around. Her eyes moved up the solid mass of hard male muscle wrapped in camouflage fatigues and focused on intense sapphire eyes. Wow, did he ever look good in uniform! Without a word, she collapsed into Blake’s arms. Never in her life had she been so happy to see anyone, or so ready to lean on the strength of another. “Oh, God. I’m so scared,” she cried. When the tears began to flow there was nothing she could do to stop the tide. A whirlwind of emotions raged through her as powerfully as the storm outside. Frustration, exhaustion, fear, relief. It was a jumbled mess. Blake had come back for her. No matter what had transpired between them, once again he’d come to her rescue when she needed it most. She was swept into his warm embrace, held sheltered against his big body. In that moment she knew that everything would be okay. No matter what happened, Blake would make everything all right just by being there. Blake held her close, providing both warmth and comfort. He spoke soft words of reassurance close to her ear while brushing butterfly kisses over her face. The hands stroking gently over her arms and back brought blistering heat to her body, warming

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her instantly. Desire surged through Cathy as powerfully as the tidal waves crashing into the seawall outside. Her blood heated, spreading her need, pounding in her ears. The hurricane became a distant background noise. The freight-train-like sounds barely registered in her mind. All she knew, all she felt, was the lust cresting within her. She needed Blake with sheer desperation. All that mattered was feeling him deep within her body. She needed to join her flesh with his more than she needed her next breath. They would reaffirm life through each other. “Blake!” she cried out in an anguished tone. “Shh, sweetheart. I’m here now. You’re not alone anymore.” Cathy twisted in his arms and wrapped her legs around his waist. She took his face in both her hands, staring into those fathomless blue eyes. “I need you, Blake…inside me…now!” He just stared at her for what seemed like endless moments. “Cathy, you’re scared. Just try to…” “No. I need you.” Without another word she fisted her hands in the wet olive-drab T-shirt plastered to his strong chest under the open fatigue shirt. With more strength than she knew she possessed, Cathy ripped it straight down the front. “Sweetheart, slow down. We need to talk.” Cathy just shook her head. “No. Nothing else matters. No talk. I need you to make love to me. Make me feel alive again, Blake,” she pleaded. Her choice of words did not go unnoticed by either of them. He hesitated for only a heartbeat before claiming her mouth in a fierce, possessive kiss. Their tongues met, twining together, joining in a restless rhythm. There was nothing hesitant in her touch as Cathy’s hands explored his chest and arms. She knew what she wanted, and was determined it would be hers. Their clothes were shed quickly in the frenzy of their need. Cathy could feel the blood pooling in her sex, causing her pussy to swell and juices to flow down her thighs. Every touch, every kiss drove the inferno of need coursing through her body higher. Sounds of the storm raging outside increased the intensity of the one brewing within her. Blake carried her to one of the couches and lay back with her covering his body. Reaching between her legs, Cathy spread her labia, and slid her burning hot inner folds over the hard length of his erection. With each rocking motion of her hips she covered his cock with her slick cream. Holding his shaft firmly, Cathy rubbed the red, engorged head over her clit. Tingling sensations blasted out along every nerve ending and she felt the contact all the way to her curled toes. With one smooth motion she sheathed his cock to the hilt in the burning hot depths of her clenching, needy pussy. “Ah. Fuck yeah!” Blake groaned.

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At first her rocking motions were slow and controlled. The combination of the position and her own body weight drove his cock deep within her body. Deeper than ever before. Cathy felt incredibly full, alive. Each small movement created friction as his cock slid against the grasping walls of her vagina. With his hands on her hips, Blake helped Cathy to find her rhythm. When instinct took over his hands moved up her body to cup her jiggling breasts. He massaged her needy mounds while deft fingers played over distended nipples. Each caress sent electrical surges straight to her pulsing clit. “Oh, yes. Blake…” she gasped. “Mmm…that’s it, sweetheart. Ride every last inch.” He watched her, appearing mesmerized by the rippling muscles in her strong thighs and abdomen as she rode his cock. Her fingernails bit into his chest while she held on tightly. Leaning into the heat of his chest had her sensitive nipples brushing over the silky hair and hard muscle. She ground her pussy against his pubic bone. Each thrust stroked a magical spot deep within her body and along her clit at the same time. The tension built until it rivaled the storm raging outside in strength and unleashed ferocity. Cathy didn’t think she could withstand another moment of holding herself in check. She needed to set free the raging hurricane that was building deep inside her body. Still Blake’s hips surged upward to meet each thrust. Her body took over as her dizzy mind melted away. And then Blake did something so unexpected, so shocking. One big hand caressed the length of her spine. Long thick fingers followed the cleft of her ass, stopping at her puckered asshole before continuing down to gather her copious juices. He spread her cream up over her ass, rimming the tight bud with his thumb. Fiery sensations coursed through her body, making every nerve ending tingle as her body trembled, on the verge of spiraling crazily out of control. “You like that, don’t you, sweetheart?” Now was not the time to be shy, timid. Now was the time to let him know what she wanted, what she needed. “Oh yes, Blake,” she gasped. “More. I need more.” With each thrust, the pressure of his thumb against the tight rosebud increased until the tip of the digit finally breached the tight ring of muscle. Sensitive nerve endings created a virtual cyclone of pleasurable sensations that grew into a tempest ready to tear her asunder, reshaping her once again. “Unh,” she moaned. “Take however much you want, baby. Yeah, that’s it. Push back against my thumb,” Blake instructed. With each movement, Cathy pushed back a little farther, taking a little more. She craved everything, looking forward to the moment when the fury of mounting tension would finally burst free.

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By the time his thumb was buried in her ass she writhed mindlessly against the dual penetration. Her entire body shook as mind-numbing sensations collected everywhere at once, every muscle tensing, readying for release. “That’s it, sweetheart. Now come for me. Milk my cock.” Blake gritted his teeth as he fought his own release. He knew Cathy was on the verge of an explosive climax, and refused to come before she found ecstasy. But the effort to hold back just might kill him. His balls were drawn painfully tight against the base of his dick. Her pussy fisted him so perfectly. Each movement was a test of his will. He watched in amazement as Cathy was finally overcome. Her head rolled back between her shoulders as both tight channels began to convulse against his flesh, triggering his own climax. Nipping and sucking at her taut nipples, Blake drove her orgasm higher. He couldn’t take his eyes off Cathy’s flushed face contorted in rapture, her blissful scream more intense than the hurricane. Wave after wave of orgasmic bliss poured through her body, bringing him along for the ride. His climax went on and on, stronger than anything he’d ever experienced. Still she convulsed around him until exhaustion won out and she collapsed against his chest. They clung to each other’s sweat-soaked bodies as they struggled to recover. Blake could feel each spasm of aftershock that rocked Cathy. When their breathing finally returned to normal he realized how eerily quiet it had become outside. They were in the eye of the storm. The worst Mother Nature could throw at them would soon rock their world on the backside of the storm. He absently wondered if nature could possibly match the wild storm they’d just created with their lovemaking. Stroking damp strands of tangled hair he placed tender kisses all over her beautiful face.

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Chapter Fourteen Cathy was awed by the way Blake continued to stroke her body and plant loving kisses all over her. Her knowledge of sex told her that men didn’t want to touch after sex. They typically just wanted to sleep. But not Blake. No, he lovingly caressed her body with a tenderness that went straight to her heart. “Ready to talk?” he asked as his expression turned serious. Okay, time to face the aftermath. Cathy slid off his lap, but Blake kept her snuggled close against his body. She felt sheltered, loved. Loved? Whoa, what was up with that? She would have to be careful. She didn’t know if Blake could love her back. He had the potential to break her heart. Old lessons were difficult to set aside. But did she even have a choice in the matter. Hell, the man already held her heart captive. Always had. There was really nothing she could do but pray he treat it gently. “Okay.” Cathy looked up into his eyes, which had turned dark and serious. “Let’s start with why you once again took off without a word. You have no idea the hell I’ve lived in for the past three weeks.” Blake just stared at her. “What are you talking about, Cathy? When I ran out of time and couldn’t find you, I left a note at your apartment explaining everything.” Now it was Cathy’s turn to stare. “There was no note, Blake. It was just like ten years ago. You left me alone without so much as a word.” He shook his head fiercely in denial. “I would never leave you again, Cathy. Not after what we’ve shared. I wrote you a note explaining that I had been called to perform some disaster relief work out of the country. I had no idea how long I’d be gone, but I told you I’d be back.” The anxiety and uncertainty of the past weeks melted away, leaving Cathy feeling much lighter. She didn’t know what had happened to the note, or if he’d really left one, but the possessive, yet caring look in those intense blue eyes was enough to make her stomach flip-flop. “I won’t leave you again, Cathy. You’re mine! You captured my heart a long time ago. I was just too stubborn and blind to see.” “Oh, Blake…” Reaching out, he placed a finger over her lips. “Shh. Let me finish, okay.” Cathy just nodded her head, remaining silent. “You are stuck with me, sweetheart. The entire U.S. armed forces could not keep me away. I love you, Cathy.”

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He what? Oh my God! “Blake,” she cried, “I love you so much it hurts!” Cathy watched as his lips spread into a wide, goofy grin. He jumped up from the small couch, and twirled her around in circles. “I’ve waited so long to hear you say that.” Dizziness rushed over Cathy in waves. Finally, he stopped spinning and just stood holding her clutched painfully tight in his strong arms. “Blake,” she gasped, “can’t breathe…” With a devilish laugh he relaxed his grip slightly, still keeping her as close as two people could get. They rode out the rest of the violent storm making love in different positions all around the bar. Nothing was sacred. They even made love on the middle of the elevated dance platform. When the worst of the storm had passed, Blake moved the boxes and opened the heavy doors. The sky still looked turbulent and overcast, but there were small patches where the sun broke through, shining brightly on the ravaged landscape. The entire parking lot was flooded, but it didn’t matter. They were alive, in love, and had each other. Anything else could be fixed or replaced. Cathy wasn’t even too bothered by the crunched-up yellow blob that used to be her Bug. The small car was a total wreck, having been crushed between a thick tree and the side of the bar. She had no idea where the soft top had gone. The saltwater damage to the engine alone would render the vehicle useless, but it just didn’t matter. Blake’s truck had fared much better. It was elevated enough that water did not get into the engine, and amazingly had been left relatively unscathed. The Filling Station appeared to be in decent shape. Of course, it would be several days before the full extent of the damage could be evaluated. By the looks of things, it would probably take several days just to get the power and phone services working again. Considering the road conditions and downed power lines, they decided to camp out at the bar overnight instead of risking getting stuck somewhere in the truck. The days that followed were a blur of activity. Insurance adjusters, contractors, power truck convoys, and Blake. She watched as he developed a plan of attack, and charged headlong into getting the Filling Station back up and running. He became a powerful force to be reckoned with. After a middle-of-the-night discussion with Blake, she made a decision and asked Ray to officially become manager of the bar. He gladly accepted, freeing up more of her time. A very frightened and agitated Steve arrived back home before the utilities had been reestablished. He lectured Cathy endlessly about the stupidity of going to the bar alone in a hurricane. Blake just laughed and told Steve he might as well be talking to a brick wall.

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Cathy became insatiable after their time together in the bar. She was constantly dragging a very compliant Blake off to make love. The most heart-stopping coupling occurred in a nearly deserted movie theater. While watching a sappy chick flick, Blake absently stroked his fingers lightly up and down her thigh. The light caresses and the hot love scene playing out on the screen combined to drive Cathy crazy. Need welled up inside her until she could not wait another minute to make love. Boldly she slid her hand down the front of Blake’s pants to stroke his semi-erect cock, which quickly sprang to its glorious, full length. Cathy silently moved to her knees between his thighs, and slowly pulled down his zipper. When his cock sprang free she teased him mercilessly with her tongue, mouth, and fingers. Blake growled out a warning, and she turned to face the screen and plopped down on his lap. She slid her drenched pussy lips over his cock, covering him in her hot juices. When she finally sank down over his shaft, he gripped her hips and began controlling her movements. Riding his cock like a pro, Cathy bit her lip to keep from crying out. Her ass slapped down against his abdomen in a slow, easy rhythm until she reached between his wide spread thighs and began massaging his balls. Clamping his mouth against her neck, Blake growled as his hot cum jetted into her womb. Cathy’s fingers slid forward and stroked her clit, joining him in her own powerful orgasm. They even made love in broad daylight right on the beach. The driving sounds of the surf pounding into the sand set the pace. The sensual warmth of the sun heated their fevered flesh as their senses drank in the combined scent of salty sea air and the musky aroma of their sex, driving their frenzied need higher. Blake couldn’t believe the changes that occurred in Cathy now that her sexual appetite had been whetted. The woman was likely to wear him out before she ever got enough. The latent sexuality he’d unleashed within her was mind-boggling. Surreptitiously he studied Cathy while she sat with the rest of the bar staff around a small table talking and laughing after the end of a very successful reopening night. The purity of her beauty touched Blake on a deep level. While he’d had plenty of experience with lovely, sexy women, none could compare to Cathy. He knew that it was because the true source of her beauty came from a brilliant light that shone deep inside her being. He had discovered just what a beautiful soul she had during the time of crisis after the hurricane when the depth of her loving, caring nature had revealed itself. Before Cathy even began to consider rebuilding her own life and livelihood she had devoted herself to ensuring her friends and neighbors were taken care of first. She’d spent just as many hours helping to rebuild the playground at a local school as she had devoted to her bar.

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Lines of worry had deeply creased her forehead until they had been able to reach her elderly neighbor’s apartment to check on her welfare and safety. Her giving, loving spirit touched everyone around Cathy. She effortlessly held his heart. This is what he had spent so long running from, fighting against? Why? Blake had recognized her inner beauty from the very beginning. He’d also known she was the one woman who could hold on to him. The only one who had the power to break his heart. So much had become apparent while he was away providing disaster relief in Asia after a tidal wave. For the first time he had really watched how people responded to each other. In their darkest hour love had shone a ray of hope over everyone. It was a truly beautiful thing to behold. Blake had been slow to realize the true depth of how he felt about Cathy. He now wanted things that had never before entered his mind. Roaming the world no longer held any appeal. All he wanted was to settle down in one place with Cathy. No other woman would do. The previously unthinkable had happened. His wandering eye had settled on one woman. God, he’d wasted so much time and had so much to make up for. But that was exactly what he planned on doing. Blake had every intention of spending the rest of his life showing this wonderful woman exactly how much he cherished her. He planned to give her unconditional love and devotion for as long as she would have him. Silently he moved up behind her and began massaging her shoulders. She let her head rest back against his abdomen, closing her eyes in bliss as his strong fingers quickly worked to release the tension in her knotted shoulders. Leaning down he whispered against the shell of her ear. “Come on, sweetheart. Time to go home.” Cathy hummed with pleasure. “Okay, honey. I am kind of tired.” After saying good night they climbed into his truck. Instead of starting the engine he turned in his seat to face Cathy. “I have a surprise for you, sweetheart.” The words were spoken in a low, husky tone that absolutely dripped with sexual promise. Leaning across the seat, Blake held out a long silk scarf. “You are going to have to trust me a little bit, okay?” Cathy hesitated for only a fraction of a second when she realized he intended to blindfold her with the scarf. A sincere, lighthearted look graced her heart-shaped face. “I trust you with my life,” she replied, closing her eyes. Blake’s heart hammered against his breastbone. He could have never hoped for such unconditional trust from his sweet little minx. He gently tied the scarf over her eyes then placed a lingering kiss against her full lips. “Thank you” was all he could manage to say.

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As they drove through town he could tell that Cathy was anxious as she fidgeted in her seat. Still, she remained silent and trusted that he would take care of her. He prayed for the ability to live up to her trust and love. Asked for the ability to live up to everything Cathy deserved in a man.

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Chapter Fifteen Cathy felt giddy over whatever surprise Blake could possibly have lined up. She had no idea what he had in mind, and no matter how hard she concentrated on trying to sit still it was impossible. Nothing could curb the excited tingling that radiated throughout her body. The nervous anticipation. She came to the startling realization that she loved surprises. Although, if anyone had asked how she felt about being surprised before this moment her response would have been negative. She’d always wanted everything to be calm and predictable. But nothing could compare to the heady buzz of sweet anticipation brought about by the promise she’d heard in her lover’s voice. Yes, she decided that some surprises were good. With the blindfold in place, Cathy’s other senses became more attuned. From the decreased traffic sounds and slower motions of the truck she knew they had entered a residential area. The gentle sounds of the surf were coming closer, and the smell of salt in the air had increased. The truck slowed and they turned into a gravel drive. The small crunching and pinging sounds created by driving over the tiny rocks heightened her excitement. She was impatient to have the blindfold removed, yet wanted her heightened feelings to last. Blake shut off the truck, opened his door, then stepped out. Cathy could follow his progress around to her side by the sound of gravel crunching under his feet. When he opened her door she jumped out of her seat as if shot from a cannon. Her anticipation had risen exponentially during the short drive. Blake chuckled lightly, and captured both her hands in his. “Slow down, sweetheart. Your surprise isn’t going anywhere.” “I can’t help it. No one has ever gone to the trouble of creating a surprise for me before.” She moved with Blake as he guided her over the drive. “Can I take off the blindfold now? Please,” she begged. Blake’s soft laughter went zinging through her veins. “Not yet, Cathy.” He stopped their forward movement, turning her in a different direction. She felt his warm breath against her cheek a moment before his lips softly pressed against her mouth. She parted her lips on a sigh, granting an invitation for a deeper kiss. Her lover did not disappoint. Blake moaned into her mouth as his tongue explored. Their tongues twirled together as they fed each other from the sensual mating of their mouths. She could kiss him twenty-four hours a day and never get bored, never have enough.

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Cathy’s breathing had quickened by the time Blake broke the kiss. She felt him move around behind her, cradling her against his warmth. With deft motions of his fingers, Blake made quick work of the knot in the scarf. Confusion gripped Cathy as the silk slid down her face and was pulled away. They were standing in front of the beach house she had always coveted. More precisely, they were standing in front of the “for sale” sign. Another sign had been attached across the words indicating that the house had been sold. Was this his idea of some cruel joke? She didn’t want to know that someone had bought the house she would never have. She was angry, but her feelings of confusion were the strongest. “Blake, I don’t understand,” Cathy said. His earlier words played through her mind. “Come on, sweetheart. Time to go home. I have a surprise for you, Cathy.” Wanting to see his face, Cathy tried to turn in his arms, but Blake held her firmly in place. “You said you were taking me home, and that you had a surprise for me.” Without responding, Blake dug one hand into the pocket of his jeans. Then he brought his hand around her waist and held it fisted before Cathy. “Surprise, sweetheart,” he said, turning and opening his hand palm up. “Welcome home.” Cathy could only stare at his hand. In the center of his palm lay a tourist souvenir key ring that showed a quaint beach scene. Attached to the ring were two keys, and a crumpled red bow. Her mind struggled to understand what was happening. Why were they there, and what was up with the keys? She opened her mouth to ask, but then closed it again when words refused to take form. Some synapse was failing to make the necessary connections in her head. Her brain was misfiring. As if sensing her thoughts, Blake whispered against her ear. “The keys are for the house, Cathy. Your house. I did bring you home. Your new home.” Things were still misfiring. She heard each word clearly, but it didn’t make any sense. Nothing seemed to be working properly. She heard the repeated instructions from her head for her hand to reach out and pick up the keys. Her hand refused to move. In fact, Cathy had no control over her mind or body. She must be having a stroke. That must be it. Is this what happened to Mrs. Daniels? Cathy vaguely remembered the elderly neighbor explaining how she could still hear and think, but could not move or control her body. “Cathy?” Concern laced Blake’s voice, but she still could not respond. All she could do was to stare at the keys. Even when he moved in front of her, cupping her face in his warm hands, she was frozen in place. “Are you all right, sweetheart? Come on, take a breath. It’s okay, Cathy.”

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The concern was also reflected in his incredible blue eyes, along with love and happiness. I love this man so much it’s paralyzing. “Come on, Cathy.” Blake took her hands and led her to the front door. She watched in amazement as he slipped the key into the lock, and it turned. Then he opened the door and drew her inside. It took several moments for Cathy to realize why everything looked so familiar. Her beach posters were hanging on the walls. Glancing down the hall into the living room she saw her couch. This just didn’t make any sense. How could her things be in someone else’s beach house? “Cathy, you’re starting to worry me. Are you all right?” Blake’s voice sounded tense. Something finally clicked in her scattered thoughts. She looked up into Blake’s handsome, rugged face. The truth was there in his eyes. “I…you…oh shit, Blake! You bought this house?” He led her into the living room and guided her to sit on the couch. Then he knelt down at her feet to stare into her slack, confused face. “Steve helped work everything out. This is your house now, Cathy.” He picked up a paper from the coffee table, placing it in her hands. “That’s the deed. The house belongs to you…only you.” Shock became denial. Cathy just couldn’t accept what he was saying. “I didn’t buy this house. I don’t have the money, Blake. I had to buy Steve out of the bar. I own the Filling Station.” Blake sighed deeply. “Look at the deed, Cathy. The house is yours.” Following his instructions, Cathy read over the paper that shook slightly in her hands. She read a description of the parcel of land and existing dwelling. The paper stated in no uncertain terms that the owner of the described property was Catherine Marie Markham. “Holy shit! Blake, you bought me this house?” Cathy was afraid to believe what she’d read. Blake explained how he had bought Steve’s share of the bar, and transferred complete ownership into her name. Then he’d had Steve put the money she’d paid him into an escrow account to buy the house. After completing the sale of his mother’s house, they had then added those funds to escrow. The money in the account was used to purchase the beach house in her name. “But, Blake,” she protested. “Your name should be on the deed, too. And you own part of the Filling Station.” “No, Cathy. The bar is yours, and so is this house. There are no banks or loans involved. Just like the bar, this house is a hundred percent yours.”

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This was the part Blake had worried about the most. Would she be able to accept the house knowing that she had not paid for it entirely on her own? Would her independent streak allow her to accept the gift he was offering? With a high-pitched squeal, Cathy threw herself forward. Her arms went around his neck, the forward momentum knocking them both over onto the floor. Holding his head in her palms she rained kisses over every inch of his face.

***** Cathy’s heart was so full of love she was afraid it would burst. Her heart labored heavily, sending blood surging through her veins. It was going to take a while for her to absorb the reality of what Blake had done. He’d made her dreams come true. Now if she could just convince him to stay, life would be perfect. At the moment she needed him with every fiber of her being. No matter how tightly she pressed her body against his they were still not close enough. With frenzied desire she ripped at his stubborn clothes. She needed to feel him buried deep within her body. “Whoa, slow down, sweetheart,” Blake gasped. “We have all night.” Cathy shook her head. “I need you!” she gasped. “Damn it, Blake. I need you, now! Please…” Okay, so things were not going exactly the way Blake had planned. Cathy seemed so shocked and unbelieving. The plan had been to sip the champagne chilling in a nearby ice bucket. Then he’d planned to seduce her with bites of the lush ripe strawberries dipped in warm chocolate and whipped cream. After that, Blake was going to carry her up the stairs to the bedroom where the bed had been covered in rose petals. He’d pictured slowly and thoroughly making love to Cathy. Her hand snaked between their bodies and took hold of his erection. She expertly stroked his cock through the thick denim, wiping away all coherent thought. If Blake didn’t do something to slow her down she was likely to throw him into a frenzy that would leave him feeling guilty like before. Cathy had the ability to make him lose control, something no one else had ever accomplished. And then it occurred to him… Damn. Having planned to make love upstairs, that was where he’d left all the toys. Just then Cathy pushed Blake’s shirt up over his chest, and began to lick and suck on his nipples. Every nerve in his body sprang to life as the jolting sensations bolted through him. Tucking Cathy close against him, Blake rose and carried her up the stairs taking the steps two at a time. Damn if he could wait another minute to get her into bed. From the way Cathy’s hands roamed his body, he knew that she couldn’t wait either. When they reached the bedroom, Cathy gasped. “What…how…Blake?” He set her feet on the floor slowly, and Cathy turned in a circle, gazing at the room, mouth hanging open. Everything from her bedroom in the apartment was there.

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The room was very romantic. Sterling rose petals had been spread all over the bed. Candles glowed from decorative glass vases and wall sconces. Hand-blown glass balls in a wide array of radiant, iridescent colors, along with an array of crystals, were hung by the glass doors leading out onto the balcony. Their position would create a kaleidoscope of colorful patterns around the room when sunlight shone on them. When she once again faced Blake, Cathy was speechless. How could she ever express how much this meant to her. The security of her own home. The home of her dreams. The romantic setting he’d created. And the loving look in his sparkling sapphire eyes. Cathy wanted to believe what she glimpsed in those enigmatic eyes in which she loved to lose herself. In Blake’s eyes she perceived joy, devilish delight, satisfaction…and undying love. Reaching her hand upward she cupped his cheek tenderly then brushed a soft kiss over his sensuous lips. “Blake…” “It’s okay, Cathy. I understand. Your reaction just now made every bit of the effort worthwhile.” Blake gently pushed her long dark hair over her shoulder and nuzzled Cathy’s neck. “I’m glad you like everything.” A deluge of emotions bombarded Cathy. She wanted to run out on the balcony and scream for joy, beat on her chest like a wild woman, tell him how much she loved him, and then take Blake to bed. Instead, she stood frozen in place, staring at the man she’d always loved. Unable to connect coherent thoughts the only thing she was able to say was, “Why?” Blake scooped her up then gently placed Cathy in the middle of the bed. She thought he might not answer her question as he knelt over her, intently studying her face. “Cathy, you deserve everything your heart desires and so much more. This is just a drop in the bucket compared to what I want to do for you.” No matter his good intentions, Blake could not wait any longer. Unable to hold back the rush of emotions he finally spoke his heart. “I love you, Cathy,” he whispered. “Can I keep you forever?” She squealed in delight, wrapping her arms around his neck, pulling Blake to her for a searing kiss. Her eyes were nearly black with desire, the pupils large and dilated. Cathy’s heavy-lidded look of sensuality stirred the flames of his desire. Blake loved her more at that moment than he’d ever thought possible. Leaning into Cathy, he pressed the evidence of his desire against her soft belly. Her needy moan nearly had him ripping her clothes off with the baser urges that surged through him. Their kiss became a heated battle, both giving and taking equally. They tasted, teased, and made love to each other’s mouths. It was the essence of carnal passion. When Cathy broke away, gasping for air, they were both panting. Her heart swelled with love. The ache in her chest paralleled the need throbbing between her legs. She 111

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Chapter Sixteen While the needs of her heart were fierce, the needs of her body would no longer be denied. Hunger won out hands down. “Blake, now!” Cathy ordered. “Uh-uh, sweetheart. I want to go nice and slow.” Blake needed to worship her body. He wanted to spend hours uncovering, teasing, and pleasuring every glorious delight. Cathy became uncharacteristically forceful. “No. We’ll go slow later. Right now I want hard and fast.” She punctuated her words by firmly grasping his cock. His sensual moan only served to increase the ache in her dripping wet pussy. Capturing his hand she drew his fingers up the leg of her shorts, not stopping until they were pressed against her swollen lips. “Oh shit, Cathy. You are so hot and wet,” he growled. Blake jumped up from the bed, putting some distance between them. Cathy was having none of that. She was up and at his side in the blink of an eye. No way was she letting him deny her. She wanted and needed him now. And she wanted him off balance, out of control. A devilish smile curved her full lips. She slid her hands under the soft material of his T-shirt, then up over the contours of his abdomen and chest. Blake sucked in his breath with a hiss as she teased his nipples. He helped her remove the shirt then groaned as she dropped down onto her knees. For a moment she just stared at the erection bulging against the front of his jeans before slowly licking her lips, anticipating his taste exploding in her mouth. With a firm touch, Cathy ran her fingernails over his steely hard shaft. Reaching the button she quickly worked it free, and slid down the zipper. His freed cock sprung forward into her waiting hands, a drop of pre-cum glistening on the plum-shaped tip. Unable to resist the temptation, Cathy flicked out her tongue, capturing his salty essence. Her eyes closed, and she hummed her appreciation. She made quick work of freeing Blake from his shoes, socks, and jeans, noting his lack of underwear. The fact that he’d gone commando sent heat surging through her body. The man was just too damn sexy. While she still held his rapt attention, Cathy placed both hands against his powerful thighs. With her fingers splayed wide she caressed upward to his trim hips, then circled around to cup his firm ass. God, she loved the way his muscles rippled against her hands.

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Blake’s balls tightened and drew up closer against the base of his cock. Cathy watched in amazement. Knowing she had created that reaction in his strong body produced a heady, powerful feeling. Looking up the length of his body, Cathy saw that Blake’s eyes were closed, a look of sexual abandon playing across his handsome features. Yes, she would get her way. She had the power to make this strong man lose control. Wow! Blake was just preparing to reach down and pull Cathy to her feet when the little minx leaned forward and laved her hot tongue over his balls. He groaned, his knees threatening to buckle under the sexual torment. Cathy proceeded to lick and suck his balls while her slender fingers stroked the length of his shaft, tracing thick blue veins, which throbbed with each beat of his heart. Each time her fingers reached the crown, her thumb stroked over the sensitive tip. Hell, if she didn’t stop he was going to lose it. “Cathy,” he growled in warning. The little devil just smiled up at him, then licked him from balls to tip. When her tongue teased the sensitive slit white lights flashed behind his eyelids. Primal lust and overpowering need flashed through him as rapidly as lightning. With a gravelly sound close to a battle cry, Blake took hold of Cathy’s arms, pulling her to her feet. Quick as a flash he stripped her naked. Palming her ass cheeks he lifted her up. Cathy instinctively wrapped her legs around his waist as Blake moved across the room until her back was against the wall. His pupils were widely dilated with desire. A fine sheen of perspiration had broken out on his tanned skin, and his breathing was labored, the pattern irregular. Letting her legs down, he stepped back. Leaving her for a moment, Blake grabbed up his pants, fumbling for a condom. His hands shook as he tore open the foil packet and sheathed his thick erection. Cathy bit her lip to suppress a fit of the giggles. Lifting her again and with one smooth motion, Blake drove into her wet heat to the hilt, chasing away her laughter. He held still for only a moment then pulled back almost to the point of leaving her body. He began to thrust his cock into her slick channel. Each time he thrust deeply, Cathy’s muscles clamped down on his shaft, drawing him deeper into her blazing heat. Blake lifted her body higher, draping her knees over his sinewy forearms, then began teasing her nipples with his tongue. Her skin was so sweet it nearly drove him insane. Sucking an engorged nipple into his mouth, Blake tugged lightly then nipped with his teeth. A flood of juices gushed from her hot pussy, coating his cock and easing his way. A look of pure, unadulterated lust darkened her eyes. Slick heat surrounded his cock, and she clamped down around him like a vise. “Damn, you feel so good,” he huskily moaned. The strength and pace of his movements increased. Cathy’s heels dug into his ass, pulling him deeper. She met each punishing thrust. He felt her muscles tighten, preparing for an explosive release that she was obviously struggling to hold back. 114

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He loved hearing Cathy’s squeaky little gasps and deep moans of pleasure. With any luck he would be listening to those sweet sounds for the rest of his life. “Oh yeah, Cathy! Come all over me.” Trying to hold back was no use. The exquisite friction created by his rock-hard cock slamming into her pussy, and the wonderful pressure against her clit each time his pelvis met hers combined with the heated sucking and nipping against her nipples was too much. Crying out his name, Cathy’s body soared. Her arms and legs trembled as her pussy convulsed around Blake’s shaft. He thrust deeply once, twice more then filled the condom with his hot semen. The weight of his body was the only thing keeping them upright against the wall as all her strength melted away. Cathy was awash in emotion. It was an incredible feeling to know that she could make this strong, powerful man lose all control. She loved the safety and security she felt with his big body covering hers. If only he would stay this time. He had asked if he could keep her, but was he serious? There had to be something she could do to keep Blake by her side. Some way to entice him to stay and live with her. Finally, having gathered some strength, Blake carried her to the bed. He moved slowly, keeping his cock deep within the molten heat of her pussy. As they fell against the mattress the scent of roses filled the air around them. Coupled with the salty scent of their sweat, and the musky smell of sex, a provocative mix was created. They fell asleep lying on their sides, their bodies locked tightly together.

***** Blake woke up with a goofy, love-struck grin spread across his face. He actually felt giddy and airy. In his arms he held the woman of his dreams. Cathy was everything he’d never known he wanted. Smart, sexy, bold. Yet she could also be naïve, sweet, and shy. She matched him need for need, lust for lust, want for want. Hell, he’d always known she was perfect for him. While this had scared him shitless as a teen, he reveled in it as a man. Now he’d just have to drive home the fact of how perfect they were together. This time he would make love with Cathy. He would not allow her to snap his control. No, this time Blake would be in complete command. After retrieving the basket of toys from the nightstand drawer, Blake secured Cathy’s arms above her head to the slats of the headboard with a pair of leopard print, fur-lined handcuffs. Leather restraints strapped each ankle to the footboard. As his fingers gently stroked the tousled tawny hair from her cheek, Cathy snuggled into the touch. His fingers trailed over her jaw and down her neck. Then he traced the delicate line of her collarbones. Unable to resist, his fingers slid down over the swell of her left breast. Every single inch of her was perfect.

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In her sleep, Cathy instinctively tried to move closer. After sliding a fresh condom over his morning erection, Blake teased her tender pussy lips with the tip. Using two fingers he gently spread her folds open, and was greeted by a rush of slick juices. He wanted this time to be different. He wanted to use his body to express every emotion surging through his heart and soul. He would make love to her, letting his body convey the feelings that were still difficult to adequately express. Sliding slowly into the welcoming heat of her body, Blake rejoiced in her sleepy moans. Using his fingers, lips and tongue he slowly woke his lover. Cathy gasped, sleepy green eyes fluttering open. Not only had Blake stayed the night, his cock was buried deep inside her body. His amazing sapphire eyes were shining with such tenderness as he gazed at her, stealing her breath away. “You stayed,” she whispered huskily. Blake chuckled lightly. “Sweetheart, you couldn’t chase me away.” With agonizing slowness, Blake slid his hips back. Each movement was calculated, and tantalizingly slow. He made love to her with an aching sweetness that tightened around her heart like a fist. Reaching out for him, Cathy’s arms stopped with a hard jerk. He’d cuffed her to the bed. “Blake!” “Shhh,” he whispered against the shell of her ear. “Just relax and let me love you, Cathy. Just feel.” Inch by slow inch his hips moved back and forth. She was amazed by how the slower pace allowed her to really feel aching, needy flesh she’d never even known existed. Blake changed the angle of his thrusts, his cock sliding against her sweet spot with each movement. “Oh God,” she cried out. The walls of her pussy quivered with each newly discovered sensation. His tongue gently laved her nipples, causing Cathy to arch her back, thrusting her breasts closer to the warmth of his mouth. “Blake!” “I’m right here, sweetheart. I’m not going anywhere.” Cathy relaxed and let the intense orgasm flow through her body. Blake continued his slow thrusting even when tremors of aftershock rippled through her pussy. “Oh, yeah. That’s it, baby. Feel how perfectly we fit. How easily your body responds to mine. We belong together, Cathy.” His sensuous, loving words affected Cathy in ways that her frazzled brain could not begin to process after her mind-blowing orgasm. Each softly spoken word increased the tension in her body, drove her higher and faster toward pure ecstasy. She whimpered in protest as he pulled away. “Shh. It’s okay, Cathy.”

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Before she knew what was happening, Blake was back. After unhooking her ankles he placed her knees over his strong shoulders. She gasped at the feel of his warm tongue sliding over her outer folds. Then thick fingers spread her open as his tongue delicately explored. The wet sounds of his tongue lapping up her juices made her squirm. He teased her clit by circling around the throbbing bud then licked down her slit. Her entire body shook with ecstasy. “Oh yes,” she cried as his tongue slid into her still-trembling channel. With steady, gentle strokes, Blake explored her with his tongue. Reaching next to her thigh he picked up a slender vibrator she had not noticed. While teasing her clit with his tongue he gently pushed the vibrator into her wet pussy. Cathy tensed slightly, but relaxed as he began to slowly move the vibrator in rhythm with the movements of his tongue. When he turned the switch to the lowest setting she mumbled his name. Her sweet, hot juices flooded his tongue and fingers as Blake continued to tease. She writhed and moaned with pleasure as he played her body like a fine instrument. Sensing that she was one stroke away from orgasm, Blake slowly removed the vibrator. “No,” she cried. “I was so close.” “Hush now, sweetheart. We’ll get there.” A devious smile lit his eyes. Cathy cried out as the vibrator was replaced with a thicker, more powerful toy. Starting over, Blake slowly built her up once again with his tongue, fingers, and the vibrator. As her hips began to buck upwards he slid two pillows under her ass, tilting her pussy up to his lips. Greedily, he licked up every sweet drop of hot cream her body gushed for him. Wet sucking sounds came from her pussy as it grasped the thick vibrator. More wet slurping sounds came from his mouth as Blake gently sucked her clit between his lips. As Cathy neared the pinnacle, Blake gently pressed the slender vibrator against her puckered anus. Knowing how much she’d enjoyed his teasing the tight channel, he was sure she’d love some gentle anal play. “Oh fuck,” Cathy moaned. “Just relax and let me in, sweetheart. It will be so good. I promise.” Between the insistent pressure he exerted, and her juices still coating the jelly surface, the toy slid in easily. Cathy fought to relax her tightly clenched pelvic muscles. She marveled at the wonderful sensations as her tight tissues eased against the slender invader. How could something so naughty feel so good? “Please, oh yes,” she cried, writhing on the bed. Each motion pushed the vibrator a little deeper into her ass. Fiery pleasure-pain sliced through her body. Nerve endings she’d never been aware of came to life. “Ohhhh…Blake,” she gasped. 117

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“That’s it, sweetheart. Just relax and let me love you.” He expertly worked out a rhythm that made her thighs tremble. Each thrust of the thick vibrator into her pussy was accompanied by a thrust of the slender one deep into her ass. Combined with the continual circling of his tongue around her clit, Cathy nearly went insane with pleasure. Her entire being was focused on the glorious sensations in her pelvis. A huge heated ball of tension built low in her abdomen, keeping her on the razor’s edge. She needed to come desperately, but Blake expertly held her on the brink. He continuously pulled her back then built her up once again. Over and over. Just when Cathy thought that surely her mind was melting, her insatiable lover turned on the vibrator in her ass. Spiraling electric sensations shot through her body, pushing her over the narrow precipice. The tension exploded and she felt like flames ignited within her strained pelvic muscles, surging out through every fiber of her being. She screamed incoherently as the bone-melting pleasure spread. Blake reveled in her response, watching in amazement as her body clenched around the vibrators, pulling them deeper. Blake slowly eased the vibrators from her body as she floated back down. He stroked her pussy while licking her clit, gently guiding her back from the earthshaking orgasm. When she finally calmed under his ministrations, Blake rose between her widespread thighs, slowly sliding his sheathed cock into her overwhelming heat. After unhooking her wrists he moved with smooth and easy thrusts, feeling the aftershocks spasm through her grasping flesh. Cathy felt complete, yet something deep inside her still protested. She wanted to trust this, trust Blake, but was afraid he’d leave again. She would be cold and alone, fighting for survival. It was a painful lesson that she’d learned before and would not soon forget. Yet her doubts seemed unfounded. Hadn’t he proved himself? She needed to hear it from him in order to finally let go of those old insecurities. “Blake?” The frightened tone of her voice made him pause. “What is it, sweetheart?” Blake felt the pain reflected in her somber green eyes like a knife stabbing into his heart. He would do anything, including give up his own life, to ensure she never felt such deep pain. A fat tear trembled at the corner of her eye. When Cathy blinked it rolled down her cheek. Blake captured the salty drop with his lips. “How long?” Confusion flickered across his features. “How long?” “Yes, how long before you leave again?”

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Gathering her tightly against his chest, Blake rolled Cathy on top of him. His expression turned deadly serious. For several breathtaking moments he just stared into her eyes. “I won’t make that mistake again, Cathy. You’re stuck with me for as long as you can put up with me.” Tenderly, he cupped her cheek in his big palm. “Hell, long past when you can put up with me. You’re stuck with me forever, sweetheart.” Cathy reveled in the feelings of hope and love that spread through her. Everything in Blake’s words, his eyes, and loving caress told her what she needed to know. His expression was both serious and loving. She would not be alone again. For as long as she wanted him, Blake would be by her side. “Oh,” was all she managed to say as she felt the old pain disappear, replaced with his healing love. Gradually he began moving inside her once again, guiding her hips with his hands. Together they soared, lifted to new heights by the strength of their love. Cathy crested peak after peak without fear, knowing that Blake would be there to gently bring her feet back to earth once again. She could rely on him. Sometime later they finally collapsed into a spent heap on the bed. Cathy was in heaven, but still needed something more. “Blake?” “Hmm,” he mumbled against her neck where his face was buried. “I know it’s a big step, but I want you to move in. I want you to live with me.” He could think of only one thing better than living with Cathy. He knew this was a huge step for her, and how much courage and trust it must have taken to ask him. “Anything you want, Cathy. It’s yours.” When he felt the time was right, Blake intended to make the sweet little minx his wife. He knew that no other woman could ever make him feel as settled as Cathy. No other woman would ever hold his heart and soul in the palm of her hand. All he would ever need to be happy was wrapped in the incredible woman he loved to the point of distraction. The only thing that could make life any sweeter would be if Cathy had gotten pregnant the one time he’d forgotten to use a condom. Having a child that was a part of them both would just be the icing on the cake.

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Epilogue

Two months later “So, what do you think, Myers?” Blake had just finished giving his friend a tour of the Filling Station. Captain Jase Myers had just ended his tour with the Navy and become a civilian. Similar to when Blake was discharged, he was now looking for an investment and something to keep him busy. Hopefully, Jase would be opening a franchise of the Filling Station, which would be built about thirty miles away. “It’s an exciting concept. I like what I’ve seen so far. I think I’ll come back tonight while the place is open and get one last look.” The look on his friend’s face let Blake know there was something more that he wasn’t saying. Not many people would have figured it out, but Blake had known the man for ten years, and been to hell and back with Jase Myers. He also knew there was no rushing the methodical captain. You just had to wait him out, let him brew things over in his quick mind. It was during the brief trip to the beach house that Jase finally spoke his mind. “The deal breaker is going to be whether I can steal away someone who has knowledge of how this operation is run. I’m going to need someone strong and sexy who can pull off what Cat has done here.” Ah, and there it was, the catch. Blake had a pretty good idea exactly who the sly captain would like to steal away, too. He’d seen the way Jase watched the raven-haired beauty work the crowd during his other visits. Tess had watched Jase pretty closely, too. They would likely make a good team. Jase could temper Tess’ wild streak with his calm, commanding manner. “Let me guess…you want Tess?” Blake had to laugh at the befuddled look that crossed the other man’s face. It was absolutely priceless. “That obvious, huh. And here I thought I was being discreet,” he said with a lighthearted chuckle. “Only someone who knows you well would pick up on it. I’m sure Tess is totally in the dark.” Jase let out a low whistle as they pulled up the drive to the beach house. “Wow, nice digs. You hit the lottery, Carlisle?” Throwing back his head, Blake howled in laughter. That was something else he’d learned since being with Cathy. She’d taught him to truly laugh from deep inside his gut. So much had changed for the better since he’d come home. Every day just got 120

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better than the next. And every day he loved Cathy more. There was very little left that he wanted. Tonight he would take care of one of those desires. He planned to ask her to marry him. It had become clear to Blake over the past few months of living with Cathy that it was time. No, they didn’t agree on everything, but on the important issues they were one. They could have serious, heated arguments without ever saying a word in anger. Then a few hours later they would have wild, explosive make-up sex. A goofy grin spread across his face as he thought about how much he’d learned to enjoy make-up sex. Once in a while he even provoked an argument just so they could make up. Jase soundly clapped him on the back as they approached the door. “By the look on your face and everything I’ve seen, you have done very well for yourself, Blake. Congratulations, man. You deserve it.” Blake didn’t respond. Fierce warriors did not do sentimental or mushy. That was something that would never change. You had to stay calm and collected around fellow officers. “Cathy, we’re here,” he called out as they entered the house. He shrugged when he got no response. “I know she’s home. Her car is out front.” Walking Jase into the living room he said, “Make yourself at home. I’ll be right back.” Taking the stairs two at a time, Blake went in search of his woman.

***** Not even the warm rays of sun shining down on her bronzed skin or the cool ocean breezes were able to relax Cathy. She was terrified as to how Blake would react to her news. Inside she was absolutely thrilled. All her biggest dreams were coming true. She had brushed her first missed period off as stress. Her cycles had never been very regular to begin with. The second one had not even been missed. She’d been too busy handling all the construction and rebuilding. There had been no ignoring the signs and symptoms this month. At first Cathy thought she had the flu or a virus. When the pieces finally took shape she’d made an appointment with her doctor. The blood test had confirmed her suspicions. She was pregnant. A thrill raced through her at just the thought of being pregnant with Blake’s child. When the doctor had placed the Doppler monitor against her flat abdomen and she’d heard the heartbeat, she’d cried. Running a hand over her abdomen, Cathy dreamed of their child. Would it be a tall, strong boy with Blake’s sparkling eyes, or a sweet little girl with her slim nose? It really didn’t matter to her. The child would be a little piece of both of them, and she would love it no matter what. She prayed that Blake would feel the same way.

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While they had spent a lot of time discussing the future of the bar and their joint business venture, they had not discussed their personal future. She didn’t know if Blake even wanted kids, although he did seem to like them. When they had helped rebuild the community playground, Blake had been wonderful with the kids. He had been patient and kind, showing them how to make things with their hands. It had been a heart-warming sight to see the big, tough SEAL surrounded by children who were totally enthralled with him. And he had lavished those kids with attention. At the sound of the sliding glass door opening, Cathy swung her legs over the lounger, stood and turned to face a very tall and dangerous-looking stranger. The man before her was huge and solid as a mountain. Definitely taller than Blake. Everything about him was dark and brooding. His dark hair was cropped short in a style that screamed military. Dark eyes stared out of a dark-skinned, hard face. His shoulders were broad, leading to massively muscled arms. A thin T-shirt molded itself to every steely ripple of muscle over a sculpted chest and abdomen. It was tucked neatly into jeans that had to have been spray-painted on. Massive thigh muscles corded against the faded blue material. The jeans were tucked into black spit-shined jackboots. Power and strength literally flowed from him. Cathy felt a little intimidated until she noticed the appreciative smile that curved his lips. Those full lips were the only thing about the large man that looked soft. In an instant, she knew who he was. She would recognize him anywhere, even if she had not seen his picture. Blake had talked a great deal about Jase and their friendship. Cathy already felt like she knew him and he was certainly no stranger to be wary of. “Hi. You must be Cathy,” he said in a slightly accented voice the slid over her heated flesh like soft butter. He sounded Italian to her, and Cathy could easily picture him as a dangerous mobster from the TV show she liked to watch. He stood stock-still, forcing Cathy to make the first move, or whatever move she was comfortable with. She did so with a bright smile, stepping to within arm’s reach, holding out her hand. “Hello. Yes, I’m Cathy Markham. You must be Jase?” “Yes. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you. I’ve heard a lot about you already.” Instead of just shaking her hand and letting it go, Jase held her fingers within his very large hand and brought her knuckles up to his mouth. The move forced her closer to him, pulling her off balance. His other hand shot forward and grasped her hip, to keep her from falling. Seconds later the warm press of his lips over her knuckles sent a jolt of electricity all the way down to her toes. She stood there absolutely mesmerized. There was something about this man. While his strength was a given, she sensed something gentle inside dying to be set free. The mystical moment was cut short by a deep growl. “Get your paws off my woman, Captain Myers,” Blake said with a hiss.

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“At ease, Lieutenant,” he said with a chuckle. “I’m just introducing myself to the little lady. No harm, no foul.” Before Cathy could catch up with what was happening, Blake was at her side. He protectively tucked her tight against the shelter of his body. “Cathy, this is the soon-to-be-dead man that I have been talking with about the franchise.” In an attempt to diffuse the tension that had become thick enough to cut, Cathy threw out the only thing she could think of. “Ah, the one who has the hots for Tess.” For several long seconds there was no response, then both men laughed heartily. “Damn, you’ve gotten loose lips since your discharge, Carlisle. Can’t a man have any secrets around here?” “Not from Cathy. She would have figured it out on her own anyway,” Blake informed his friend. They shared a nice dinner together while ironing out the details of the bar that Jase would build. Cathy felt very close to the big man. He was friendly, and she suspected that he had a soft heart below all the layers of military ice and steel. Both Cathy and Blake would be helping Jase while he got things running. Cathy would do the interviewing, hiring and training of new employees. Blake would help with organizing the construction, permits, and such. The most difficult task belonged to Jase. He had to convince Tess to take a position as lead waitress. That was something Cathy did not want to miss. It should prove to be an interesting battle of wills. After dinner, Blake drove Jase back to his hotel. Cathy tried to fill up the time so that she did not wear out the carpet with her nervous pacing. The hot shower helped to relax her muscles, but not her mind. She was so preoccupied that she didn’t even hear Blake come home or climb the stairs. The feeling of being watched drew her attention to the doorway. Wow! What a handsome sight he made leaning against the doorframe, ankles and arms casually crossed. It would give her tremendous pleasure to just stare at him for the next fifty years or so. With a forced calm, Cathy finished rubbing lotion onto her legs before moving toward him. When she was within arm’s reach, Blake pulled her up against the solid wall of his body, holding her with a tenderness that pulled at her heart. The way he held her made Cathy feel precious, treasured. “We need to talk, sweetheart,” he breathed in a raspy tone against her hair. Panic raced through her system at his comment, and Cathy knew Blake sensed it in her suddenly tense body. His big hands slid up and down her bare arms, offering comfort and warmth. “It’s okay, Cathy. Come on into the bedroom.” Blake led her to the bed and settled her onto the mattress. Then to her utter shock he dropped down onto one knee, staring intently into her eyes. 123

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“I know you need time, and I’ve been trying to give it to you. I just can’t hold back anymore. I have to tell you how I feel, Cathy.” Okay, now she was officially terrified. A million things ran through her mind at once. “Don’t look so shell-shocked, sweetheart. You have probably felt this coming.” Cathy took a deep breath and held it as she waited for what he had to say. In her mind she kept chanting the mantra, I will not cry. I will not cry. With his right hand, Blake captured her left. Then he reached into his pocket and pulled out a small velvet pouch. His eyes were intense as he began speaking. “My life has changed a great deal over the past six months. I had always pictured myself being an old, gray-haired admiral spending my life on a SEAL team. I never imagined the end of my career, or what I would do with myself when that happened.” She attempted to reassure Blake, but he cut off her words. With no other choice, she just sat quietly and tried to absorb what he was saying. “Just let me finish first. When I went to Asia after the tsunami, I was greatly affected by the people I met. They had such an incredible spirit. Very much like what I have always seen in you, Cathy. I learned something while I was gone.” For several heart-stopping moments he just stared into her eyes. Cathy felt her heart beating frantically against her ribs. She might just go into heart failure before he finally got the words out. “You have always believed in me, and I’m a better person when I am with you. I love you, Cathy. I have loved you since that first time I saw you, but it took seeing others with that same fiery spirit and determination to make me realize just how much. You are a part of my soul, and I want you to be a part of my life, forever.” Placing her hand in her lap, Blake opened the pouch and removed a beautiful diamond engagement ring. The large princess-cut stone was set in a gold band, and flanked by several smaller channel-set diamonds. Blake picked up her left hand, sliding the ring over her ring finger. “Catherine Marie Markham, will you do me the great honor of becoming my wife?” Blake asked, his voice choked with emotion. Wife. He’d done it. He’d he just asked her to marry him. Her hand trembled as Blake lifted it to his mouth. His eyes shone with love and hope as he softly brushed his lips over her fingers. Cathy couldn’t speak. She hadn’t even told him about the baby yet. “Blake,” she choked out. Clearing her throat, she tried again. Figuring it was best to just say it, that’s what Cathy did. “I’m pregnant.” Blake’s eyes widened. Although he looked shocked and confused it didn’t take him long to recover.

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He jumped up, throwing his fist in the air, shouting. Cathy just sat there staring at him until he scooped her up in his arms, twirling her around in circles. “Blake,” she gasped, “stop. Oh God, I’m gonna be sick.” She wiggled from his grasp and raced into the bathroom, dropping down in front of the toilet. It had all been too much. Her stomach churned and revolted. As Cathy lost her dinner, Blake was there holding her hair, stroking her arms and back, softly speaking reassurances. When she finally felt recovered, Cathy rose and brushed her teeth. She watched Blake in the mirror, standing behind her like the worried expectant father. “Are you all right now, sweetheart? Can I get you something?” Looking down at the hand resting on the counter, Cathy’s gaze was mesmerized by the sight of the beautiful ring on her finger. It was real. Blake Carlisle had just asked her to marry him. Cathy rinsed her mouth and turned to the man who held her heart. Blake’s face lit up with joy. “Is it true? Am I going to be a daddy?” That one sentence was all it took to get the tears flowing down her face. She nodded her head and whispered, “I love you so much.” “Shh. I love you too, sweetheart.” Sweeping her up into his arms, Blake gently carried Cathy to their bed. He knew in that moment that he was the luckiest man alive. Everything he’d been dreaming of had just been given to him by the beautiful woman lying before him, but he had to hear it. “So, will you marry me?” Looking up at him with those gorgeous sea green eyes, Cathy gave him the world. “Yes. Oh yes, Blake. Yes,” she gasped between tears of happiness. Sitting on the edge of the bed, Blake leaned over Cathy and took her mouth in a tender kiss full of emotion. He was full to bursting with love, joy, happiness, and relief. Just seeing his ring on her finger thrilled him. She belonged to him now. Cathy was his to love, spoil, and cherish for the rest of his life. Their kiss became heated as Cathy raked her fingernails down his chest. He needed to be inside her in the worst way. Needed to be as close to her as two people could get. Grasping the hem of her top, Blake dragged the soft material up over her abdomen. Her breath hissed out between her teeth as the top teased her diamond-hard nipples. Then she rose so that he could slide the top off. He was taken aback by the sheer beauty of the woman lying before him. Her brown hair spread out on the pillow like a dark veil. Big green eyes gazed at him with love and adoration. Her mouth was curved up in a wicked little smile. Leaning forward he laid his head down on her flat tummy, his arms up close against her sides. What an awesome thing to know that their baby lay sheltered in her womb. It was the most incredible gift he could ever imagine receiving.

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Apparently Cathy had other things on her mind. She tangled her fingers in his hair, turning his face to meet her gaze. He’d let his hair continue to grow since discovering how much she enjoyed sliding her fingers through the silken mass. “Blake, I need you. Get up here and fuck me,” Cathy demanded. He couldn’t have stopped the wide grin from spreading across his lips if he’d wanted to. His woman could be a hellcat. Especially when she was horny. That was another wonderful little tidbit he’d discovered. Blake deliberately moved slowly as he worked his way up her delicious body. When he reached her mouth the sassy brat stopped him with her words. “Um…we seem to have a little problem here. You are still fully dressed. Would you please hurry up and stop dicking around,” she huffed. His laughter was happy and infectious. Soon they were both laughing as Blake struggled to get out of his clothes as quickly as humanly possible. When he grabbed a condom from the nightstand, Cathy broke out into fits of laughter again. “I don’t think you really need that anymore, hon,” she teased. Reality was slow to dawn, but once it did he pounced on Cathy. Covering her with his bigger body, Blake began to make love to the woman he loved, his future wife, and mother of his child. He trailed a blazing hot path with lips and tongue from behind her ear all the way down to her breasts. As he sucked a puckered peak into his mouth, Cathy began to writhe restlessly beneath him. “Umm…feeling anxious,” he mumbled against her breast. “Damn it, Blake. I need you in me.” “Soon,” he chuckled. First he wanted to tease and taste every delectable inch of flesh that his tongue could discover. He was everywhere and anywhere except the one place she really wanted him. Cathy’s soft moans and whimpers drove his own need higher, but still he held himself back. When he finally settled between her legs, Cathy sighed. He dragged out the anticipation as long as possible, but he had to taste her. The sweet, musky scent of her cream had him salivating. After placing her legs over his shoulders, Blake settled in for a feast. With great attention to detail, not one millimeter of her soft pink pussy was left untouched. He teased her with devilish skill until she growled at him, and then Blake teased her some more. His cock was harder than granite, throbbing painfully. Blake was dying to slide into her without any barrier between them. He rose above her when he could stand the anticipation no more.

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The tip of his cock probed her slick entrance and was immediately met with a gush of hot juices. With slow, easy movements Blake worked his hard cock into the tight confines of her hot pussy. Feeling her juices coating his skin, and the brush of his cock against her tight walls was pure bliss. While their lovemaking had been wonderful with a condom in place, it was absolute heaven without the hindrance. Cathy wrapped her legs around his hips, locking her ankles over his ass. They began to move together in a beautiful rhythm that took his breath away, joining them more completely than ever before. Each thrust of his cock between her slick walls created the most wonderful friction. Something tightened deep inside Blake, building toward an unseen peak. They truly became one, moving in perfect synchronicity as he took Cathy into his heart and felt her open her own to him. As she shattered around Blake her pelvic muscles spasmed, gripping his cock so tightly it bordered on pain. When Cathy cried out her release something broke free within Blake, something he’d always held back. His body shuddered as he poured everything he had into his lover, giving everything over to her care. When the dam burst he soared, joining Cathy in an earth-shattering release that reshaped his entire world, just as she had reshaped his heart.

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Nicole Austin lives on the sheltered Gulf Coast of Florida, where inspiration can be readily found sitting under a big shade umbrella on the beach while sipping cold margaritas. A voracious reader, she never goes anywhere without a book. All those delicious romances combined with a vivid imagination naturally created steamy fantasies and characters in her mind. Discovering Ellora’s Cave paved the path to freeing them as well as manifesting an intoxicating passion for romantica. The positive response of family and friends to her stories propelled Nicole into an incredible world where fantasy comes boldly to life. Now she stays busy working as a certified CT scan technologist, finishing her third college degree, reading, writing, and keeping up with family. Oh yeah, and did we mention all the hard work involved with research? Well, that's the fun job—certainly a labor of love. Nicole welcomes mail from readers. You can write to her c/o Ellora’s Cave Publishing at 1056 Home Avenue, Akron, OH 44310-3502.

Also by Nicole Austin Ellora’s Cavemen: Dreams of the Oasis I anthology Passionate Realities Savannah’s Vision

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