Chapter 21

They were all set and ready to sneak out by midnight, slipping out the back and descending the stairs to the underground parking.

Once the bags were stowed in the trunk, he held the door open for her, waiting until she was comfortably seated before he made his way to the driver’s side.

She was thrilled about this getaway with him and was eager to discover where they were headed. As they drove, they shared more about their lives with each other.

After a little over four hours on the road, they found themselves in Santa Ana, California.

“This seems like a good spot to hang out for a few days,” he suggested as he pulled into a hotel parking lot.

“Don’t we need a reservation to stay here? It looks pretty upscale,” she questioned, eyeing the hotel.

“Normally, yes, but it’s off-peak season, so we should be able to snag a room.” He stepped out of the car, opened her door, and retrieved their bags from the trunk.

Luck was on their side. The hotel had plenty of vacancies, and they easily secured one of the top suites.

She surveyed the room and then perched on the bed, grinning at him.

“The room is gorgeous, but we could have opted for a less pricey one. I can’t wait to explore and see the sights. I hear they have some awesome museums.”

“Tomorrow, baby, but right now I want to tear off your clothes and do some really naughty things to you.” He peeled off his shirt, moved closer, and gently laid her back on the bed.

Her hands found his head, pulling him in for a kiss. She loved the feel of his strong arms around her, the sensation of his hardness pressing against her.

Her nipples hardened, her core heated and pulsed, and she felt her panties growing damp. He had this effect on her, a power that could ignite the fire within her.

She unzipped his pants as he slid off her dress and tossed it onto the floor. Her hands roamed over his muscular back as he parted her legs and entered her swiftly, making her gasp.

For over an hour, he licked and sucked every inch of her, driving her to beg him to stop teasing her. He finally relented, giving her what she craved, what they both desired.

***

^MORNING^

Kyle grunted as he felt her weight on top of him. She was bouncing and rubbing his chest, trying to rouse him.

“Kyle, wake up. It’s morning, and I want to go sightseeing.”

He opened his eyes, feeling himself stir. “If you keep bouncing on me like this, the only sight you’re going to see is the ceiling.”

Realizing the effect she was having on him, she hopped off him and out of the bed.

“I’ve already showered and made coffee for you,” she announced, picking up the mug and handing it to him. “Drink this, and go freshen up.”

He eyed her over the rim of the mug and took a sip. “You’re quite the taskmaster.”

She shot him a smile. “I just want to make the most of our time here.”

“Join me in the shower,” he suggested, setting his mug down and rising from the bed, completely naked.

“I’ve already showered, and I know you too well. If I joined you, we wouldn’t leave this room until noon.

“Please, get ready and take me out. Please,” she pleaded, running her hands over his chest and giving him her best puppy-dog eyes.

“You and those gorgeous green eyes of yours. When you give me that look, I can’t deny you anything,” he admitted, cupping her chin in his hand.

He drew her closer and kissed her before heading into the shower.

He treated her to breakfast first, then they strolled down the street, stopping at a museum to take a look around.

After that, they took a boat tour and stopped to buy fresh fruit at one of the bustling outdoor markets. They dined that night in the hotel dining room, ordering lobster and salad.

For the next two days, they went sightseeing, shopping, and dined at some of the finest restaurants in town. They went swimming and at night had incredible, mind-blowing sex.

On the fourth night, he took her to a nightclub with a live band. She wore a short black dress and her diamond earrings.

He thought she was the most beautiful woman in the entire place. So did all the other men, who couldn’t help but stare as they walked by.

He found them a table on the upper level by the side where they could watch the dancers.

She requested a beer, and he ordered one for each of them. She was irked when the female server made a point of brushing against him as she set down their drinks.

But she kept her peace, not wanting to make a scene.

“This is fun,” she shouted over the music. “Let’s dance.”

He glanced down at the dance floor and shook his head at the sight of bodies grinding and jumping.

“I can’t dance to that noise. Let’s wait until they play something slower.”

She wasn’t about to let him off the hook. She wanted to dance, so she stood up, took his hands, and pulled him to his feet. “Come on. Just give it a try for me.”

“I don’t know how to dance to this.”

“You don’t need to know how. Just move your body and arms around,” she encouraged, leading him down the steps and onto the dance floor.

“I feel ridiculous,” he confessed as he attempted to mimic the other dancers.

“You’re doing great,” she yelled back at him, swaying her hips and bumping into his. She could tell he was uncomfortable, but she loved that he was trying for her.

Kyle looked around. He really despised this. But when a slow song came on, he exhaled deeply and pulled her into his arms.

“Now this is more my style,” he admitted, wrapping his arms around her. “Are you having fun, sweetheart?”

“Oh yes. Are you?”

“I always do when I’m with you,” he confessed. He leaned over and kissed her. After two slow songs, the fast ones started up again. He took her hand.

“I really don’t want to dance to this. It’s just not me.”

“Let’s take a breather and grab a drink,” she suggested, guiding him away from the dance floor and back to their cozy corner.

He reached out, his fingers intertwining with hers. “I’m not exactly the life of the party, am I? If you want to dance with someone else, I won’t mind.”

He knew he was lying through his teeth. The mere thought of her in another man’s arms was enough to drive him insane.

“You ~are~ fun, and I don’t want to dance with anyone but you. I do need to freshen up, though. Will you excuse me?”

She stood up, planted a soft kiss on his cheek, and headed towards the restrooms.

When she emerged, she spotted the waitress at their table. The woman was eyeing Kyle like she wanted to devour him right there and then. She watched as the waitress slipped him a piece of paper and sauntered off.

Her blood was boiling, her head felt like it was about to explode.

She returned to their table and eyed the crumpled piece of paper tossed aside. “What’s this?” she asked, pointing at it.

“It’s nothing,” he replied nonchalantly.

“It doesn’t seem like nothing to me. I saw that hussy hand it over to you. Is it her number?” Without waiting for his response, she snatched the paper and read it. “It’s her number.”

“Yes, but I told her I wasn’t interested, as you can see.”

“She’s got some nerve.” She stood up, her eyes locked on the waitress who was now chatting up another male customer at the bar.

Kyle saw the fury in her eyes and knew trouble was brewing. He quickly threw some money on the table and followed her.

He caught up with her just as she reached the waitress, placing a calming hand on her arm. “Kiera, let’s just leave it and go.”

She shrugged him off, tapped the waitress on the shoulder, and when she turned around, she let her have it.

“Listen here, bitch. Here’s a tip for you. Stop handing out your number to men who are clearly taken.”

The waitress looked at her and smirked. “I didn’t see a ring on his finger, BITCH.”

“He’s mine,” she hissed, tearing the piece of paper into tiny pieces and throwing them in the waitress’s face. “Keep your hands off him.”

The commotion was starting to draw attention, so he grabbed her arm before Kiera could throw the first punch.

She struggled, shooting a final glare at the waitress, as Kyle led her out of the club. Once they were outside in the cool night air, she started to calm down, then she began to feel foolish.

“Oh, Kyle, I’m so sorry.”

“What are you sorry about?”

“For the way I acted in there. It wasn’t very ladylike. I wouldn’t blame you if you were mad at me.”

He placed his hands on her shoulders, a smile playing on his lips. “I’m not mad. I kind of like this jealous side of you. It’s kind of a turn-on.”

She rolled her eyes, turning her head away.

“Only you could find that attractive. Yes, I admit I was jealous. That woman made a point of touching you every time she came to our table. Do you enjoy it when women shamelessly flirt with you?”

“I hardly even notice anymore.”

She turned back to him, a smile tugging at her lips. “You really think you’re all that? God’s gift to women?”

He pulled her into his arms, his mouth so close to hers he could taste the wine on her breath. “I only want you, no one else. I’m going to kiss you now,” he murmured, his lips meeting hers.

His arms tightened around her, his lips claiming hers. When he finally pulled away, she had her eyes closed, lips still parted.

“Do you want to try another club or head back to the hotel?”

Her eyes fluttered open, her breath hitching as she spoke. “Hotel,” she managed to whisper.

As soon as they entered their hotel room, he pushed her against the wall, pinning her hands above her head with one hand.

His other hand slipped under her dress and into her panties while he left a trail of kisses down her neck. Her moans only encouraged him, his fingers exploring her, feeling how wet and hot she was.

He felt her fingers tangle in his hair, pulling as she reached her climax.

Their lips met again as they began to undress each other. He slid her panties down, and she kicked them aside.

Both naked, his shaft pressing against her, he lifted her up, and she wrapped her legs around his waist as he entered her.

Her hands clung to his shoulders as he thrust into her, her grunts matching his rhythm, her back hitting the wall with each thrust.

Sweating and panting, he rested his forehead against hers, his hands still supporting her firm butt. “Christ, you’re going to be the death of my one-eyed willie.”

She burst into giggles. “I’ve never heard it called that before.”

He pulled out and set her down on her feet. He was ready for another round. He took her hand and led her over to a chair. Sitting down, he had her straddle him.

“Time to put the snake back into your cave.”

After two more days of relaxation and passionate lovemaking, it was time to return home. Kyle was eager to find out if Roy had made any progress on the case. He wanted this ordeal to be over as soon as possible.