Hauling himself from the tub, he grabbed a towel and briskly rubbed himself dry. He caught her staring at him and swept her up in his arms and carried her from the bathroom and back to the bed. Still holding her in his arms, he fell backwards onto the bed and then rolled so that she was under him.
Her eyes widened as she felt his growing arousal again. “That’s impossible,” she informed him.
“Not with you around,” he informed her smugly. He rubbed his penis against her mound and grinned when she opened her legs and arched against him.
He was lowering his lips to hers when her stomach gave a huge unladylike grumble. Cain just leaned back and stared at her stomach. Katie was thoroughly disgruntled by his expression of amazement and her rumbling tummy.
“Well, what do you expect?” she groused. “You’re always promising me supper, but never feeding me.” She glanced at the bedside table. “It’s almost midnight and I haven’t had a bite to eat since about half past eleven this morning. And that was just a single cinnamon bun.”
“We can’t let you starve. I’ve got a long night planned so we better keep your strength up.” Cain planted a hard, quick kiss on her lips and pulled himself out of bed. He crossed to the armoire and pulled out a pair of sweatpants and tugged them on.
Glancing back towards the bed, he tossed her one of his old denim shirts. “If you don’t cover up, I’ll never let you eat.”
Katie just smiled seductively and tugged on his shirt over her damp body. Cain just shook his head and crossed back to the bed. “You are one dangerous lady. Now be good while I go forage for some food.”
Buttoning the shirt, Katie burrowed under the covers and eagerly awaited Cain’s return.
Katie felt totally satisfied. Curled up next to Cain in the dark of the night, enveloped in his warmth and the safety of his arms, Katie knew she’d finally found where she belonged. True to his word, Cain had indeed fed her. He’d returned from the kitchen with a feast of cheese, crackers, fruit, and meat. A bottle of white wine had complemented their impromptu picnic. Gabriel had snuck in and managed to con them out of a few pieces of cheese, but when no more food was forthcoming, he gave a big doggy huff and retreated from the room.
They had eaten with abandon, feeding each other tasty morsels of food, and sharing a single glass of wine. Both of them had been starving, and so they finished every bite of food he’d carried into the bedroom. When nothing but crumbs remained, Cain had turned his attention back to her.
Katie smiled and snuggled closer as she remembered their lovemaking. That last time had been more playful. Both of them were comfortable and completely at home with one another. They had feasted on each other. Taking turns and romping in the bed like inquisitive nymphs. Well, she was the nymph, he was more of a satyr. But like her, he was now a well-pleased one.
As if sensing she was awake, Cain pulled her tighter towards him and groaned when she playfully wiggled her behind against his partial erection.
“You’re a wicked woman, Katie.” Leisurely, he kissed her ear, his tongue swirling around the outer shell.
Katie moaned and cuddled closer. Cain tucked her head under his chin and sighed contentedly. Both of them lay there for a long time, neither one speaking, both of them satisfied with just being together.
Cain finally broke the silence. “I’ve thought about Lucas’s situation.” Katie stiffened in his arms, but didn’t speak. “I can’t change the plans already in place for the building he’s in, but I can help him find another location, one he can afford with a silent partner.”
Katie couldn’t believe Cain’s generosity. “Thank you, Cain. Your offer means a lot, but I think Lucas will want to do this on his own.” Turning in his arms she kissed his cheek. “Everything will all work out.”
Cain pulled her back into his arms. This time, he settled her so that her head was pillowed on his chest. Happily, she nuzzled his skin and dozed as the sound of his heartbeat comforted her.
“I love you.” His voice was a hoarse whisper in the darkness.
Katie could hear the sincerity and love in his voice. She bit her lip to keep herself from crying, knowing how hard it was for him to actually say the words. “I know,” she replied in a low voice.
Cain tensed next to her and then he laughed. “You little minx. What do you mean, you know?”
Katie had to sit up when he started laughing. It was impossible to rest when your pillow kept jiggling. “It was obvious by your actions even if you didn’t say the word.”
Cain rolled over and tucked her beneath him. “What do you have to say for yourself?”
Unconcerned by his mock ferocity, she took her time and settled herself comfortably on the pillows. When he continued to scowl at her, she just grinned back at him. “I love you too.”
“Damn it, Katie.” Cain leaned down and plundered her mouth. His lips, teeth, and tongue teased and pleasured her. The kiss went on and on, as if Cain craved the connection between them. Katie’s head was spinning when he finally withdrew from her lips. “Thank you for bringing me out of the dark.”
Katie responded the only way she could. “Thank you for showing me the beauty of the dark.” Cain’s arms tightened around her and Katie reached for him, determined to love him. Forever.
Epilogue
“I’m home.” Katie closed the door behind her and kicked off her boots. In the last month she’d probably spent as much time here as she had in her own apartment. If Cain had it his way, she’d have moved in with him. Hanging up her coat and purse, Katie paused to straighten her sweater. She was getting closer to making a decision, but it was hard to think of giving up the only home she’d ever known.
The sound of toenails was her only warning before Gabriel bounded up behind her and jumped. Now that she had become a regular part of his life, the dog no longer felt the need to be always on his best behavior. “Get down, you brute,” she scolded him mockingly even as she began to tussle with him.
They played in the hallway for a few minutes and Katie was surprised when Cain didn’t appear. He was usually right there to greet her when she arrived from work. Giving the dog one final pat, she began her search. “Cain?”
“In here.” His voice drifted out from the office.
She and Gabriel hurried down the hallway, and Gabriel ran into the room ahead of her. Katie halted in the doorway, amazed by the sight in front of her. Cain was standing in front of a large six-foot square canvas that was set tilted against one wall and surrounded at its base by drop cloths. He was naked from the waist up, with his arms crossed over his massive chest. His bare feet were spread slightly as he stood atop the canvas cloth on the floor. A table had been set up next to the canvas and was filled with what looked like paints and brushes. Bemused, she headed towards Cain. “Have you decided to take up painting?”
“In a manner of speaking.” His enigmatic reply piqued her interest.
“That’s a rather large canvas you’re planning to fill.” Her fingers were itching to pick up a brush and use it. The sheer freedom in having such an expansive work area was enticing.
“You can help me.” His voice was rough and compelling and, as usual, she fell under its spell.
Katie’s gaze moved from the blank canvas to Cain. His long black hair was pulled away from his face and tied at the nape of his neck. The black eye patch seemed to emphasize the harsh planes of his face, and his good eye had that special gleam it usually had when he was aroused. Her eyes traced a path down over his wide shoulders and muscled stomach towards the bulge in his jeans. Yep, he was certainly aroused.
Feeling rather hot, she unbuttoned her sweater and slipped it off her shoulders as she sauntered towards him. “I can help you later,” she whispered seductively as she ran her hands up his hard stomach and wrapped her arms around his neck. Pressing her partially naked torso against his chest, she nipped at his neck and chin.