Loch and Key (20 page)

“Oh God. Oh wow.” She dug her fingers into his scalp and then let out a shuddering breath. “Brett…”

A moment later she fell limp against the mattress and her legs unwrapped from around his waist to fall onto the bed as well. Her hands, once again, moved in gentle strokes through his short hair.

“Thank you,” she murmured. “I needed that.”

“Anytime.” Still bracing himself above her with one arm, he moved into sitting position and reached for her jeans. “Can I, maybe, take these off completely?”

She gave a slow smile. “I challenge you.”

It took him a pinch of determination, a rock hard dick, and a few quick tugs and her jeans and polka dot panties came off.

The site of the damp pink flesh between her legs made him unable to resist tasting the same place he’d just teased with his hands.

He caught her ankles and pulled them over his shoulders before nestling back down with his head between her legs. Parting the plump folds, he licked into her, tasting her lusciousness.

She gasped and squirmed beneath him. “Going to try and give me two, I see? Overachiever.”

“Damn right.” He licked her again, and then teased upward to her clit.

Her hips rose to meet his mouth and she let out a low groan. Even though she’d just come, it only took a couple minutes of sensual licking and sucking, before she was trembling and crying out through another orgasm.

With her body still trembling, he stood and shucked off his jeans and clothes. Just as quickly he found and put on a condom, before returning to her on the bed.

She was ready for him. Legs parted and arms open to welcome his weight.

He didn’t hesitate, but covered her body with his and plunged into her.

Every single fucking time it took his breath away. Made every nerve in his body come to life with pleasure.

For a moment he lingered, reveling in the feel of her slick heat around him. Then, when her nails dug into his shoulders, he knew she needed more, and began to move.

It was amazing how thoroughly they knew each other’s bodies. The signals of what they wanted and when they wanted it.

Their rhythm was instinctive now and in complete tandem. His mind only held thoughts of her. The feel of this movement. The need to take her fully and hear her cries of pleasure.

Without him seeing it coming, she somehow managed to flip them so she was on top. Her palms against his chest as she rode him hard. Her head was thrown back, red waves spilling over her shoulders and curling around her breasts. She was the epitome of sensuality.

Mine
.

He tightened his grip on her hips, thrusting up into her as she moved on him.

The idea of letting her go—ever—sent a wave of desperation through him. Had him moving faster. Harder.

She moved her body just so and went immediately still, a sharp cry of ecstasy flying from her mouth.

Watching her orgasm a third time sent him over the edge as well. He groaned, taking over and thrusting unevenly as he came inside her.

Though never really inside her, he thought some minutes later. They were intertwined, breathing heavily and enjoying the post-sex intimacy.

There was always a condom. More and more, he hated the fact. They were talking about getting tested and putting her on birth control, which would be amazing. Being inside her without the barrier would take mind-blowing sex up another level. Whatever that was.

But there was more to it than that. He’d never been one to think about having kids much, and maybe it was because he was thirty-five, but twice now he’d caught himself wondering what Kenzie would be like as a mother. What it would be like to have her carrying his child.

Which was how he knew he was losing his damn mind over her.

He shifted position slightly to look at her. She’d fallen asleep, her body curled around him.

He had three more years in the Navy. That was it. Could Kenzie handle that? Could
he
handle it? Being on a ship and slipping back into that mode where he was always wondering if she would become like the other women. If she’d be tempted to cheat.

Why couldn’t he have met her a few years from now? When he was close to retiring?

Every day things were only becoming more intense between them. At some point they’d have to make a decision. Keep it serious or cut it off.

Another glance at her sleeping form had his heart clenching.

Shit. He was so fucked.

“Have you actually ever been camping, Kenzie?”

Kenzie paused in the midst of stuffing clothes into her backpack and glanced at Delonna.

“No, I can’t say that I have. But I imagine it’s a lot of outdoor cooking and sleeping in a tent, aye? I’ll be fine.”

“Plus you’ve got a bunch of hot Navy guys going,” Delonna drawled, sitting down on the edge of her bed.

Kenzie snorted. “And their wives.”

“Still, you’ll be having fun, and you’ll be rubbing elbows with that elite chief crowd.”

“Are they elite?”

“God, I don’t know. Sure sounds impressive. What does a chief do anyway?”

“Not quite sure.” Kenzie resumed packing. “Brett told me his official position is Flight Deck Chief.”

“Oh, see? That even sounds impressive. I really do like this guy, Kenz. He’s good for you.”

And Delonna wasn’t saying that arbitrarily. She’d actually met and interacted with Brett a few times now. Whether here at the house or when he’d come into the pub to visit. It was wonderful that her friends and family all approved him.

“Aye, he has been good for me,” she agreed softly.

“Though, I’ve got to say it’s weird seeing you here. You’re rarely home.” Delonna leaned back on the bed, propping herself up on her elbows. “You’re paying half the rent, which is awesome, but never here. Not that I’m complaining, but I do miss you.”

“I know. I miss you too.” Kenzie paused to hug her friend as a prick of guilt slid through her. “Thank you for being such a good friend as I rediscover dating.”

Delonna hugged her back. “I think you guys are beyond dating.”

Those words sunk in and Kenzie pulled back. “How so?”

“You guys are pretty serious, pretty fast.”

“We simply enjoy being together.”

“There’s being together, and then there’s inseparable. I think sex with James is awesome, but when we’re done, I want my space.” Delonna shrugged. “Cuddling can be nice for a few minutes, but I’m usually happier if he goes home for the night.”

Kenzie frowned. “Really? I hate the nights I have to kiss him good-bye.”

“Mmm hmm. Which leads me right back to what I was saying. Pretty serious, pretty fast.”

“Maybe it’s just the honeymoon phase of dating?”

“Or maybe it’s leading up to an actual honeymoon.” Delonna laughed, and dodged the pillow Kenzie tossed at her. “Speaking of, did you order the cake for Hailey’s bachelorette party?”

“Aye. Yesterday.”

“Sweet. Was it the dirty cock cake I told you about?”

“Unfortunately, no. I don’t think she’d share our appreciation of artistic edible erections.”

“That’s a bummer. But now we know what to get each other for our bachelorettes.”

“Aye, and that’s so close to happening?” Kenzie snorted and went to continue packing.

“Well definitely not for me, but
you
now…I’m not so sure.”

“We’re just dating.”

“Mmm hmm. Keep telling yourself that. I gotta shower and get ready for work.” Delonna eased off the bed and headed toward the door. “You need to channel your inner Girl Scout and get ready for your camping trip.”

“On my honor, I will try…”

Delonna paused in the doorway and glanced back. “One last word of advice. Spoken with all the wisdom of a woman who’s had her heart broken on more than one occasion.”

More than one occasion? Delonna was only twenty-three. Kenzie’s heart gave a twinge of sympathy for her friend.

“Please share your wisdom, oh wise one,” she tried to tease.

But though Delonna gave a small smile, there was a hint of sadness in it. “If you’re going to fall for a guy, make sure he’s willing to catch you…”

She was in over her head. Not even an hour after arriving at their large, shared campsite and Kenzie realized how woefully underprepared she was, and it had nothing to do with camping.

There were three other couples, with one more that had yet to show. While all the men she’d met were quite friendly and welcoming, the women had been as chilly as the breeze off Puget Sound.

Sure, they’d been polite with the initial introductions, but she’d clearly been measured up and found lacking. Then again she didn’t quite have the salon perfect hair, made-up faces and clothing that made these ladies look as if they’d just stepped off an REI photo shoot.

Kenzie adjusted her chair by the fire and tried to tell herself she was being paranoid. Maybe she felt a bit self-conscious with her hair in braids—her go-to, no-frills hairstyle—her most beat-up jeans and T-shirt with a fleece thrown on top. But, bloody hell, she was comfortable. So fuck it all.

She slid a glance over to where the men were busy preparing the steaks for dinner. They were deep in conversation, though she caught Brett sneaking a concerned glance her way now and then.

Oh yes, she knew what he wanted. For her to go and try and talk to the ladies. Make friends. Usually she wasn’t too bad at it, either. Most people tended to like her, unless they were on the receiving end and unappreciative of her blunt opinions.

Still, maybe she needed to at least try and talk to them. Give them the benefit of the doubt. Maybe she was coming across just as antisocial, as they were cliquish.

“How long have you all been doing these camping weekends?”

The three turned to face her, and she took in their expressions, which ranged from irritation to boredom.

“A few years now.” It was the sleek redhead, Sheila, who answered. The one in the expensive jacket and hiking boots, who looked as if she’d had her makeup professionally done.

“Well I think it’s lovely that they do this together.” Kenzie gestured to the men. “And include the wives at that.”

“Mmm, and apparently flavor-of-the-month girlfriends now.”

The words were delivered so sweetly from the tall brunette—Jenny?—that it took Kenzie a moment to realize the context of them. She inhaled slowly, forcing herself to stay calm.

Don’t be a bitch. Don’t stoop to their level.
She repeated the mantra in her head.

She gave Jenny a saccharine smile. “You must be thinking of someone else. From what I understand I’m the first girl Brett’s taken on this camping weekend.”

“So far.” The other, Lisa, chimed in.

Well weren’t they simply a vicious little pack? And clearly Sheila was the alpha.

She had to get through two days of this. How could Brett not have realized what little twats they were? Then again, he hung out with the boys and wasn’t exactly socializing with the ladies’ group.

“What do you ladies do?” Kenzie asked, attempting to keep things civil.

“I’m a pediatrician.” Sheila gave a cold smile.

Shite, this woman was allowed around children? Did she live in a gingerbread house in the forest?

“I’m a lawyer,” Lisa inserted, her expression haughty and dripping with judgment.

Lovely.

Kenzie glanced at the last lady. Jenny.

“I am CEO of the Wilkinson household,” she said in a proud, syrupy sweet tone with a Midwestern accent. “Four children, two cats and a dog.”

The other ladies laughed and cooed in a nauseating display of support that was likely as real as Sheila’s breasts. This lot of them made her want to hurl up the granola bar she’d eaten just an hour ago.

“And what do you do, Kelly?”

“It’s Kenzie. I’m a waitress at my family’s pub, but also am in school.”

“You’re a waitress?” Sheila murmured, tossing her hair. “Oh isn’t that cute.”

“It pays the bills. I’m proud of my family’s pub, actually. It’s quite popular.” She couldn’t resist adding, “I’m sure your husbands would be familiar with it.”

“Which pub do they own?” Jenny asked, her face pinching.

“McLaughlin’s Pub.”

By the dawning comprehension on their faces and then flash of irritation, Kenzie knew she was right.

“Ah, yes. You must be part of that Scottish family.”

“You say Scottish like it’s a bad thing,” Kenzie drawled.

There was no reply, only more fake smiles. Fuck them. Fuck them all in their judgmental little arses.

“So what are you going to school for?” Jenny asked.

“Paralegal degree.”

“Oh good for you,” Lisa said, with an encouraging smile that Kenzie didn’t trust an inch. “We always need a few more half-educated grunts around the office.”

And there it was.