After a dash home for a bottle of wine, Caleb returned and they ordered pizza. Clearing a space on the floor, Cora found her favorite blanket and Caleb found Gone With The Wind. A nice long, somewhat romantic movie. Cora had laughed at him, but was pleased he really enjoyed it.

Cora snuggled close against Caleb, the blanket wrapped around them securely. Sitting in her recliner with her on his lap and her legs dangling over the side of the chair, he was perfectly as ease. His left arm was around her securely, his right hand resting on her thigh. Eyes were on the screen, watching Rhett demanding that Scarlett leave Atlanta with him, but he was all too aware of her. The mass of thick red hair was clipped up loosely, but still lightly touching his arm.

Feeling wicked, Cora lightly kissed his cheek. Caleb smiled, but didn’t look away from the screen. Moving her lips back slightly on his face, she brushed his ear and felt him tense. Gently she nipped his earlobe, breathing into his ear. His body had gone tense, his grip on her tightened.

She ran the tip of her tongue down his neck, sucking gently at the base of it, left hand undoing the buttons on his shirt and caressed his chest lightly. His breathing had gone shallow and he inhaled sharply when she undid his belt.

“Cora,” he said hoarsely.

“Yes, honey?” she purred. First time he had ever been called honey by a girl, and it left him more than ready to take her.

“Stop that.”

“You don’t really want me to,” she kissed along his cheek in a trail to his mouth and once their lips met, he knew he was a goner. He couldn’t resist her any longer. Tonight, he would make love to her with everything he had.

“No, I don’t,” he groaned, his lips moving down the side of her jaw to her neck.

“Take me to my room,” she whispered, sliding from his lap. Without protest he rose, drawing her to him with one arm, his mouth exploring her neck. Tilting her head back in pleasure, she let him undo her white peasant blouse and it slid to the floor. Cora pulled his shirt off as she teased his ear. In response he pushed her against he wall, pressing his body against hers. His hand roamed her leg, hooking it over his as he ran his tongue down her shoulder lightly.

The found their way to the bedroom, shedding shoes and socks along the way, fumbling to remove each other’s jeans. Clad only in his boxers, Caleb laid her back gently on her bed. Her bra was white lace with matching panties, standing out again her flushed pink skin. Caleb pulled her into a sitting position, kissing her intensely as he unclipped her hair, letting it fall down, so he could run his hands through it as their tongues teased each other.

Cora’s euphoria was heightened by her craving for him. Her body was aching for him, needing him to posses her, fill her. His roughened hands ran over her shoulders, around her back to release her bra. Cupping her breasts, he eased her onto her back again and began to kiss her hot trembling flesh, down to her panties. With a smirk, he caught them in his teeth, drawing them down and removing them.

Blowing lightly on her thigh he began at her knee, kissing his way up until he kissed her most delicate part. Her moan encouraged him and he proceeded to tease her with his tongue, flicking it over and in her, tasting her. When her body began to tighten for climax he pulled back slowly, causing her to whimper in desire. Her hands clutched the bedspread in ecstasy as he cupped her rear, slipping her legs over his shoulders. Caleb knew he would have to take her soon. Pulling back his teasing, his hand searched for his jeans and found the condom, without breaking his rhythm on her he slipped the condom on, wanting her without it but knowing it was necessary. Finally, his tongue rose upward, and slowly he kissed his way up her body. Her eyes were barely open, and she was whimpering.

“Baby, are you ok?” he whispered, pushing back her bangs, wet from perspiration.

“More than ok,” she whispered groggily. “Sensory overload.”

Caleb bit her nipple ever so lightly, withdrawing a moan from her.

“Caleb,” she whispered, her hands finding his shoulders.

“Yes?”

“Take me now.”

“Yes ma’am,” he drawled, causing her to smile. Leaning over her, her entered her slowly, knowing it had been along time since she had been with a man. Knowing enough about a female’s body and how those muscles tightened up, he took his time. She was more than ready, warm and wet, waiting for him but still he took his time sliding into her. Her moan made him pause.

“Am I hurting you?” his deep voice resonating in her ear.

“Only in the most exquisite way,” she whispered, wrapping her arms around him. Finally he pushed the rest of the way in, making her gasp in pleasure, eyes wide. He watched her face, pleased that her eyes closed in pleasure as they began to move together. Keeping his rhythm steady, he slowed down every time he felt her tighten up for climax. Their bodies glistened and stuck together from sweat. Caleb knew his climax was approaching and he wanted her to hit it first.

Slowing down, he dove deep, pulled back, dove again. Her gasping and moaning told him that was the right way to go and without warning, the pair hit climax together. Caleb exploded, feeling her push back at him simultaneously. They rode the wave together, her nails digging in his shoulder as she cried out his name and he collapsed against her.

“My God,” he finally whispered, when he had recovered. Cora was almost gasping for air.

At his voice, her blue eyes opened.

“Was it that bad?” she whispered, hurt welling in her eyes.

“No, baby, no. That was the most intense orgasm I’ve ever had,” he assured her, kissing her frantically until she responded, and their kisses slowed to luxurious.

Finally he let himself relax fully, still laying entangled in her, bearing his full weight on her. His hand played with her hair and his cheek rested against hers as they began to drift into sleep.

“I’m going to move,” he whispered a few moments later. “I need to take this thing off and clean up.”

“Ok,” she murmured. Shifting his weight to his good shoulder, he lifted himself up from her. Her half open eyes followed his muscular frame as he went to the bathroom. She heard water running a moment later, then he was back.

With an urge to relieve herself, when he returned, shyly she slipped into the bathroom to clean herself up. Glancing at herself in the mirror she tried not to laugh. Her hair was disheveled beyond repair, her whole body glowed. Reaching for her comb she attempted to comb out the tangles.

Returning to the room, she was pleased to see he hadn’t dressed, rather he had turned the covers back and made himself comfortable, laying on his back, arms behind his head, eyes closed. Hesitantly she approached the bed. Opening his eyes, he smiled lovingly at her and moved the covers back so she could crawl in, holding his arm out. Wordlessly she lay against him, pressing her body as close to him as he could. Tightly he held her, kissing the top of her forehead. The movie had finished playing in the other room. Caleb didn’t care. He was in the only place he wanted to be.

They didn’t speak, which surprised Caleb. Women always wanted to talk afterwards, but not her. She lay silently, occasionally kissing his chest or trying to move closer, merge her body into his.

Cora was too embarrassed to say anything. She had never wanted anyone as badly as he had wanted him and he didn’t disappoint her at all. She knew her body would be a little sore for a couple days, it had been year since she was intimate with anyone. And how could she fall into bed with this man she had only known for a few days? How could it be possible for someone to have such an effect on someone?

“You’re awfully quiet. Are you all right?” his chest vibrated in her ear, as her head lay over his heart. She smiled.

“Couldn’t be better.”

“Good,” he kissed the top of her head. “Sorry that was so quick.”

“Quick?” she chuckled. “we’ve been making love for over two hours.”

“Really.” He glanced at the clock.

“Mmmhmm. I looked at it in the beginning.”

“As long as you’re satisfied,” he stroked her hair.

“More than you can imagine,” she whispered happily.

Caleb had just drifted off when his beeper sounded. Cora jumped, startled.

“It’s ok,” he sighed. Checking the number, he groaned and reached over her for the phone.

“This had better be good,” he snapped. He paused. “No way. . .not right now. . .tell him I’m indisposed. . .dammit. . .all right,” he hung up and turned to her. She was on her elbow, the sheets covering most of her perfect breasts, some of her red hair falling over her shoulder.

“You’re going to think me a perfect asshole for this,” he said unhappily.

“You have to go,” she said softly. He nodded.

“Sarge called a meeting about something. Everyone has to go. It has to be important to be called at this time of night.”

She nodded. This was part of being a firefighter, she knew, always on call.

“I promise I will be back tonight, as soon as we’re done ok?” She nodded again. “I promise, baby. You won’t wake up alone tomorrow.”

She smiled at him and he kissed her tenderly before climbing out of the bed and hunting for his clothes.

After he left, she lay for a few more minutes, worried. Surely he would be back. He had promised. He wouldn’t use her for sex. Not Caleb. He would be back.

* * *

When he returned it was almost ten o’clock. She was sitting sideways in the recliner, asleep, the blanket over her. After petting Lulu he knelt in front of her. The curtain of hair was down loose, covering part of her face. Gently he pushed it back, stroking her cheek. Her nose twitched but she didn’t waken.

“Hey, beautiful girl,” he whispered. Slowly her eyes opened and she smiled sleepily.

“You came back,” she murmured, rubbing her eye.

“I said I would. Did you not believe me?” Her silence answered his question.

“How was your meeting?” she asked, waking now.

“Boring. A couple of the guys have been activated for reserve duty, with that mess over in Iraq, which means more work for all of us. I had to be there since I go back soon. I’m on light duty but even I’ll have to cover a couple of shifts. I get cleaning duty,” he made a face.

“I’ll bring you lunch,” she smiled at him. He grinned back.

“You can be my lunch,” he kissed her. She wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him closer. With a soft moan, Lulu shoved her face up next to theirs.

“Lu, get down,” she laughed. The dog sat and wagged her tail, waiting for attention. Caleb reached over and rubbed her ears.

“Go lie down, girl,” he ordered. She sat and thumped her tail some more until Cora made a clicking noise with her tongue. Lulu laid down and watched them.

“She’s a great dog,” he murmured, nuzzling her ear. She made an indistinguishable sound as her head moved backward. “Bet she loves kids.”

Another small noise as her hand touched his neck, caressing the side down to his shoulder.

“See the premise for a good morning is to have a good night first,” he murmured, taking her hands and drawing her to her feet. She had changed into a pair of dark green, plaid, flannel pajamas but he could feel the warmth from her body through them.

“Then by all means, let’s have a good night,” she whispered, tugging on his belt to pull him into the bedroom. Caleb paused next to her bed to light the candle. Immediately a warm peach fragrance began to fill the room.

Unbuttoning the top to her pajamas, sliding them down over her shoulders, he caressed her soft skin, his hands making their way to her full breasts as he kissed her gently, teasing her tongue with his. Cora pulled his t-shirt up over his head and off, tossing it on the ground, undoing his belt and forcing his jeans down. The bed was still rumpled from earlier, and with one hand, she pushed the covers back as they moved onto the bed. Sliding her fingers into the waistband of his boxers she shoved them down, kissing his chest upward softly. His hands rested on her shoulders as she touched him, shyly at first, then more teasingly as she bit his nipple lightly, causing him to inhale sharply. Running his hands over her hair, he wrapped it loosely around his hands as she kissed his neck, sucking lightly on his skin. Kissing her forehead, he moved down her over her eyes and nose, kissing each one lightly until he found her mouth and she pulled him right up against her, taking him down onto the bed with her. Her hand moved slowly over his back, trailing her nails lightly down, causing him to shudder.

“I thought you wouldn’t come back,” she whispered. He looked into her eyes, amazed.

“I told you I would.”

“I didn’t believe you. I thought- maybe- you were using me. I want to apologize for thinking that way.”

“I promise you, Cora, I will always come for you,” he kissed her lovingly. “I meant what I said. I’m going to marry you someday.”

Giggling, she kissed him deeply, catching his tongue and sucking on it gently as his hands slid the bottoms to her pajamas down over her full hips.

“You make me crazy, do you know that?” he demanded. She smirked and nodded, prompting urging him to kiss her again. With enough force she was able to push him back and roll him over onto his back, surprising him. Closing his eyes he let his body be teased by her kisses, wanting her desperately.

Kissing him again, he wrapped his arms around her and rolled them back over so he had her under him. Reaching for a condom, he kept kissing and teasing her as he slid the sheath on. She moved her legs apart to let him in, moaning when he entered her as his fingers teased her nipple. Wordlessly she wrapped her legs around, causing him to groan in pleasure.

When both were finally sated, entangled in each other, Caleb’s toned body covering most of hers, Cora was drifting into sleep when he murmured something.

“What’d you say?” she asked sleepily.

“Just that I’m lucky to have someone like you,” he kissed her lightly, not wanting to repeat what he had really said. Eyes closed, she smiled, turning her head so her cheek rested against his shoulder. His hand brushed her hair back as he closed his eyes to sleep.

Cora woke once in the night, unusually warm. When she realized the heat was coming from Caleb she smiled to herself. She was laying on her left side, almost on her stomach and he was right against her, half of his body covering hers, his arm around her tightly, his breathing even, legs entwined. Smiling she snuggled just a bit closer to him and fell back to sleep.

The following morning she awoke suddenly, noticing the heat was gone and so was Caleb. Dismayed, she sat up quickly. The clock read nine. Why hadn’t Lulu woken her?

“Caleb?” she called, heart pounding. “Caleb?”

“I’m here,” he appeared in the doorway, wearing his jeans and no shirt. Seeing the panic on her face he moved quickly to her side. “I was on the back steps with Lulu. I didn’t think you’d wake so early. Lulu and we’re going to make you breakfast.”

“Lulu cooks?” the fear hadn’t left her face and Caleb realized there was a bigger issue. Wrapping his arms around her tightly he hugged her, kissing the top of her head.

“Yeah, real gourmet,” he chuckled. She relaxed in his arms, smiling.

“I didn’t mean to scare you,” he said softly. “I wanted to be here when you woke up but Lulu was insisting I let her out.”

“You didn’t,” she whispered, lying. “I was just surprised.”

Which was why her voice had been panicked when she called for him, he thought. Caleb had to find out what had happened with her ex-husband. He’d like to wring the bastard’s neck for whatever he had done to her. How could someone mistreat somebody like her?

“I’m going to go finish breakfast, ok? You stay here,” he kissed the top of her forehead as she nodded.

Cora sat back against the pillows, stunned. What had she done to win such a guy? And he cooked! Smiling to herself she spied his shirt on the floor where it had been tossed. Laughing to herself she slipped it on and buttoned it up. It swallowed her up, his shoulders were broader but it smelled like him, the masculine Caleb scent which she loved. Laying back, her mind replayed the previous night. By far he was the best lover she had ever had, skill and passion combining perfectly in heavy doses to intoxicate her.

A few moments later, Lulu’s tags jingled, telling her they were coming. Lulu leaped over her onto the bed, laying down where Caleb had slept only a short time before.

“I think she’s a little disgruntled. She didn’t get to sleep up here last night,” Cora laughed as he set the tray in front of her.

“Well, she better get used to it,” he said lightly. Her cheeks turned pink. On the tray were pancakes, bacon and orange juice, and a glass of milk. She frowned.

“I didn’t know I had the stuff to make all this.” He laughed.

“Ok, I cheated. Some of it was at home.”

She smiled as she sipped the orange juice.

***

Cora smiled at her brothers as they walked in.

“Yeah, somebody got laid. Look at that smile,” Bill teased her. She ruffled his hair affectionately.

“Shut up.”

“Yeah, it is pretty obvious. You’re glowing pretty good there,” Matt laughed. Cora stuck out her tongue. They headed outside to work on the Jacuzzi and get it hooked up and working.

While the boys were outside Cora moved around aimlessly, unpacking some of her books. Her eyes fell on Caleb’s house. Lulu was pestering the boys for once instead of hanging around Caleb’s back door.

Sitting back in her recliner, she closed her eyes and smiled blissfully at the memory of his hard body against hers, touching and caressing her everywhere, their mutual exploration of each others bodies, the heat causing both to sweat profusely. His charming, sweet smile, his bright hazel eyes, rough hands, hard, muscular arms. . .Cora felt herself getting warm just thinking about him. If the boys got the Jacuzzi up and running, she wanted Caleb over that night to try it out with her.

Wandering outside she perched on the edge of it while Matt was fiddling with a hose.

“Hey, don’t break anything,” she warned. Bill just smiled. Cora’s blue eyes drifted back over to Caleb’s. He was out with Bowen, running errands or something. In two more days she’d have to return to work. The call center had been nice enough to give her some vacation time but she was restless. And all she could think about was Caleb, melting into him.

***

That evening, the boys hadn’t quite finished getting the Jacuzzi up so Cora ate dinner sitting on the back porch, eating a dinner of macaroni and cheese. Lulu lay at her feet, eyeing every movement of the fork and salivating on Cora’s toes. She saw Bowen’s car pull in and her heart skipped. Lulu’s ears went up but she never broke her eye contact on Cora’s food.

A few minutes later Caleb appeared on his porch and waved, heading over. Cora gulped her water quickly. Lulu leapt to her feet to greet him.

“Hi, beautiful,” he encircled her with his good arm and kissed her. Cora forgot about her plate as she kissed him and neither realized Lulu was wolfing it down and licking the plate clean.

“Hi,” she whispered breathlessly.

“I missed you,” he murmured. “Bowen was ready to slap me because I wouldn’t stop talking about you.”

“What did you tell him?” her eyes widened. He laughed, his beautiful teeth displayed.

“Nothing about last night. I would never disrespect you that way. I just kept going on about how beautiful you are, how sweet and perfect, how you’re the girl for me,” he smiled at her and she shook her head, smiling.

“You’re funny,” she kissed him lightly.

“I mean it,” he brushed her bangs back from her forehead. “Make no mistake, I fully intend to marry you.”

Cora laughed, and realized Lulu had eaten all of her dinner and sat waiting for more.

“Brat,” she said affectionately as Lulu’s tail wagged happily.

“Let her enjoy it. I have something better in mind for you,” he kept his arms around her tightly.

“Real macaroni cheese? Like, not out of a box?”

Caleb laughed. “Better. A restaurant.”

***

After dinner they returned to her house, barely making it inside when Caleb was pulling her close and kissing her, running his hands through her hair.

“I can’t get enough of you,” he murmured, kissing her throat and neck.

“Good,” she giggled wrapping her arms around his neck. Backing her against the door, Caleb began to kiss his way down her throat to her breasts, unbuttoning her pale blue blouse as he went.

Cora felt her knees weakening as he kissed her bellybutton, teasingly flipping her piercing, his hands caressing her breasts gently. Standing up again, he took her in his arms and led her to the bedroom, smiling.

***

Caleb woke up to the warming sun and sat up long enough to open the window. The cool morning air slowly danced through, caressing their bodies, which were covered only with a sheet. Cora was on her stomach, sound asleep, red hair spilling over her back. With a smile, he brushed her hair aside and paused, realizing she had a tattoo on her back shoulder. His fingers traced the outline of the dragon. It covered most of her left shoulder, fully colored in. How had he missed it before? Of course he hadn’t really been looking at her back. Even with the tank tops on, he had never noticed. Something that ornate had to be painful, especially in that location.

Kissing the back of her neck, he snuggled close to her, covering part of her body with his. His hand traced her arm, up and down as he listened to her soft breathing. Pulling her hair aside from her face, he kissed her cheek lightly. Stirring slightly, her fingers moved up to her face to move her hair. Catching her fingertips, he kissed them lightly, studying her nails. Her fingers were long and slender, free of polish. Finally she began to stir, rolling over, eyes bleary.

Caleb kissed her throat and made his way up to her lips as her arm slid around his neck and Caleb was moving on top of her without hesitation. Her hands began to explore his chest as he fumbled for a condom that sat next to the bed.

“Mmm,” was all she said later as they lay in each other arms, sated. “What a wonderful way to wake up.”

“Good,” he nuzzled her neck lightly.

A soft moan made them look to the side. Lulu sat staring at them, moaning softly as her tail wagged from side to side.

“My other favorite girl,” Caleb reached out a hand to her which she promptly began to lick. “I’ll let her out.”

Cora lay in bed, marveling at him as he got up to remove the condom and let Lulu out. The heavy curtains blocked the light nicely but a crack shone through as she smiled to herself. A week ago she was hideously lonely, having just moved to Denver, now she had this wonderful man in her bed, and her heart.

By the time he returned she had rolled over onto her stomach. Sitting next to her, without a word he began to massage her lower back.

“That feels good,” she murmured into the pillow. He chuckled.

“I have many skills,” he said lightly, kneading her lower back. She giggled.

“I have my own personal chef and masseur, what else could a girl want?”

“A doting husband?” he murmured in her ear. She giggled again.

“You’re still on that?”

“Won’t stop till I catch you,” he kissed the back of her ear. Cora laughed again.

“You’ll be running for eternity,” she rolled over to face him, her breasts exposed. Caleb didn’t break his rhythm of massage, his hands running over her breasts as she closed her eyes happily.

“Then eternity will be wonderful, if it means I follow you,” he kissed her again, hard as a rock as he moved on top of her.

***

They were still laying in bed when she heard Bill’s car pull up. Caleb scrambled for his clothes as Cora laughed.

“You’re like a teenage boy getting caught.”

“I don’t want to get my ass kicked by those two,” though he was fairly certain he’d be able to hold his own. Cora rose and dressed hastily.

The boys had come to finish hooking up the Jacuzzi and snickered at the site of the disheveled pair. Caleb made himself busy in the kitchen while the boys headed to the back door after a few ribbing looks at Cora, whose face had gone the color of her hair.

After an hour of cursing at the Jacuzzi, followed by French toast, courtesy of Caleb, the boys were done and left as the Jacuzzi filled.

“You know,” Caleb drew her close, “I can’t wait to get in that tub with you tonight and make love to you.”

Cora kissed him lightly giggling. “Why wait until tonight?”

Caleb laughed. “Because I don’t plan to put on a show for the neighbors to see. You’re all mine,” he held her securely around his waist. “Though I suppose we could put a little curtain up around it, with a big triple x.”

Cora smacked his arm lightly. “Well, in the meantime, how about you help me take a shower?” she smiled at him.

“Baby I’ll wash you any way you want,” he kissed her hungrily as they moved inside to the shower.

***

“You must be getting it every hour, as happy as you’ve been lately,” Bowen was lacing his boots up. Caleb turned slightly pink.

“I’m so in love with her. I’d take her to Vegas and marry her tonight if I thought she’d do it.”

Bowen glanced at his brother. “Caleb, remember Sharon, ok? Don’t repeat that.”

“Cora is nothing like Sharon,” Caleb snapped.

“No, but you haven’t changed a whole lot. Just be careful, ok? Don’t hurt that beautiful thing next door.”

“I would never hurt her, Bowen. I couldn’t. She’s my whole world.”

Bowen watched his brother with worry as Caleb left the room. Caleb still didn’t know all the details of Sharon. Bowen wanted to keep it that way.

***

“I have to go back to work tomorrow,” Cora sighed.

“Me too.”

They lay in her living room, on a heavy comforter. Nearby was a half empty bottle of wine, two glasses and Lulu, asleep. They had been watching a movie when Cora teasingly slid her hand down the front of his pants just enough to run her nail along his flesh. Instantly he had pounced on her and they made love on the blanket on the floor twice before the movie ended.

“You know, we don’t get a lot accomplished,” Cora murmured as he kissed his way across her neck.

“Are you complaining?” he asked.

“Not at all,” she laughed, her hand running through his hair.

“Good,” he kissed her soundly. “What was that movie anyway?”

Cora laughed. “I don’t remember. Whatever was on tv.”

***

The next morning Cora was just lathering herself up when she sensed Caleb had joined her. Taking the pouf from her, he began to rub it over her slick body slowly as he stepped up to her and kissed her. Her hand met his and together they soaped each other's bodies down as he slipped into her, pushing her against the wall. The soapy pouf fell to the floor of the shower as they made love again.

After the shower he moved to dry her off but she laughed and took the towel herself.

“No. I can’t stay here making love with you all day. You’ll make me late for work.”

"Can’t help it,” he kissed the tip of her wet nose lightly. “You’re too damn cute.”

“I’ll try not to take offense to that since I tell my dog that,” she stuck her tongue out at him as she wrapped the towel around her. Gently he slapped her on the butt as she turned away. Sticking her tongue out at him she sashayed into her room to dry off.

***

Cora had trouble concentrating on work. All she could think of was Caleb. His scent, his touch, his presence was wrapped all around her.

Luckily she didn’t take too many customer calls but she knew it would leave a bad impression that the new supervisor was distracted all day.

On her lunch break she checked her cell phone. “Hi, beautiful girl,” came Caleb’s husky, seductive voice, “I was just sitting here thinking of how I’m going to lick my way all over you tonight.”

That was the entire message. Cora set her phone down quickly, trying not to think about him doing it. Since when did her hormones run her life like this? She had had other lovers, some even better looking than Caleb, but none were bursting with the passion and intensity that he bore. He radiated strength, safety and masculinity in such a way it left her short of breath and weak in the knees.

Was this what love really felt like? She had been in love before, a couple of times, but she was younger then, and naďve. Was this what it was supposed to feel like, or was it just a most overwhelming lust that was possessing her body and mind? Would it stop once the sex got routine? If it got routine? Was Caleb skilled enough to keep it exciting? His eyes said so, when they looked at her, wantingly, as a starving man eyes his next meal.

“…or tech support?” Cora blinked and realized one of her aides had been talking to her. It was that dingy Lucy who had worked her for a year and was still useless.

“Sorry, what?” she asked blankly.

“I’ve got a restaurant in Iowa, problem with their back office system. Is that us or tech support?”

“We are tech support, Lucy,” Cora sighed, wanting to think more about Caleb.

“Oh! Right!” Lucy bounded away, leaving Cora shaking her head.

***

Since Caleb was on light duty he was stuck on the desk all day, answering the phone while the others stripped the floors. Bowen was silent as usual, some of the other men were joking around. One in particular, Tod, a tall, skinny, loud mouth with too many opinions for one person was complaining as usual.

“I don’t see why we have to do this every week. The floor looks fine. I think it’s a travesty-“

“You think too much,” George, an older fireman on the squad snapped. “shut up and just work on it.”

Smiley, a younger man around Caleb’s age with bright blue eyes and a friendly smile that earned him his nickname glanced at Caleb, who was staring out the window dreamily.

“What’s her name, Caleb?” he called from across the room.

“Huh?” Caleb turned his head.

“Her name.”

“Who's?”

“Whoever you’re thinking about. And whoever I heard you mumbling into the phone earlier,” he grinned. Caleb smiled.

“I have the woman of my dreams that I’m going to marry,” he announced. The others turned and stared at him. None believed the playboy would ever settle down.

“Damn, she must be hot,” Tod snickered. Caleb glared at him.

“She is, but that’s not why I love her.”

“And when did you meet this goddess?” Smiley asked.

“Uh, last week.”

“Last week?” the older men laughed. George shook his head. Bowen remained silent.

“If she’s got you ready to put a ring on her she’s either the best you’ve ever had in bed or she’s holding out on you,” Toad smirked.

Caleb glared, his temper rising. How dare that smug male whore imply such things about Cora!

“I don’t think that’s any of your business,” he growled, clenching his teeth.

“Ooo, did I strike a nerve?” Toad laughed. Bowen glanced at his baby brother.

“Shut it, Toad,” he warned. Toad ignored him.

“Well, think about it, the playboy of the station meets a chick that he wants to marry within a week? She’s either the best lay-“

George pulled him out of the way as Bowen lunged forward to stop his brother’s attack.

“Shut your mouth, you filthy gigolo! Just because you have the emotional capacity of a two by four and use women for sex doesn’t mean the rest of us do!” he shouted. Toad flinched. “If you ever imply that about her again I’ll be waxing the floor with your face!”

“Down boy,” Bowen barely overpowered his stocky brother. “C’mon, let’s take a little breather.”

“Sorry, man, I didn’t realize it was so touchy,” Toad held up his hands in surrender. Bowen grappled with his brother to get him outside.

“That dirty dumbass piece of trash!” Caleb fumed. Bowen watched with mild amusement as his brother kicked a bush.

“You better get it together little brother. I’ve never seen you fly off the handle over a woman like that.”

“I meant it, Bowen. I’m gonna marry her.”

“That’s all fine and good, but you can’t go attacking your coworkers when they mouth off. We all know Toad is an idiot, but he didn’t mean to insult Cora. Now get your act together so I can help finish the floors.”

Caleb nodded and took a deep breath as his brother went back inside. Cora was his angel, his soulmate, everything he wanted. No stupid piece of trash like Toad was going to insult her!

Closing his eyes he tried to calm his mind, stretch it out, relax. Peace swept over him finally and he headed back inside.

***

Cora stood in the shower, letting the warm water rush over her. Sitting in the chair all day had made her back ache. A week and half off hadn’t helped her. Lost in her own world and thinking of Caleb, she didn’t hear or feel him in the doorway to her bathroom, watching for a moment before stripping off his clothes. She reached around to massage her lower back when the strong hands did it for her. Gasping, her eyes flew open and she turned, smiling when she saw him. Wrapping her into a kiss, it was several moments before Caleb got back to her back.

“Long day?” he asked, kissing her neck as he massaged her lower back. Her thick hair was pinned up on top of her head.

“Very,” she sighed happily, letting his hands work his magic. As the tension ebbed from her back and she relaxed against him, his hands wandered around to cup her breasts. Her back arched as his hand roamed her wet body and she turned to face him, kissing him deeply. She felt him press her against the wall as he began to explore her.

By the time the water turned off it was cold, but neither cared. Caleb lovingly dried her, kissing her neck and shoulders the entire time before leading her to the bed. When she pointed out he was still wet he laughed, returned to the bathroom and dried off. When he came back to the bedroom he saw she had drifted into sleep, sprawled across the bed, naked, hair still damp. Sitting next to her, he began to massage her foot. She had long, slender feet, nice arch he thought. As he massaged her foot tenderly, she moaned softly, and finally opened one eye.

“You’re turning me on, stop,” she giggled. He grinned.

“That’s the whole point,” he flashed the adorable smile she loved so much.

“You already wore me out,” she protested feebly as he worked on her other foot. He chuckled; her body’s reaction betrayed her words. Finally he stretched out next to her and kissed her gently.

“You sure you’re worn out?” he whispered in his ear and his hand slid between her legs. Cora pretended to snore but he knew she was playing.

“Very,” she said weakly as he kissed her. Her hand moved behind his neck to pull him closer and Caleb knew it would be a while before either slept.