And the wild part of her was more than a little excited about it. Truth be told, the saner part was, too.
She crossed her arms and glanced up the mountain again. Dusk was settling in across the skies, and the evening chill was already frosting the night air. Surely the two men would be down soon. They wouldn't be able to see much in this gloom.
Even as the thought crossed her mind, the sound of an engine cut across the hush, then headlights hit her, pinning her in brightness. She raised her hand to protect her eyes, squinting as she watched the four-wheel drive approach. Even though it hadn't rained, the truck had a tendency to slide.
Which meant it would have been so much worse the night before. And it also pointed out the fact that the driver of the vehicle she'd heard roaring off was very good, because there was no sign of impact either along this road or across the main road. If the driver had slid, he'd maintained very good control.
Another point in Nelle's favor. She couldn't drive, though it had been ten years since Savannah had seen her, which was more than enough time to learn.
Anton slid his vehicle to a stop, and Cade stepped out. The fading slivers of sunlight caught the flickers of mahogany and silver in his dark hair, making them shine against the rising tide of night.
He didn't approach her, didn't even look at her, until Anton had disappeared down the road that led back to town. “The day has gone,” he said, his voice a low vibration of sound that had her hormones skipping excitedly. “I can now officially touch you."
Please, the wild part of her practically begged. Please. “I will not make out here like some overheated teenager."
His eyes gleamed with the amusement that touched his lips, reminding her of the times they had made out like overheated teenagers.
"Then where?” he asked.
"My lodge.” Where else could they go? It was the only place that was in any way secure. And if the murderer had done his homework, it wasn't exactly safe, either.
"Now?"
"Now,” she confirmed, and clicked open the car.
"Good."
His voice was little more than a growl, and a tremor of anticipation ran through her. It was going to be good. Fast, but so very good.
The drive back to town was quiet, but it was filled with a simmering tension that had sweat breaking out across her skin. Yet, despite the urgency that beat in time with every thump of her heart, she wasn't about to make the mistake of driving straight to her lodge. Town gossip was not something she needed to deal with on top of everything else.
She stopped at his hotel and glanced at him. “If I don't see you in ten minutes, I'll start without you."
"Don't even think about it,” he all but snarled.
Oh yeah, she thought with a slight smile. He was feeling the moon every bit as badly as she. She took off, the wheels skidding on the stones, undoubtedly flinging mini missiles over his retreating back. She made it to the lodge without seeing anyone she knew and did a quick look around to ensure the place was safe. Then she headed down to the small room that had become a substitute bedroom.
She felt Cade's arrival long before she saw him. His presence was like a fierce wind before a summer storm, and it battered her senses just as badly.
The rich aroma of sage and tangerine swirled around her, teasing her nostrils and raising her anticipation. Footsteps echoed on the wooden floors—firm, deliberate steps, drawing ever closer. She stripped off her clothes, laying them across the arm of the sofa, and then turned to face him as he entered the small room.
His gaze skidded down her body and then rose to meet hers. “You smell ready for me, Vannah."
She walked towards him, watching the heat and desire flare brighter in his eyes. “You have no idea how ready."
She tangled her hands in his silky, almost too-short hair and drew him down so she could kiss him. But there was nothing gentle, nothing innocent, about their kiss. It was hard, urgent, and fierce. And totally, utterly, glorious.
He wrapped a hand around her rump, lifting her up then moving her backwards. She grunted as her back hit the wall, and then she wrapped her legs around him, pushing herself against the heated hardness of his erection. He thrust against her, pressing places that ached and pulsed for his closeness, sending shivers of delight racing across her skin. She groaned, rubbing herself against him, reveling in the glory of it and yet needing to feel so much more than flesh contained by material.
She unwrapped her legs, letting them slide down his body until her feet touched the floor. With shaking, urgent fingers, she undid his shirt, his pants. He kicked off his shorts and lifted her again. She'd barely wrapped her legs around his waist and he was in her, filling her, liquefying her. His thick groan of pleasure was a sound she echoed. Then he began to move, and thought became impossible. All she could do was move with him, savoring and enjoying the sensations flowing through her. As his strokes became fierce, so did she, riding him hard, until the power of their mating shook her entire body. The rich ache spread like wildfire through her, becoming a kaleidoscope of sensations that washed through every corner of her mind. Then the shuddering took hold and she gasped, grabbing his shoulders, holding him closer, thrusting him deeper. His movements became more urgent, his body driving deep inside hers, touching that one special spot, over and over and over.
She came as he did, his roar echoing through her ears as she twitched and moaned in sheer enjoyment.
When they were both able to breathe again, he leaned his sweaty forehead against hers and sighed. His breath was warm, almost sweet, as it caressed her lips and chin, stirring her barely sated hormones to sluggish life.
"Dear God,” he said softly, “I don't think I could have held off a moment longer."
A smile touched her lips. “Lost some of your laudable control over the years, have you?"