CHAPTER TWELVE

 

 

 

Fresh from the hay field, Benjen pulled his shirt off and flung it in the hamper. He stretched, smiling at what the night held in store for him. Damn, he couldn’t wait. His mind and heart were full of Apple and each time he thought of her, he smiled. Good thing there was no one around to see, they’d be giving him a hard time for sure.

Just as he stepped up to the shower to flip on the tap, his cell phone buzzed. Pulling it from the back pocket of his jeans, he saw the caller was Zane Saucier.

“Do you have good news for me, Counselor?”

Zane cleared his throat. “Up until twenty minutes ago, I would’ve had to say no, I did not have good news for you. We hit a stone wall with the VA. However, it pays to have friends in high places.”

“I’m not sure who you’re referring to, but I’m glad. Who is this well-placed friend?” Benjen tucked the phone to his shoulder to talk as he unbuckled his jeans.

“Kyle Chancellor and Destry Cartwright.”

“Who?” For a moment, Benjen drew a blank. “Do you mean the Governor?”

“Yes, even though this is a federal matter, our Texas Governor and his Secretary of State are former military and have strings they can pull. They’re still in negotiations with the powers that be, but Kyle seemed positive they could work this out in Apple’s favor.”

“Well, that’s great news, Zane.” Benjen removed his boots and socks, before tugging down his jeans and briefs. “I don’t know how to thank you.”

“Don’t thank me yet, it’s still not a done deal – but…if I were a betting man, I’d put my money on Kyle. Thunderbird has a reputation of successfully completing his missions.”

“Thunderbird? Is that a nickname?”

“Kyle was a Marine pilot in Afghanistan, Thunderbird was his call sign. Like you, he’s also part Native American. I think his mother is a member of the Ojibwe tribe.”

“Wow. I had no idea. Interesting.” Benjen chuckled. “I sorta wish I’d voted for him.”

Now, it was Zane’s turn to laugh. “You’ll get another chance. The inside scoop is that Thunderbird is going to make a run for the White House.”

“Really? Well, if he helps my Apple, I guarantee he has my vote.”

“Right. Anyway, I wanted to let you know the lay of the land. As soon as I hear anything concrete, I’ll let you know.”

“Great. Thanks, Zane. I appreciate you more than you know.”

“Glad to do it.”

After ending the call, Benjen stepped beneath the warm spray, his mind and body high on anticipation. “Tonight’s the night, gonna be alright…” He began to hum the old Rod Stewart song about a couple’s first time. As he soothed soap over his chest, his cock rose to full mast in response to the erotic images floating through his head. No more waiting. No more longing. Tonight, he’d sate himself in the arms of his beloved.

“Oh, Apple, I’m going to love you like you’ve never been loved before.”

Benjen smiled to himself. Yea, he was a virgin. Technically. Didn’t mean he was unschooled. What he lacked in experience, he could more than make up for in enthusiasm. Years of pent-up passion were about to explode. Somewhere, the poor scientist who sat in front of a computer screen to monitor seismic systems for earthquake activity was going to wonder what all the shaking was about – because he intended to rock Apple Wright’s world.

…Across the way, Apple sat on the floor attempting to paint her toes a barely-there pink color. Rose was giving her a little too much help for the task to go smoothly. “If you’d quit poking your nose in the way, it wouldn’t be streaked pink, girl!” She laughed at the dog’s expression. Her eyes were bright, her tongue lolled out in ecstasy, and her tail thumped the floor with joy. Apple was constantly amazed at the change in the dog. No longer was she scared and cowed down. “That’s what love will do for you. Right?” She ought to know. Apple didn’t even feel like the same person she’d been after Alan’s betrayal. Meeting Benjen Blackhawk had changed everything. “Oh, pooh!” Just the thought of the handsome cowboy made her miss her entire toenail. As she wiped the polish off the top of her foot, Apple acknowledged that she was nervous as a cat in a room full of rocking chairs. If things went as he expected, they would make love tonight. She closed her eyes as a shiver of dread and anticipation swept over her. Could she do this? Could she please him? Apple was torn between wanting to jump his bones and fighting the urge to head for the hills. How could you want something more than anything and still be afraid to do it?

“Get a grip, Apple. This is what you want. You’ll never regain your confidence if you don’t get back on the horse.” A giggle bubbled from her lips. “Not a good analogy. Oh, God.” She hugged her legs and buried her face on her knees. “Please don’t let me mess this up.” She breathed slowly and deeply, trying to calm herself down. The dog whined in sympathy. “Look, Apple, don’t get your hopes up. Benjen has said some beautiful things, some looking toward forever things – but this may just end up being a casual thing. Temporary.” Did she still want to do it? Closing her eyes, she tried to quiet her brain and listen to her heart.

Placing a hand to her chest, she felt the steady, hopeful beating. The dreams she’d cherished about belonging to someone, finding that perfect person to love – those dreams were still alive and well. Could she be hurt? Disappointed? Devastated? “Oh, yeah. I’m more than vulnerable.” But was it worth the risk? “I think so. Yes.” Apple smiled through a mist of tears. “I think Benjen Blackhawk is definitely worth the risk.”

Raising up, she wiped her eyes, and pushed her hair over her shoulder. “Rose, one more toe and I’m through. Do you want me to paint yours next?” She finished up and grabbed the Shepherd’s foot, only to find the dog just wasn’t that interested in having pink nails. “Okay. Okay.”

As she rose from the floor, her cell phone buzzed. Thinking it was probably Benjen, she rushed to the phone and grabbed it without looking at the caller ID.

“Hello. Benjen?”

“Senora Cates…”

“Yes.”

After that, Apple didn’t understand a word the woman was trying to say to her.

“I’m sorry, I don’t speak Spanish. Are you sure you have the right number?”

Unlike Alan, her aptitude for languages was low. In their high school, only German had been offered and all she could do was count to nine and sing a lullaby – Guten aben gut nacht, mit rosen be dacht.

Despite her protests, the woman kept speaking. Quickly. Frantically.

“I’m sorry. I don’t understand.”

In addition to the language barrier, the connection was poor. “Forgive me, but I don’t know what you’re saying.”

When the line went dead, Apple was somewhat relieved. She shut off her phone and laid it down, wondering what the poor woman had been trying to tell her.

“Oh, well.” She brightened. “I have other things to think about.” Glancing at the clock, she saw that time was ticking by at a fast pace. “Oh, wow. He’ll be here before I know it!” Racing to the bathroom, she set out to make herself beautiful for a man who held her heart in the palm of his hand.

 

* * *

 

Knock! Knock!

Woof!

“Shhh, Rose, I’ve got it.”

Taking a deep breath, Apple started for the door. Just before taking the knob in her hand, she glanced down at what she wore. “I should’ve bought something new. I look like one of those Hostess pink snowballs.” Her dress was A-line with a fitted lace bodice and a full filmy skirt. The same pink as her nails. Distraught, she flung open the door and exclaimed, “I should change, shouldn’t I?”

Benjen stood there, a bouquet of red roses in his hand, with his mouth agape and his eyes wide. “Don’t you dare change a thing. You’re so beautiful. I can’t believe you’re mine.”

His beautiful words almost made Apple melt into a puddle of happiness at his feet. “I am?” The answer she needed shone in her eyes.

“You are.” He held the flowers out to her. “These are for you.”

She took them gently. “They’re gorgeous.”

“They don’t do you justice.” He followed her in as she put the flowers in water. “Do you want me to put Rose in her yard?”

“Yes, please.” She found a glass pitcher for the roses. After filling it with water, she arranged the flowers to her satisfaction. Listening for Benjen’s footsteps, she bent to inhale the magnificent scent. “I can’t believe he gave me these.”

“Why? You deserve all the beautiful flowers in the world.”

Apple gasped when he picked up her hair and kissed her on the smooth exposed skin of her shoulder. “You walk so quietly. I didn’t hear you come in.”

“Well, you know what they say about us Indians and our stealthy way of walking in our moccasins, creeping up on unsuspecting game.” He nuzzled her neck. “Toe to heel, measured steps.” Kiss. Kiss.

“You aren’t wearing moccasins.” She smelled her roses again.

“Very observant, McIntosh.”

Apple turned in his arms to find his lips for a quick kiss. “Good one. What’s next? Rome? Winesap? Jonathan?”

“Granny Smith, if you don’t hurry. I have some serious courting to do and you’re holding up progress.”

“I’m ready.” She laid her head on his chest. “We don’t even have to go anywhere if you don’t want…except bed.”

Benjen groaned. “Temptation thy name is Apple.”

Giggling, Apple ran her finger down the smooth line of his nose. “Yea, I know all about the Garden of Eden and original sin.” 

“Oh, you do?” he asked as he pulled her to the door. “Come on, you can tell me all about it on our way to Austin. We have reservations at the best restaurant in town.”

With their laughter ringing out like two children at play, they ran hand in hand to the truck he’d driven. “This isn’t your regular pickup,” she observed as he led her to the driver’s side.

“Right. This is Sam’s.” He opened the door and lifted her up to sit her inside. “If you notice, there are bench seats. You can sit beside me instead of all the way on the other side of the cab.”

“Oh, good idea.” She scooted over to the middle of the seat, while he climbed in next to her. “We can be close.”

He helped Apple fasten her seat belt. “Yea, I wanted you close enough to touch.”

As he settled in and started the engine, she tried to catch her breath. “I’ve looked forward to this for so long.” Even as she made the admission, Apple wasn’t sure if she referred to the date they were on, the prospect of sleeping with Benjen that night, or the reality of finding someone who just enjoyed spending time with her.

“Me too.” He winked at her. As he headed south to Austin, Benjen rested his hand on her knee. “I have news from Zane.”

“Oh, really? What?”

“He enlisted some help. The Governor is getting involved with your case and is going to appeal to some connections he has in the Pentagon.”

“Seriously?” Apple couldn’t believe it. “Governor Chancellor is willing to help me?”

“He is. Zane is confident Kyle can pull some strings and get the VA’s ruling overturned.”

“Oh, wow, that’s wonderful.” She leaned over and kissed him on the cheek. “You’re amazing.”

“I didn’t do anything,” Benjen protested.

“Yes, you did,” she told him in earnest. “I didn’t know what to do or where to turn. You made my problem your own. I want to know how much your lawyer charges. I fully intend to pay – but…”

“No payment is necessary. I want to help you.” Benjen moved his fingers over the fabric of her skirt, caressing her skin through the thin material. “I need to help you.”

“See? You’re a hero. Without you, I would have just done as they asked.” Apple clasped his bicep and pressed her face to the hard muscle. “You’ve been so good to me. Fixing my roof. Building Rose a yard. And now this? I don’t know what I can possibly do to make it up to you.”

At first, he beamed at her praise – then, an odd feeling came over him. “Hey, you’re not…going out with me tonight or – you know, because you’re grateful for that stuff, are you?”

Apple stared at him, mouth agape. “Benjen. Are you kidding? I want you. I want to be with you. Not for what you’ve done for me – not for any other reason than for who you are. Sweet. Kind. Funny. And hot as hell!”

Benjen felt the worry melt away. He grinned. “You want me.”

“Like I haven’t made that abundantly clear.” She playfully punched him on the shoulder.

He wasn’t through. “I’m hot as hell?”

She pursed her lips in a play frown. “Hotter.”

“Good. I’m glad we got that settled.” He put his hand on her right leg and tugged her closer to him. “Now, what did you do today?”

“Cooked for this weekend mostly.”

“What? You cooked? I’m supposed to be wining and dining you. Remember?”

“I know, but we might need snacks.” She ran her hand up and down his thigh. “For strength, you know?”

“True. I might wear you out, that’s for sure.” He stole a quick kiss from her cheek, then raised an eyebrow. “What kind of snacks are we talking about?”

“Chocolate chip cookies. Brownies. Cinnamon rolls ready to bake in the morning. Manicotti for lunch.”

Benjen moaned, “Good lord, woman. You’re an angel!” He wrapped an arm around her. “I wouldn’t trade you for a barrel of gold monkeys.”

Apple barked out a laugh. “I’ll take that as a compliment. How is Easy this morning?”

Shrugging, Benjen sighed. “Packing. I feel guilty. I’m wondering if I pushed him away by asking to be the one to remain in the house. Hell, I didn’t mean today. I was speaking of…eventually.”

“I don’t think so, Benjen. From everything you’ve said and what I saw, he just seems to need a fresh perspective.”

“Yea, I just hope this won’t be a permanent move. I want him to come home. Blackhawk Ranch is his home. So, you’re meeting Sara for coffee, huh?”

“Yes. Does that bother you?” She glanced up into his face, trying to read his expression.

His smile answered her question before his words did. “No, not at all. It pleases me a great deal.”

“Good.” She sighed. “I like Sara. I think we’ll be friends.” Apple sat still for a moment, her eyes on the highway stretching out before them. “Something weird happened today.”

“Oh, yea? What?”

“I got a phone call from a woman and she was speaking Spanish – which I don’t speak. She said my name, my married name, and the rest was gibberish. I told her I couldn’t understand her, but she just kept talking. The connection was poor, too.” Apple let out a long breath. “I have no idea who she was or what she was talking about.”

“Well, I wouldn’t worry about it. If it was important, she’ll find some way to contact you.”

“I guess.” Still, Apple couldn’t shake the uneasy feeling about the call. There had been such a tone of desperation in her voice.

As they neared Austin, Apple’s curiosity got the better of her. “Where are we going?”

“Downtown.” He pointed to the city skyline. “I have a couple of surprises up my sleeves. I hope you’ll enjoy what I have planned.”

“Oh, I will. I’m sure I will,” she countered the note of concern in his voice. “As long as we’re together, it will be amazing.” Apple glanced down at her dress. “I just hope it’s not somewhere fancy and hip, I’m not sure my attire is appropriate.”

“I love your dress.” He soothed the material of her skirt, causing Apple’s skin to break out in frissons of excitement. “You always look like such a lady. So feminine. Your sense of style appeals to me a great deal.”

Apple laughed in embarrassment. “I’m glad. I’m not sure I have a sense of style. I like girly stuff.”

“I like you just the way you are,” he told her solemnly. “And wherever we go, you will be the loveliest woman there.”

“Oh.” As they neared their destination, Apple blushed at his words, but they soothed her as nothing else could have.

Once they exited the freeway, Benjen maneuvered through the traffic to their destination near Lady Bird Lake. “I thought we’d eat first, then have a drink at this club I know, then I have a really wild surprise for you.”

“Okay.” She smiled with anticipation. “I’m sure everything will be perfect.”

After valet parking their car, Benjen escorted Apple into the Vince Young Steakhouse. “Oh, this place is nice.” Her eyes widened at the upscale eatery as they were seated at a table near the window. “The food smells delicious.”

Once the hostess gave them their menus and a waiter brought wine, they were left alone to study the menu. Apple’s eyes bugged at the prices. “This place is expensive, Benjen,” she whispered, her eyes darting around at the elegant interior with its romantic lighting. Everyone looked so chic – except for her.

He glared at her teasingly. “Stop. This is our special night. I want everything to be perfect. Just tell me what looks good and I’ll order for you.”

“Um.” Apple checked out all the amazing selections. “I like everything, that’s my problem,” she confessed as her stomach growled.

“I love that,” Benjen said. “Women who eat like birds annoy me.” He gave her a wink. “Leave it to me.”

While Benjen gave an attentive waiter their order, Apple’s attention wasn’t on the food. She indulged herself, her eyes eating up Benjen Blackhawk. He was dynamic. Magnetic. So good looking, her heart contracted anytime she looked at him. What in the heck was he doing here with her? Fresh concern for what would happen later brought sadness to her eyes.

“Hey, sweetness, what are you thinking?”

She started a bit, her eyes losing the glazed over look of deep thought. Not wanting to confess her self-doubt, she grabbed onto a question that had occurred to her earlier. “Who is Vince Young?” she asked, referring to the name of the steakhouse.

Benjen stared at her a moment, as if trying to decide if this was the question she’d really intended to ask. “A famous football player. He didn’t do so well in the pros, but he was a star at the University of Texas. Their win, with him playing quarterback, at the 2006 Rose Bowl game is legendary.”

“Did you play football?” she asked, picturing him in his jersey and pads.

He shook his head. “Don’t laugh. I played polo in college.”

She brightened, grinning. “I should have known, horses and all. I bet you’re amazing.”   

“Well, it’s been awhile. Instead of chasing a small white ball around a field, I’m tailing cattle.”

“Do you miss it?”

“In a way, I guess, but my life is full.” He took her hand. “I’m very happy now.”

She felt her cheeks grow warm. With her free hand, she picked up her wine glass and took a sip. “Me too. I’m just nervous.”

“About what?” he asked incredulously. “Tonight?”

She understood what he meant. “Yea, I guess.”

“Hey.” He grinned at her, his dimples shining. “You’re the one with the experience. I should be the nervous one.”

“Are you?” she asked softly.

“Yea, I am,” he confessed in the same hushed tone. “I don’t want to disappoint you, but I want you so much. I’m afraid it will all be over in a nanosecond.”

“Benjen, that doesn’t matter,” she whispered, holding his gaze. “We can always do it again. And again. There is no right or wrong way.” Even as she gave him this assurance, her own doubts came into play. “Besides, you read Alan’s journal, you know I’m not that good in bed.”

His eyes turned hard. “I’ve been in bed with you. We’ve done everything but the act itself. You’re beyond hot. I’ve been hard from the moment I met you.”

Seeing the waiter standing by with the food, Apple hid a smile. Benjen had been defending her so zealously, that he hadn’t noticed they had an audience.

“Excuse me, sir, madam. Your food.”

For the next few minutes, they marveled at their delicious fare.

To start, deep fried Texas quail, with bacon infused tangerine marmalade, followed by filet mignon with lump crab meat, and asparagus with béarnaise sauce on the side.

“This is marvelous,” Apple exclaimed, the food melting in her mouth.

As they ate, they made small talk, discussing her job at the vet and his work with the hospital. “I’ve witnessed some miracles,” Benjen confided. “Last month, I went to a little boy’s birthday party. He’s three years old now, and so smart. I watched him crawl up on the piano bench and play a piece of classical music.” He held his hand out, palm up. “I held that baby in the palm of my hand. I remember him wrapping his hand around the tip of my little finger. No one expected the little mite to survive.”

“Did he?” Apple was on the edge of her seat.

“Yea, but I remember his little feet weren’t even an inch long.” Benjen smiled, memories coming to his mind. “You know, there’s no footprint so small, it doesn’t make an imprint in this world.”

“True.” She cast her gaze down in sadness. “I’ll certainly never forget my baby. I only had her a short time, but she certainly left her mark on my heart.”

“Oh, love.” He took her hand. “I didn’t mean to remind you of sad times.”

“No. I want to remember her.” She gave him a sad smile. “Always.”

“With a heart like yours, you’ll be an amazing mother to another baby someday.”

“I don’t know.” The Asherman’s Syndrome she’d developed after the routine removal of a few fibroid tumors had seen to that. Her gynecologist had warned her she might never get pregnant again. “After losing Jenny, it’s hard to think about. Do you want children?”

“Oh, hell yeah. A whole tribe.”

Despite her sorrow, his answer made Apple laugh. “You’re so funny.”

“No, I’m kidding,” he told her, not wanting to scare her off with his hope of a big family. They paused to order dessert. “What looks good?” he asked her, loving how her pretty white teeth caught her plump lower lip as she perused the menu.

“I shouldn’t…” She was still thinking about children. His stance on them was a little hard to read.

“Yes, you should. How about if we shared the Brulleed Banana Split?” He pointed to the selection featuring house made strawberry, chocolate, and vanilla ice cream with a caramel whiskey sauce.

“Oh, yea. Ummm, that looks good.”

Her pleasure at the idea made Benjen groan. “I want to hear some of those same sweet groans tonight, baby.”

Again, the waiter blushed and Apple laughed. “I’m sure you will.”

As they waited on their sweet treat, Benjen took something from his pocket. A long, narrow velvet box. “I have a surprise gift for you.”

“A gift? Benjen! Why?” She looked at him with surprise. “I didn’t get you anything!”

“Oh, you’ll be giving me everything. Tonight.” He held out the present. “Open it.”

With trembling hands, Apple did as she was asked. When she lifted the lid to find a delicate gold charm bracelet, tears came to her eyes. “Oh, my. This is exquisite.”

“Let me help you put it on.” He got so excited, his big hands taking the small piece of jewelry. “You’ll have to look at the charms closely.”

“Oh, I will.” Once he fastened it on her wrist, she gazed at each tiny charm. “An apple. How sweet. And a heart,” she glanced up at him with a tremulous smile, “you’re so romantic.”

“With you.” He pointed. “Look at the others.”

She did so. “Oh, a hawk! This is you!” Apple loved it. “And a dog! How appropriate.” A giggle of joy burst from her lips. “And what’s this?” With the tip of one finger, she touched the small charm shaped like the sun with wavy beams.

“That’s our light. Our ghost light.”

Apple clasped her wrist over the bracelet, then held her joined hands over her heart. “I love this. So much. You are so sweet and thoughtful.” Uncaring who could see, she rose and came to sit in his lap. “I’ve never received a more perfect gift.”

As she kissed and hugged him, Apple became aware of his huge erection beneath her thighs. “Do you want to go home now?”

“Oh, hell yea. Forget dessert.” He wanted to go home now. He wanted to be buried as deep between Apple’s creamy thighs as he could get. “I want you…to have a perfect night.” He motioned for the check. “Come on, we’re going to enjoy this date.” Even if it kills me, he thought.

After leaving Vince Young’s, Benjen took her to a rooftop club, so they could share a drink and dance in the moonlight. Neither did much moving, mostly they held one another and swayed, missing the beautiful lights of the city as they gazed into one another’s eyes.

Their last stop in the city was a true surprise for Apple. As they left the club, he told her their next destination. “Ever been to a drive-in?”

“I’m not sure. Do you mean like Sonic?”

“No.” He chuckled. “I mean like when you park your car in front of a big movie screen and neck.”

“Oh, one of those! I thought they were extinct! There’s a drive-in in downtown Austin?”

“Yep, the Blue Starlite Mini Urban Drive-in, just off MLK on the east side.”

“Oh, boy. What’s playing?”

Benjen threw back his head and laughed. “Me with you, if I have my way.”

Driving the short distance from 6th street to Franklin, Apple was so happy, she could scarcely believe she was awake and not dreaming. “All of this seems surreal. I keep expecting to wake up.”

“I’m thrilled you’re enjoying yourself, but why does it seem like a dream to you?” He wanted her to understand how very real this was to him.

“Too good to be true?” she asked wistfully.

“Hmmm, well, I see I have my work cut out for me tonight, convincing you otherwise.” He pulled up to the gate and bought their tickets and two soft drinks.

She helped him with the drinks, placing them in the cup holders affixed to the dash. “This is exciting. I’ve only seen these in the movies. How do we hear the words? Roll down the window?”

“If we rolled down the windows, how could we steam them up?”

Apple gave him a blank look. 

Benjen laughed. “We turn to a certain channel on the FM radio. See?”

He did so, and soon Apple could tell the words were matching the promos on the screen. Delighted, she glanced around. “Looks like there are just a couple of dozen cars. Very intimate.”

Putting his arm around Apple to draw her close, he whispered in her ear, “Intimate. That’s the idea.”

She scooted over as close to him as she could get when the credits began to roll.

“Lust in the Dust?” she asked with a giggle. “Is that a real movie?”

“Made in 1985. Parody of…spaghetti westerns,” Benjen explained between kisses as he began eating at her lips. “It’s terrible, but don’t worry – we won’t be watching much of it.”

True to his word, even though they gave the movie a shot, they were practically oblivious to what was going on onscreen. He scooted his seat back as far as it would go, then brought her into his lap, her head leaning back on the window glass, her body cradled in his arms. “Comfortable?”

“I’m perfect.”

“Fuck yea, you are,” he breathed huskily, tracing her beautiful features with the tip of one gentle finger.

“Stop.”

“Stop what? Touching you?” He caressed her skin. Loving you? Well, he was waiting for the right time to say those words.

“Complimenting me. It makes me nervous.” Her body felt so sensitized. Breasts swelling. Nipples hard and aching. The soft intimate place between her thighs was wet and throbbing.  

“Why, sugar?”

“I…don’t know.” She didn’t want to explain how she couldn’t bring herself to fully believe his beautiful words. For a moment, she imagined what the night would bring. Looking into his deep blue eyes, she could see a prophetical reflection of their joining. His big, strong form sheltering hers, his bronzed flesh a striking contrast to her paler skin. His hands anchoring hers over her head, his mouth possessing hers as they moved together – him filling her, taking her – possessing her.

She gazed up at him, her lips parted, her breathing shallow and quick as he lowered his head. His eyes were locked on her mouth, and the sure knowledge that he was about to kiss her thrilled her completely. Time seemed to slow down and all she could do was anticipate, crave the moment his lips touched hers. She needed him more with each moment, with his caress he placed on her skin. If she hadn’t known the meaning of addiction before, she did now. “What are you waiting for? An engraved invitation?” she whispered out of frustration.

“Oh, I think I see my invitation.” He ran his finger down the silky column of her throat and over the sweet swell of her breast. “Look at these hard, little nipples.” Benjen ran his finger around one prominent peak. “Even through your dress and bra, I can see how much you want me.” Fuck, he was grateful for it too. She wanted him as damn bad as he wanted her.

“Yea, I do.” Lifting her hand, she touched his face. “I want you so much.” As her fingers traced his high cheekbones, his sensual mouth, she became mesmerized by the emotions overtaking her. She found it impossible to look anywhere but into the sapphire depths of his eyes, and with each moment he held her gaze, she knew he was looking into her very soul. “Kiss me, Black...”

Before she could finish saying his name, his lips covered hers, his tongue sweeping the seam to part her lips, pushing inside in a demanding thrust of pure male need. Everything within him told Benjen this woman would be the source of his happiness. She would be his future. With her lips moving hungrily beneath his, she was making him wilder and hotter with every heartbeat with every sweet whimper from her succulent lips. Knowing he was welcome, he worked the tiny buttons from their holes, next finding the front clasp of her bra. Once her breasts were free, he moved his hands to the swollen globes, caressing the soft, yet firm flesh. As he feasted at her mouth, his fingers milked her nipples, tugging the tight tips until he could feel her shudder. “Fuck you’re amazing,” he growled, completely taken with the perfection of her body. She was the epitome of femininity, a true woman, and so beautiful she made his heart race. His whole body responded to her, his cock as hard and straight as a spike. Even more than his attraction to her, he was absolutely enthralled with her sweet spirit, her kind heart, and the way he felt when he was with her.

Complete. Happy.

Apple was more than happy – she was ecstatic. She stroked his hair, mesmerized as she watched him suckle at her breast. The sight of his mouth covering the swollen, distended nipple stole her breath as glorious pleasure lashed from her nipple to her clitoris, causing her pussy to clench in a desperate need to be filled. “Oh, Benjen…”

Almost beyond coherence, Benjen reluctantly pulled his mouth from her breast. “What is it, baby?”

“I don’t want to see the rest of the movie.”

Benjen chuckled, knowing they hadn’t seen any of the movie. “Me either.” After placing a reverent kiss to the nipple he’d been worshiping, then one to her rosebud lips, he whispered the best idea he’d had all day, “Let’s go home. I need to be with you.”