He redirects his gaze heavenward. “It was cloudy the night we stayed out here, and I kept meaning to come out and look up but haven’t yet. Seemed like a good night to do it.” Without looking over, he grabs my hand and holds it. “And a good person to do it with.”
I ignore the lump in my throat. I gaze up as well, resting my head back on the seat. Dax does the same, but we don’t let go of each other. I weave my fingers with his and enjoy the comforting warmth of his palm.
“Warmer tonight than it was then too,” I murmur after a long stretch of silence.
“Much.”
That’s all we say for a very long time.
“What do you know about astrology?” I ask out of the blue.
“I know that I’m a Cancer sign and that those three stars over there are Orion’s belt. That’s about it.”
“A sentimental crab is your sign? Not how I’d describe you.”
“Cancers are also tenacious.” He pegs me with a sincere gaze. “Persuasive.”
I nod. He’s both of those.
“And loyal,” he adds.
“Sounds like you,” I say barely above a whisper. “How do you know about your sign? Call me crazy, but I can’t picture you checking the newspaper for your horoscope every day.”
“Nah. I have an app.” I can’t tell if he’s joking until he continues. “A former girlfriend was really into it. She told me what I was and what my tendencies were. She focused a lot on the bad ones there at the end.” He frowns. “She said I was manipulative and pessimistic.”
“Sounds like bullshit.”
“She saw what she wanted to see.” He shrugs one big shoulder and I consider the sensitive, thoughtful man inside the muscular, yummy package.
“I won’t ever say that about you, Dax.” His attention is back on me, and even though it’s a really vulnerable thing to say, I keep talking. “If anyone asks me about this spring, I’ll say that I met a man who was thoughtful and kind and encouraging. And if I’m not talking to one of my nieces, I’ll add that he was drop-dead gorgeous and second to none when it comes to sex.”
“Second to none,” he repeats, the corner of his lips hitching into a tentative smile.
“So far you’re the only one I’ve been with who made me want to shout ‘yes’ repeatedly.” I squeeze his hand.
“When I’m asked about my vacation,” he says, “I’ll tell people I met an exciting, unexpected, rare woman who made food so good it was criminal. And if I’m not talking to my mom, I’ll add that she possesses the sexiest legs I’ve ever had the privilege to wrap around my hips.”
Shyly, I look down. He tips my chin.
“Never doubt your value, Becca. You’re the most genuine woman I’ve ever met. Ever. Don’t change.”
I close the gap between us to rest my lips on his. His hand goes into my hair and wraps around the back of my head. He deepens the kiss and I go where he leads, taking my time tasting his tongue and trying to memorize how great it feels to make love to his mouth. Soon he won’t be in cabin 7. Life will return to the way it was before he was here.
Only it won’t.
I met Dax Vaughn and everything changed. For the better. Maybe he should add “lucky charm” to his list of attributes. He’s been that for me. And more.
So much more.
“Dax. I have something other than stargazing on my mind.”
His nostrils flare as his fingers tighten at the nape of my neck.
“Once more before you go?” My heart pounds. What if he says no? What if this ends now? What if the time to have him has already passed? What if I didn’t pay close enough attention the last time and my memories have faded too quickly?
There’s no need to worry about any of it, because he kisses me again. Harder this time. While removing my shirt.
Chapter 26
Becca
On the open sleeping bag, under the stars, Dax settles in next to me. Slowly, attentively, he kisses down my body and back up, taking his time like he did that first night to carefully remove my shoes and clothes.
“Hope I didn’t pressure you with that ‘second to none’ comment,” I tease, my hands ruffling his hair as he swirls his tongue around my belly button.
“Pressure? Try challenge.” He comes up to steal a kiss from my lips and whispers against them, “Remember, I’m tenacious.”
“Dax?”
He looks at me, but his hands continue rolling my panties down my legs.
“Can I look at you?”
His brows pinch. “You are looking at me.”
“No, I mean really look.” It may be nighttime, but in the dashboard lights of his Jeep, and with the aid of the stars and the full moon, I can see plenty. I want to see it all.
On his knees in front of me, he fists his shirt and yanks it off, revealing the chest I’ve admired nearly every day for the last two weeks. I sweep my hand over his stomach and sit up when I can’t reach higher. Then I’m on my knees, almost eye to eye in front of him. I unbutton his jeans and notch the zipper down carefully.
Today, again, no briefs.
I look there too, stroking his length and admiring his handsome, proud cock. It has a lot to be proud of, I muse as it grows heavy in my palm. It’s responsible for my most powerful orgasms.
I kiss his chest and then slide my tongue up to his throat before kissing him there too. His fingers thread through my hair and he massages the back of my head. His chest expands to its glorious limit when I nip his earlobe with my teeth.
“The minute I saw you at my brother’s bar, I knew I had to have you.”I rest both hands on his chest and look up at his painfully handsome face. “I never dreamed I’d have you over and over. I never imagined you had so much to teach me. In bed and out. I’ll never forget you, Dax Vaughn.”
I smile, but I also feel a touch of sadness. No. More than a touch. It’s weighty and oppressive. But that’s not what right now is about. Right now is about honoring who we are in this moment.
“Someday I’m going to visit Columbus and order my chicken and cheese quesadilla off your bar’s menu.”
He doesn’t smile. The moment’s too intense.
Gently he kisses me, like I’m porcelain and I might break. He removes the rest of his clothes and I lie down. Then he rolls on a condom, his expression set to serious.
Silently he widens my legs and positions himself between them. He slides forward, penetrating me inch by precious inch. My eyes close completely, and I’m blind to the beauty that is Dax.
I’m reduced to feelings and sensations. I’m nothing but want and desire. In the background the radio plays. I can’t make out the words, only the rhythmic thump of the bass.
I’m surrounded by Dax—invaded by him. The fullness and depth of him inside of me. Each slide is achingly slow. I open my eyes, palm his face, and lock eyes with him. He watches me as he moves, each glide deliberate and measured.
My heart suffers a tiny fissure. Tears pool in the corners of my eyes. I should tell him what this means to me—what he means to me—but I don’t have to say anything. He knows.
He puts a soft kiss on my mouth. All our doubts and passion and fire and loss have culminated in this moment. I let the tears slide down my cheeks without shame.