Chapter Ten
Shiloh swirled her hand through the water in the motel tub. Talking to the police hadn’t been fun. Despite Drake’s words of comfort, assuring her she’d done nothing wrong, the police had practically grilled her about what happened, making her feel like she was the one at fault. Drake had told them to back off or they were leaving. It had taken nearly an hour to get the report filed and an assurance that the matter would be handled. She didn’t quite know what that meant. Were the police going to talk to him and give him a slap on the wrist, or were they going to arrest him? She didn’t know what she’d do if he still worked at the construction site.
Drake knocked on the bathroom door. “Everything okay in there?”
She stared at her pruning fingers. “I’m fine. I’ll be out in a minute.”
The water was turning cold anyway. She drained the tub and got out, drying off with the scratchy towel. Shiloh pulled on a clean pair of panties and some new pajamas Drake had bought her, and then she stepped out into the motel room, the carpet cool under her bare feet. Drake had the air conditioner blasting and the room held a nice chill compared to the oppressive heat outside. Summer in Texas was no joke.
Drake sat on the foot of the bed, flipping through channels on the TV. He looked up as she got closer and abruptly stood. His hands clenched at his sides and there was a look of concern on his face. Shiloh stepped closer and wrapped her arms around his waist, pressing her cheek against his chest. His arms came around her and she felt his lips brush the top of her hair. It was comforting, being in his embrace. Strange since she’d fought so hard to keep her distance, and yet when something bad happened, the first person she’d wanted to see was Drake. Maybe her resistance hadn’t been so much about Drake, but about her fear that yet another man would run out on her.
“Do you want to lie down? Or do you want to sit up and read for a while?” Drake asked. “You can pick whatever you want on TV, but there’s not much on.”
“Can we lie down and watch a movie? I don’t care what it is.”
“We can do whatever you want, Shiloh. I know it’s still early, but whenever you’re ready for dinner, I’ll have something delivered. I’m afraid our options will be Chinese or pizza.” He rubbed her back. “Or if there’s something in particular you want, I can either run pick it up or ask Dallas to drop it off.”
“I’ll think about it. Right now, I just want you to hold me.”
“I can do that.”
Shiloh pulled out of his embrace and pulled back the covers on the bed. Slipping beneath them, she waited for Drake to remove his boots and jeans before he slid into the bed with her. She cuddled against his side with his arm around her and stared blankly at the TV. Today had been a really close call, and while she knew most of the guys at the construction site were good men, she wasn’t sure how safe she felt there anymore. But what else could she do? If Drake was only working part-time, they’d never make it on just his salary, even if they apartment was rent free.
“Your phone rang while you were in the tub,” Drake said. “I hope you don’t mind, but I answered when I saw it was your boss calling.”
“Does he know?”
“Yeah, baby, he knows. He said that if that man wasn’t arrested, he’d make sure he was fired first thing in the morning. He agreed you should stay home until he’s back in the office and he said he would pay you for the days off. He plans to be in the office at eight o’clock on Monday so he said come in any time after that.”
“What if he goes out of town again?” she asked. “Or what if he has to leave the office and I’m there alone? How do I know I’m safe there?”
“He said the two of you would discuss things when he got back. He was concerned about you and I’m sure he’s going to come up with some precautions so it doesn’t happen again.”
She nodded and cuddled a little closer.
“Shiloh, if you don’t feel safe there anymore, I’m sure he’d understand if you want to find another job. No one will think badly of you.”
“I looked for two weeks for a job before I found this one. No one would give me a chance except Mr. Latimer. I like doing office work, even if it didn’t pay as much as waitressing at the bar. And who is going to give me a shot when I’ll be out on maternity leave in about six months?”
“You have my support no matter what you decide.”
Shiloh had never backed down from a challenge, and she doubted she would start now. Yes, she was scared about what could happen if Mr. Latimer wasn’t around, but it wasn’t like her to run away from her problems. She’d meet with him Monday and see what he had to say. If nothing else, she’d keep working there until she could find something else. But she really liked her job and hoped everything would work out.
She must have dozed off at some point during the movie because the next time she blinked at the screen the credits were rolling. A peek a Drake showed that he was still awake. She shifted against him and sat up, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. He gave her a smile when he saw she was up and reached out to smooth her hair down.
“Have a good nap?” he asked.
“How long was I out?”
“About an hour. It’s nearly four now so we still have a little time before dinner. Unless you’re hungry?” he asked.
Truthfully, she could eat, but that was only because she normally had a snack at her desk around this time every day. They’d purchased some bananas and apples at the store yesterday, so she got up to get one. As she munched on the banana, she slid back into bed and leaned against the headboard.
Drake smiled. “If you were hungry, we could have gone ahead and ordered.”
“I’m fine,” she said between bites. “It’s my snack time.”
“When I agreed to stay in a motel with you for a week, I never realized how boring it would be here. You have to be tired of regular TV by now, even if we do have some movie channels.”
“At the trailer, I either watched basic TV or read a book when I wasn’t working. It was nice having Netflix and the apartment, but I don’t need it to survive.” She smiled. “I’m fine just spending time with you.”
He cursed. “I have that meeting tomorrow at the ranch. Maybe I should reschedule. I don’t like leaving you here alone.”
“Could I come with you?” she asked.
“I don’t suppose it would be a problem. It’s a tryout for a job, but if I explain what happened today, I think it would be okay for you to be there. Are you sure you don’t want to sleep in?”
“I’m sure.” She smiled. “I think I’d like to see you in cowboy mode.”
Drake laughed. “All right.”
“If I put some clothes on, do you think we could go out to eat and maybe stop for ice cream after?”
“Are you sure you’re up to going out? I’ll take you wherever you want to go, but maybe you should rest.”
“I’m fine, Drake. Honest. If something happens and I feel like being out is more than I can handle, then I’ll let you know and we can come back here. But I can’t hide in this motel room until Monday when I return to work.”
“Let me get my jeans and boots back on and we’ll head out. If you’re hungry now… Or do you want to wait a little?”
“If we go now, we can beat the dinner crowd.”
Drake kissed her cheek. “Then get ready and we’ll head out.”
It didn’t take long for Shiloh to pull on a pair of shorts and a t-shirt. She slipped on the flip-flops Drake had bought for her and then she ran a brush through her hair. By the time she was done, Drake was ready to go. Shiloh wasn’t sure what she wanted to eat, so Drake drove the main strip until something sounded good. They ate at Lola’s, even though neither was dressed for it. Shiloh was amazed they weren’t turned away at the door.
“What do you want to do tomorrow when we’re finished at the ranch?” Drake asked as he dug into his meal.
“I’ve heard there’s a wildlife park nearby. Could we maybe do that?”
“Sure. I haven’t been there in a long time.”
“What do you normally do for fun?” she asked.
“I haven’t had many friends around town since I joined the military, so I usually just hang out with Dallas or do stuff on my own.”
“And apparently take random women to bed,” she said with a hint of a smile. “I still can’t believe you didn’t remember that nurse.”
He winced.
“Have there been so many you can’t remember them all?”
“I never forgot you,” he said quietly. “When I was over there, not knowing if I’d make it home or not, you were the one I thought of to get me through. I remember my night with you and how sweet you’d looked the next morning. And I’d mentally kick my ass for not waking you up and kissing you goodbye.”
She melted a little at his words. “Really?”
He nodded.
“I thought about you too, even before I knew I was pregnant. And then I found out about the baby and I figured you wouldn’t want either of us. I didn’t know what to do.”
“And I acted like an ass when you reached out. I’m so sorry for that email, Shiloh.”
“It’s in the past. I probably could have handled things better too. We’re both at fault, but the important thing is that we put it behind us and move forward.” She twirled her fork through her pasta. “Thank you for being there for me today. I know I’ve kind of frozen you out lately and I’m sorry. I thought it was because I was still mad about the email, but it’s not. I think deep down I’m worried that you’ll be like all the others and bail at the first opportunity.”
“Shiloh, I would never abandon you and our child.”
“I know. Now.”
“Does this mean you’re open to the idea of dating me? Maybe taking things to the next step whenever you’re ready?”
“I’m already living with you. What next step could we have?”
He stared at her quietly a moment. “You could marry me.”
Her fork clattered to her place. “Are you proposing?”
“Maybe.”
“Either you are or you aren’t.”
“All right. I am. Will you marry me, Shiloh? I don’t have a fancy ring for you, and I’m sure you’ve always dreamed of some romantic proposal, but it’s heartfelt. I want us to be a family.”
“We can be a family without marriage,” she pointed out.
“Fine. I want you to be mine. I want a ring on your finger that shows all the assholes out there that you belong to me.”
“Is this about earlier?”
“No. But I have to wonder if you were married if he’d have tried anything. He’d have known there was a guy who would beat the shit out of him for touching you.”
Shiloh took a sip of her drink as she contemplated what to say. She loved that he wanted to marry her, that he was willing to make things more than just temporary between them, but was she ready for that? While she’d come to grips with the fact he was a good man, a worthy man, and she should give him an honest chance, she didn’t know if jumping straight to marriage was the answer.
“How long of an engagement are we talking about?” she finally asked. “Because if you plan to whisk me off to the courthouse come Monday, you’d better think again.”
“I’d like to have the wedding before the baby gets here.”
“Drake, I … I’m flattered that you want to marry me, but I think I need a little time to think it over. I’m not saying no, just not right this minute. Are you okay with that?”
He smiled. “You take as much time as you want. The fact you aren’t saying a definite no gives me hope.”
They finished their meal and then walked along Main Street, peeking in at the different shop windows. She dragged Drake into an antique shop and they browsed the different booths. It wasn’t until she wanted to show him a booth filled with books that she realized he wasn’t right behind her anymore. The store wasn’t very large and she found him easily enough. There was a secretive smile on his face as he paid for something at the register. It was something small judging by the size of the paper sack the woman handed him.
“See anything you want?” he asked.
“There’s a booth filled with books, but before I could look at them I realized you weren’t with me and came to find you.”
“Just doing a little shopping.”
They walked back around to the book booth and Shiloh grabbed a handful. After they paid, Drake took her hand and led her back to the truck where they dropped off their packages. The ice cream shop was a few doors down on the opposite side of the street, so they walked over. Shiloh thought it was nice getting to hang out with Drake and to do things normal couples do. Even when she’d first started dating her ex, she hadn’t had as much fun as she did with Drake. It didn’t have anything to do with money, and everything to do with the kind of man he was.
By the time they got to the motel room, Shiloh was ready to change back into her pajamas. The flip-flops weren’t uncomfortable, but her feet were a little swollen. They’d picked up her mail on the way to dinner and her insurance card had arrived. She didn’t know how long it would take to get an appointment with a doctor, but she hoped she could get in soon. From what she’d read, if she had an ultrasound now, they would be able to tell the sex of the baby. It would be nice to be able to pick out a name.
Drake parked outside of the motel room door and helped her out of the truck. He swiped the keycard and let her go in first. The icy air was welcome after being out in the heat. It left goose bumps along her arms as she put down her sack of books. Whatever Drake had purchased, he tucked into the front pocket of the duffle bag. It was tempting to ask what he’d bought, but she’d let him keep his secrets.
Drake brushed a kiss on the top of her head after he’d pulled out a pair of loose shorts. “I’m going to take a shower, unless you want to get in?”
She shook her head. “You go ahead.”
When the bathroom door clicked shut, she pulled out her pajamas and let her dress fall to the floor. As she reached for the fastener on her bra, the bathroom door swung open and Drake stepped out. He froze as he saw her semi-dressed and she couldn’t miss the heat in his eyes.
“I, uh…” He rubbed the back of his neck.
“Did you forget something?”
“I was going to charge my phone. When I pulled it out of my pocket, I realized it was on two percent.”
Feeling bolder than she was, she walked over and held out her hand. “I’ll charge it for you.”
Drake handed it over but couldn’t seem to tear his gaze away from her. Her stomach was a little rounder than usual, but not by much. Her breasts were another matter … now much fuller than before. Her nipples pebbled against the lace cups of her bra. Drake groaned and took a hasty step back. The look on his face clearly said he wanted her, but she could see the inner fight as he tried to be a gentleman and walk away.
Except she wasn’t sure that was what she wanted.
“Drake?”
Her gaze lifted to hers.
“What if I don’t want to shower before you… What if I want to shower with you?”
“Shiloh, you can’t say things like that. I’m trying really damn hard to give you space.”
She closed the gap between them and placed her hand on his chest. “I don’t want space anymore.”
“If we do this, if we take this step, I won’t be able to stay away from you. Once you’re in my arms, I’m not letting you go. I was an idiot to walk away before, but I won’t this time. Waking up every morning with you in my arms has shown me what I want … I want you. I want to wake up with you every morning and fall asleep with you every night. I want to fill you so deep that neither of us can tell where one of us stops and the other starts. I want you screaming my name and coming apart in my arms.”
Her breath hitched in her throat.
“And if you can’t handle that, if you aren’t ready for that, you need to get as far away from me as possible right now, because I’m holding on by a thread.”
“I want you, Drake. I’ve thought about night together often, and I want to feel that way again. No one has ever made me come as hard as you did. When you touch me, it’s like every part of me comes alive.”
He growled softly and hauled her tight against his body before slamming his mouth down on hers. Her heart raced as his tongue delved between her lips, tasting and teasing. Desire blazed in his eyes as he pulled back and looked down at her, giving her one last chance to move away. She clung to him tighter and willingly followed as he dragged her into the bathroom. The calluses on his fingers rubbed against her skin as he divested her of her bra and panties. His gaze darkened when he saw she’d shaved and was completely bare.
She shivered as she waited for him to strip, taking in every inch of skin he exposed. His cock was hard and it twitched as she stared at it. Her mouth watered just thinking about having a taste of him.
She didn’t remember him being so big, but if he’d fit once, he’d fit again. Drake helped her into the shower, the warm water hitting her skin and soaking her hair. He followed behind her and pulled the curtain closed. A breeze wafted around the corners, making her nipples even harder. He cupped her breasts and teased the hardened tips as he kissed her so thoroughly she thought she might melt.
“So, beautiful,” he murmured against her lips. “If you change your mind, if you want to stop at any time, tell me.”
“Don’t stop. Please don’t stop.”
There was a hint of concern in his eyes and she knew he was thinking about the incident at work. While she’d been frightened, she knew it was Drake touching her, and she knew he’d never hurt her. Shiloh reached out and wrapped her fingers around his cock, stroking him hesitantly at first then firmer. He bucked against her hand and she knew she had to have him.
Shiloh dropped to her knees and licked her lips. She swiped her tongue across the head of his cock, lapping up the pre-cum that had beaded along his slit. He tasted salty, but good. Her lips fit around him, her tongue stroking the underside as she took as much of him as she could. Drake reached for her, his fingers sifting through the wet strands of her hair. He didn’t grab her, or force his cock down her throat. He just held her as if she were the most precious thing to him.
When he erupted, shouting out his release, she swallowed as much as she could and then licked her lips to get the rest. Drake braced a hand on the wall as she panted for breath, reaching down to help her stand. Her knees ached from the hard tub, but she couldn’t complain. Drake wrapped his arms around her, scorching her with his kiss. He didn’t seem to mind that she tasted of him as he devoured her mouth, as if he couldn’t get enough of her. Shiloh thought they would wash and get out when he drew back, but instead he fell to his knees and braced her against the wall.
Shiloh’s legs parted and his breath fanned against her sensitive skin. He lapped at her silken lips before drawing her clit into his mouth. She sank her fingers into his hair and let the sensations roll over her. Every nerve in her body had come alive as his masterful lips and tongue took her to heaven not once but twice. Drake stood and turned her to face the wall. His lips traced along her shoulder as his hands caressed her hips. Need surged through her.
“Spread your legs, baby, and let me in.”
Shiloh spread her legs as far as the tub would allow and pressed back against him. She felt the head of his cock sliding against her folds, and then he was pushing inside, stretching her in the most delicious way. She’d expected a hard, fast pounding, but he took his time, as if he were savoring the moment. Every stroke made her pussy clench and her breath catch. As Drake caressed her, whispered filthy things in her ear, and sent her to heights she’d never experienced, his name sprang to her lips. Her release left her breathless and seeing stars as Drake stroked in and out of her, his thrusts becoming harder and faster until he came inside her.
Drake wrapped his arms around her waist and held her close as he peppered her neck and shoulders with kisses. “You are absolutely incredible.”
“Is every time with you going to be amazing?”
“I hope so.”
Drake pulled out and turned her to face him. He tipped up her chin and kissed her softly. With infinite tenderness, he washed her hair and body before quickly washing himself. Shiloh was almost afraid to blink in case he disappeared. Did men really act the way Drake did? She’d never met anyone like him before. To say she’d always attracted assholes would be an understatement. They got out of the shower, and she dried off and put her pajamas on. Drake went to the bed and pulled the covers back.
“What are you doing?” Shiloh asked.
“Going to bed.”
She pointed at his still semi-erect cock. “You’re naked.”
“I like to sleep in the nude, and since you’re not avoiding me now, there’s no point in dressing for bed.”
Shiloh put her hands on her hips. “Are you going to take care of midnight diaper changes naked too? What if we have a little girl? She doesn’t need to see that!”
Drake smirked. “I’m pretty sure I won’t scar her for life when she’s an infant. But if it makes you feel better, I’ll put on underwear before I change any diapers.”
Shiloh shook her head and climbed into bed. So, what if he wanted to sleep naked? It only meant that hard, naked body would be pressed against her all night. Maybe she should even the score and rip off her pajamas before getting into bed. He looked so relaxed with his hands folded behind his head as he watched whatever was playing on TV. It would serve him right if he had to sleep with a hard-on. She toyed with the hem of her tank before ripping it over her head.
“What are you doing?” Drake asked, his eyes wide.
“Getting comfortable. If you can sleep naked, so can I.”
“Um, no you can’t.”
She arched a brow. “Watch me.”
She shimmied out of her shorts and panties before slipping under the covers. It didn’t escape her attention that there was a tent forming over his body. With a smug smile, she flicked off her light and got comfortable in the bed.
She felt the bed shift as Drake rolled onto his side. A rough palm slid up her thigh, over her hip, and cupped her breast.
“Didn’t you get enough in the shower?” she asked, smiling in the darkness.
“I can never get enough of you.”
She shifted so that she was rubbing against his cock. His hips bucked until his shaft was rubbing between her ass cheeks, and a shiver went through her. No one had ever taken her there, and she wondered if one day Drake would. She doubted it would be tonight, since they weren’t prepared, but it was something to fantasize about.
“You want me, don’t you, Shiloh?” His teeth nipped her earlobe. “You want to feel my monster cock sliding deep inside you, fucking you until you can’t walk. Isn’t that what you want?”
She whimpered.
“Tell me it’s what you want, baby. Tell me you want me to fuck you.”
“Yes,” she cried. “Yes, I want you to fuck me.”
Drake rolled her onto her back and pinned her to the mattress. “I’m going to spend the rest of the night making sure you know you’re mine, that you’re wanted.”
His words sent a thrill through her. Yes, she was his. And she wondered if maybe she’d been his since their first night together. Her body responded to his touch as he set her aflame, pushing her desire to the breaking point. As his lips claimed hers, Shiloh felt like she’d come home.