I’m as impressed with Callan’s cooking skills as he wanted me to be. Actually, the entire night has been the best in my life. He insisted that he do the dishes after we were done eating, so I told him I could at least dry them and help put them away. Seeing him out of his suit jacket washing dishes felt natural and surreal all at the same time. Callan grilled up steaks and baked potatoes. He let me put together a salad, but for the most part he was in charge. I kind of felt like a queen.
Now that dinner is over. We’ve ended up out on the deck, sipping on some wine and talking. I thought I liked him before tonight, but now I know I’m in big danger of falling for the man completely. A breeze picks up, blowing around cold air. Goosebumps raise on my skin, and I rub my shoulders, lost in thought.
“Are you cold, sweetheart?” Callan asks, reaching out to move his hand over my arm.
“The breeze is, but it’s a beautiful night,” I respond.
His fingers wrap around my hand. The heat of his touch feels perfect, like we belong together. I know that could be the wine talking—that and a combination of how great tonight has been. Callan walks me into the living room right off the kitchen and suddenly, butterflies come alive in my stomach as my nerves are suddenly heightened. I’m in his home and the physical tension between us is always there. I can tell by the way he looks at me that he wants me. I feel the same. I can admit that. The problem is, I’m not so sure that I’m ready for this next step. If I allow myself to fall for him and it doesn’t work out, it might kill me.
“You have a beautiful home,” I reply to fill the silence as I glance around. I feel awkward now. Everything has happened so quickly, and I’m not experienced enough to know if I should trust what I’m feeling.
His house is truly beautiful. It’s masculine in a quiet, understated way. The muted grays and modern décor fit Callan. It’s sleek and sexy. The gray tones of the furniture match the silver of the appliances. Pops of black or white in the art on his walls leave the colors outside his massive windows as the centerpiece. He has a bright, vibrant view of the city.
“It’s nice, but it’s no white picket fence on the beach,” he answers.
I laugh. I like that he remembers the small things I tell him. Somehow, it helps me relax a fraction. “Yeah, but this is real, not a dream,” I respond with a smile, shaking my head a little.
Callan pulls me so that I’m curled more into him. My heart starts to race frantically.
“Sometimes dreams come true.” Callan practically hums as he strokes my cheek. I can feel an answering vibration deep inside of me. Our eyes are locked on one another. Our sexual tension has increased exponentially. My skin and body feel like I’m about to combust. My heart is beating erratically.
“I think you mean wishes,” I tease, trying to break up the tension.
“If you could wish for anything right now, what would it be, Zoe?” Callan asks, surprising me.
I don’t have to think of an answer. I know immediately. It’s what I’ve wished forever. “I would wish for Emilia to find happiness because she’s always so sad.”
“You don’t think Niko can make her happy?” Callan asks, tilting his head as he watches me.
“Maybe. I’m not sure. Perhaps he could if she lets him. Still, with him closed off and her being trained not to show emotion, I’m not sure it can work out. Niko is cold and Emilia tends to hide the person she is to fit into the mold her father wants. In her eyes, Niko is just like her father.”
“Why wouldn’t you wish for your own happiness?”
“I am happy. I have my dad and my best friend. I’ve had opportunities given to me that few get. I have a good life.”
“Haven’t ever wanted more?”
“I guess that’s where dreaming comes in,” I tell him thoughtfully. I watch him give me a crooked smile. Before I realize what I’m doing, I reach out to stroke his well-manicured beard. It’s softer than I expected. I’ve felt it tickle my face as he’s kissed me, but I’ve been so lost in his kiss that I hadn’t taken in its texture. I know I should pull back, but I can’t seem to stop.
“What do you wish for, Callan?” I ask, thoughtfully.
He closes his eyes, “I’ve been wishing for this moment with you for what feels like a lifetime.”
“What moment?” I asked, confused.
“You saying my name while touching me.”
“You haven’t known me for a lifetime,” I argue.
He opens his eyes, staring deep into mine. “But I want to.”
My heart flips in my chest. Yeah, I’m in over my head…
Chapter 19
Callan
I pull Zoe into a kiss, wrapping my hands in her hair, holding her captive as I devour her mouth. Our tongues dance as I breathe her in. I feel the moment she relaxes into me and that’s all the invitation I need.
I pick her up as she squeals in surprise. I hold her close, my fingers sinking into the cheeks of her soft ass. I make my way upstairs, loving the feel of her wrapping her legs around my waist. I need her so much my cock is rock hard and painful. I need this woman so much it should terrify me, but it doesn’t.
It feels right.
I’m going to claim her body and soul. When I’m done, she will be mine completely. I will have committed every sound, movement, and breath she makes to my memory. Making love to her for the first time will be a memory I cherish.
Her arms are wrapped tightly around my neck as I carry her to my room. “I’ve pictured this moment since I first set my eyes on you, Zoe,” I confess as I close the door with my foot and walk to the bed
“Carrying me like a child?” she asks, pulling back. There it is. I smile. I love her fire. Everything about her is perfect.
“No, I’ve imagined having my hands full of your ass while I take you to my bed,” I counter as she pulls back to look at my face.
“So, you have been planning on sleeping with me?”
“We won’t be doing much sleeping, sweetheart, but yes. I’ve thought of little else since the first moment I saw you. Any man would. If he says he hasn’t, he’s lying. You’re like aged whiskey, one sip of your lips and you go straight to a man’s head.”
Zoe’s laugh fills the room as I set her down and step back, pushing my hands into my pockets as she stares up at me.
“What are you doing?”
“I’m just taking in the sight of you on my bed. It’s a damn masterpiece. Too bad that dress is in the way.”
“I thought you liked my dress,” she counters, nerves bleeding through her words.
“I’m going to like it better off of you.” Her eyes take me in as I slowly unbutton my shirt, dropping it to the ground. Her tongue slips out to lick her lips as her cheeks turn a cute shade of pink. Her actions are so unpracticed, innocent, and natural. They make me feel ten feet tall.
I pull her up off the bed, turning her around so her back is flush against me. I reach between us finding the zipper and slowly unzip it while my fingers brush against her skin. Sliding the straps from her shoulders, I let the dress fall from her body. Her skin against mine has my cock jutting out, harder than I’ve ever been, pressing against her ass.