“Need you,” she demanded, and craned up, taking more.
He crushed his mouth to hers, and their control snapped. They tugged at each other’s clothes. “Love you so much,” he said as he tore off her shirt, then ripped off his own. Her bra went next as he moved swiftly down her body, loving her breasts, kissing her belly as he unbuttoned her pants and stripped them off along with her panties. He made quick work of taking off the rest of his clothes and reared up on his knees to find his wallet. Cold air brushed over Abby’s heated flesh.
She shivered, crossing her arms over her chest, and said, “Hurry!”
His eyes flared predatorily as he sheathed his length, and she looked her fill. He was so damn sexy, all rugged and hard. He tugged the blankets over them as he came down over her, but this man, and his love, were all the warmth she needed. He cradled her in his strong arms as their bodies came together. The sheer pleasure searing through her drew a wanton sound from her lungs. His mouth covered hers as they found their rhythm. They both went wild, clawing, nipping, moaning. The blankets slid to a puddle beside them. The cool air whipped over the sheen of sweat they’d earned, heightening every sensation as he stroked over the spot that made her toes curl under. He pushed one hand beneath her, palming her ass and lifting her hips, driving deeper, but slower, lingering over that sensational spot, until her entire body felt electrified.
“Aiden,” she panted out.
“I’ve got you, baby.”
He reclaimed her mouth, kissing her so fiercely, loving her so thoroughly, pleasure engulfed her. “Aiden!” flew from her lips as she spiraled into ecstasy. Her hips bucked, her body writhed, her insides pulsing around him as he followed her over the edge, chanting her name like a mantra. “Abby, Abby, Abby—”
He cradled her in his arms as their bodies thrust and jerked, their hearts thundering as one. His mouth covered hers as they came down from their highs, kissing her so slowly and beautifully, she’d never felt so treasured in all her life. Every time they made love, she was sure nothing could surpass the depth of their connection, the strength of their passion. But they always proved her wrong. When their lips parted, Aiden’s head dipped beside hers as if the feelings were that intense for him, too, and he whispered, “Jesus, Abs. Nothing has ever felt as perfect as loving you.”
CHAPTER TWENTY–ONE
THE SAVORY SCENTS wafting out of the kitchen were almost as heavenly as the woman creating them. It was late Saturday afternoon, and soon their friends would arrive for the tasting. Aiden glanced at Abby through the newly renovated pass-through to the kitchen as he and Cait set the tables for what Abby was calling the Big Test. She was totally in her zone, chopping vegetables in her white double-breasted chef’s coat and hat. He loved seeing her dreams coming to fruition, and he wanted everything to be perfect for all of her big tests—the tasting, the judging, and the grand opening. Yesterday they’d ordered the menus, and thanks to Brant’s connections, they were able to bring in an electrician to install the chandeliers and colorful lights. They’d also hung the pictures they’d found in Chaffee, along with some of Abby’s father’s paintings. Cait had finished the mural, and not only was it absolutely stunning, but it really brought the energy of Abby’s once-happy family into the restaurant in a big way. Abby had gotten teary-eyed over it, and she must have hugged and thanked Cait at least a dozen times. All of the changes had transformed the run-down restaurant into a romantic, bohemian gathering place, as Abby had hoped they would.
“I need a taste tester!” Abby hollered out to them. She had been a nervous wreck this morning, but a little lovin’ had taken the starch right out of her—at least for a while. She’d been buzzing around the Bistro all afternoon, prepping, chopping, getting ready for the taste test with their friends.
“Race ya,” Cait said, hurrying past him.
Aiden chuckled as he followed her into the kitchen, where Abby was wiggling to the music streaming from the boom box as she stirred something in a big pot on the stove. Every burner on the two stoves was occupied, as well as the ovens, and four mouthwatering desserts were lined up on a counter, calling Aiden’s name.
Abby filled a large spoon with soup and said, “Who’s first?”
“Sisters before misters,” Cait said, sidling in for a taste. She ate the soup, and her face contorted in disgust.
“What’s wrong?” Abby asked anxiously. “Is it too salty? Too bland?”
Cait’s brow furrowed. “I think I need another taste to figure it out.”
Abby grabbed two more clean spoons and dipped one in the soup, watching Cait intently as she tasted it.
Cait closed her eyes, making an appreciative sound. “I love French onion soup.”
“Cait!” Abby snagged the spoon from her. “You almost gave me a heart attack! Get out of my kitchen.”
Cait walked past Aiden with a big-ass grin. He put his arm around Abby as she stirred and tinkered. “Take it as a compliment, babe.”
“I am. I’m just stressed and excited, and I’m trying to get everything done before everyone gets here. Deirdra texted that she caught an earlier ferry and didn’t bring her car. She’s waiting for an Uber. She should be here soon.” She waved a spoon and said, “Do you want a taste?”
“Only of you, baby.” He pressed his lips to hers, wondering how the hell he would leave her tomorrow, much less make it a month before seeing her again. He was determined not to let his leaving put a damper on her big day and said, “What can I do to help?”
“I love you, but . . .” She pointed at the door.
“Okay, but if the kitchen is your domain, I get the bedroom.” He swatted her ass and said, “With you in it.” He headed into the restaurant to help Cait finish setting the tables.
Deirdra walked through the door a little while later pulling a small suitcase. She looked sharp in tan skinny jeans, a white blouse, and sky-high heels. Her hair framed her face, which was made up like she’d been on a fashion shoot. Wells sauntered in behind her.
“Whoa. Am I in the right place?” Deirdra pointed at Cait and Aiden. “Sister. Other sister’s hot boyfriend. Yup. I’m in the right place.”
“It’s good to see you, Deirdra.” Aiden embraced her, and as she hugged Cait, he offered his hand to Wells. “Good to see you again, Wells. How are you?”
Wells shook his hand and said, “If the gossip around town is accurate, apparently not quite as well as you and Abby are doing.”
“I’m a lucky man. What brings you into the restaurant?”
“I was dropping a friend at the ferry when I saw Deirdra waiting for a ride. She told me that you were leaving tomorrow. I thought I’d say goodbye, and while I’m here I’d like to wish Abby good luck in the competition.”
“Thanks, man. That’s awful nice of you.”
“Deirdra said you won’t be back when they announce the winner.”
Aiden’s gut clenched. “Unfortunately, she’s right. I’m due overseas for the next couple of weeks. But I’ll be back for the grand opening.”
“I’ll make sure I have plenty of wine on hand for Abby to drown her sorrows when you leave,” Deirdra said.