The Family Gathering (Sullivan's Crossing #3)(66)

“We have to remember this place,” Dakota said.

After dinner they showered and got into bed. Dakota pulled her into his arms and began to slowly and thoroughly worship her body. He kissed every inch of her, from her eyelids to her toes, pausing here and there to deliver some special attention with his tongue and fingers. When he found her lips at last, she was breathless.

“You’re right about the beard,” she whispered. “There are times it really is magnificent.”

“Works for me, too,” he whispered back. “Have I mentioned how much I love your body? Your body is so good to my body.”

“Quit playing around and come inside,” she said.

“Ah, the lady is ready...”

“I’ve been ready,” she said. “I love the way you love me. I didn’t know it could be like this.”

“Say no more, sweetheart,” he said, covering her with his body and bringing it home, taking extreme pleasure in the sighs of pleasure she made. He rocked with her, and when her legs circled his waist, he rode her. He kissed her deeply as she gripped his shoulders, her nails digging into his shoulders. He loved the feel of that passion in her fingertips and then, with a small cry, she came, throbbing around him. It filled him with the urgency he loved and he joined her, letting go, pulsing until there was nothing left in him.

“Oh God,” she muttered. “I’m completely hooked on you. You do that so well.”

“I thought it was you,” he said. “Shit! That condom’s still sitting on the bedside table—”

She giggled. “We’re okay. I started the pill. I was saving it as a surprise.”

“Well, that explains why it was just slightly better this time,” he said, burrowing deeper. “We have a nice little routine.”

“There’s nothing routine about it,” she said, holding him closer.

He rolled onto his side, bringing her with him. “When I came to Colorado, I had no idea what I’d find.” He gently tucked her hair behind her ear. “I never imagined I would find you. I wasn’t looking for this, but God...I think finding you is the best thing that could have happened to me.”

“And here I thought you just wanted to get laid,” she said, humor in her voice.

“Oh, don’t get me wrong, I’m usually open to getting laid. But with you I have so much more. I think you’re my best friend.”

Her eyes widened. She looked shocked.

“Why are you surprised? I love all the time we spend together.” A low rumble of laughter tumbled out of him. “I admit, I like this part a lot. But on top of everything else, you’re a true friend. Sid, I know you want us to be cool, but you’re going to have to adjust to a reality. I’m in love with you.”

“Cody...” she said in a breath.

“Shh, you don’t have to say anything. I know you’re trying to find yourself, that you were a little lost after your divorce. That’s okay. I’ve been there. And I’ll be right here when you’re ready. I’m hoping for a good outcome.”

“Oh, Cody, I think you’re magic.”

“I’m glad you think so. I’m planning to pull something out of my sleeve that will last forever. I think we both deserve it. Now kiss me and I’ll take care of you again.”

“You are a magician...”

Deep in the night, Dakota woke to the sensation of small, soft, urgent hands boldly caressing him. Soft, sleepy laughter rumbled out of him. “Someone woke up frisky,” he said. “And wanted me to wake up, too.”

“You were already awake,” she said, turning toward him. “At least some of you!”

“Do you need me to take care of you? Again?”

“Could you just put me back to sleep,” she said. “If it’s not too much trouble.” Then she wiggled closer and put her leg over his. He responded by turning her onto her back and taking his place between her thighs. “I thought you might do this in your sleep.”

“I can,” he said. “With you, it’s the most natural thing in the world.”

He made love to her in her favorite way. It was so amazing to him—they hadn’t been lovers for very long and yet they had such a satisfying routine. He knew exactly how to touch her, rub her, stroke her, kiss her and bring her to a shattering climax while he held her in his arms. When she was complete and her eyes gently closed, he kissed her eyelids. “Better, honey?”

“Better,” she said. Then she rolled onto her side and he curled around her.

“You’re so good for me, Sid,” he said in a hoarse whisper. “I hope I’m good for you.”

“Mmm,” she said, nestling closer.

“You’re so good for me,” he whispered. “I know you’re too good for me. I just might become a better man if I put an effort into deserving you.”

She didn’t move.

“Sid?” he asked softly. She didn’t move. He softly kissed her neck. “Good night. I love you.”

*

Tom Canaday had a good-size backyard, large enough for a vegetable garden, patio and a fire pit surrounded by a few chairs. His oldest son, Jackson, was twenty-one and making great progress in college, studying architecture. Jackson was going to the University of Colorado in the fall to complete his degree, and for this, he would have to live away from home. Tom was grieving; Jackson was ecstatic.