Tiger's Lily (12 page)

"You can do that later, sugar. Right now, I want to be inside you." Cale's low tones and words sent her belly on another deliciously slow somersault.

Laying her down in the center of the large bed, he followed her down, raining kisses over her body, before focusing his attentions on her breasts, while his hand spread her legs and sought her innermost femininity. She welcomed his invasion, writhing in a desperate need for more. Her hands flew over his chest and back, reaching down to grasp his blatant arousal, running her fingers back and forth over his sensitive flesh.

Cale groaned then pulled back, nibbling her inner thighs while staring at her velvet core.

Lily tensed. She recalled the last time he showered such attentions on her sending her into paradise in short order. But, she worked all day long, hadn't showered since early morning, hadn't changed her underwear.

As if understanding her uncertainty, Cale soothed her. "Shhh." Leaning in, he licked across her outer folds. "Mmmmm. Such sweet nectar. Share with me, love." He urged her thighs further apart, used his fingers to open her for his tasting.

Lily gasped at the delightful sensations centered on Cale's administrations with his talented tongue. She clenched the sheets so tightly, her knuckles whitened, even as she widened her legs, needing him closer and deeper.

Two fingers slipped inside while he licked around then over her highly sensitive clit. A whimper escaped her lips. "Please." Her body demanded more than his teasing.

Cale lifted, once again hovering over her. Wrapping her in his arms, he quickly rolled them both over, switching their positions. He reclined on his back with Lily perched on top.

She looked down at him and blinked. She hadn't been on top before.

As if sensing her hesitation, Cale reached out to cup a breast, tenderly squeezing and molding, brushing his thumb over the nipple. "Ride me."

The words and his half-mast bedroom eyes forged her confidence. Adjusting her position, she scooted to align their hips. He assisted by bracketing her hips with his hands, encouraging her to move astride. Once she found the angle, he released one hand to grasp his cock, guiding it to her center.

Lily watched his face, then slowly settled over him, taking him deep inside her body. Her core welcomed him back with abundant dampness, ensuring ease of entry.

His hands clenched on her hips, but otherwise, he remained still, allowing her to set the pace. After a pause to catch her breath, she began experimental movements up and down as well as a gentle rolling motion, learning the location of hot spots for both of them.

Cale hands roamed her body, always returning to her modest breasts, before venturing out once more. More than once, he dipped between their bodies, his fingers glistening from the procured moisture.

She continued this slow and easy rhythm until Cale took control once more. He pulled her down hard to meet his counterpoint thrusts, increasing their speed, and intensity. Lily threw her head back, allowing him to direct her motions, needing more, deeper, and harder. Her hands braced on his chest, giving her purchase for his pounding movements.

"Come for me, Lily." He removed one hand from her hip, slid over to where their bodies met. Deft fingers found her clit and plucked.

The growing tension escalated immediately. One more rub of the sensitive area sent her over the edge with a quiet cry. Contractions locked Cale deep within her body as wave after wave of ecstasy shot through her. Her body massaged and milked him as she pressed firmly to him, soaking up every nuance of sexual excitement.

Cale pounded against her for another few strokes, bucking his hips frantically, before clamping her tightly against his groin, ensuring his erection remained buried deep throughout his climax. Deep moans and a few shudders racked his body before he relaxed once more.

Lily wilted, draping over his chest, valiantly trying to catch her breath, still feeling the minor spasms deep inside where Cale joined with her. He lightly rubbed her back before wrapping his arms around her, holding her close.

She nuzzled his pec before nipping him lightly with her teeth, smiling to herself when his cock jerked inside her. Focusing, she tightened her vaginal muscles while licking across his nipple. Despite the recent exertion, she felt energized, revved up, eager for the next bout of lovemaking.

"Damn, vixen." Cale muttered against her shoulder.

Lily sat up enough to look into his face. She grinned wickedly as she performed another hip roll.

Cale tensed under her, his large hands easily holding her locked in place. "You can kill a man like that."

"Good thing tigers have nine lives."

He chuckled warmly, smiling up at her.

"Welcome home, Cale." Lily leaned down to kiss him lightly on the lips, snuggling into his large, warm body.

"This is home. Because of you, love."

Epilogue

They pulled into the long gravel driveway, headed toward the single story brick house surrounded on all sides by pastures and hayfields. Memories assailed him even though it had been years since he visited his parents or their home. Familiar fields where he and Dillon played baseball and chase. Where livestock grazed for as long as he could remember. Mom would place a pitcher of sun tea out on the porch early so it would be ready for lunch. They hauled hay in the summer, helped feed that same hay to the livestock in winter when over a foot of snow closed roads and school for the day.

This was home.

Dillon called them earlier in the week, serving as a go-between once more. His parents wanted a small family get-together with their sons. Not since before the divorce had that happened. The time had come to lay the past behind them and step ahead into the future, which included reuniting with his parents, or at least trying to. Dillon was right in that regard, although, he didn't dare tell his younger brother that. His head was big enough already.

Unfortunately, Dillon also told Lily. She lectured him more than once on the importance of parents in your life, even as an adult, making him feel guilty when she mentioned how much she wished her mother was still alive, so he could meet her. She didn't nag. It wasn't her style. Besides, those stories of love and missing her departed mother proved much more effective in relaying her message. They cut through his defenses as nothing else could.

He tried to ignore her, but she placed Operation Parent Reunion at the top of her to do list. She cajoled, lectured, sweet-talked, and finally swayed him with all her prodding. He couldn't deny her anything she wanted. That fact would terrify him with anyone else. Lily possessed an innate honesty and compassion that earned and kept his trust while her unquestioned love made him strive to keep her happy. She did so much for him, gave him so much. He sought ways to repay her for all those little moments of joy only she could provide.

Cale sucked it up and phoned his parents a few days ago. They only spoke for a few minutes, but his mother sounded hopeful and excited to hear from him. His father concurred, in his gruffer manner. Since his father spent his early medical career as an Army physician before leaving to pursue private practice, gruffness and orders were simply a part of the man. It had been that way as long as he could remember.

When his mother invited him out the following weekend, he immediately agreed, promising to bring Lily along. Like he could leave her home. Lily would mope even as she understood his reasons. However, his mother refused to be denied the opportunity to meet Lily after Dillon sang her praises to them. His father, few on words, would expect an introduction, wanting to assess Lily for himself.

It was a start and he really hoped a springboard for the future. He missed his family, more so as he realized the important things in life were more than a paycheck and a sniper rifle. Dillon filled in the gaps over the past few years, but now he wanted more.

Carson offered to look after the girls while they were gone for an extended weekend. Lily fretted about leaving them alone, after all, none of them had ever spent a night without her. But, Casey reassured her that between her and Carson, the cats would be well cared for and wouldn't miss a single meal.

Of course, Tally came along for the trip. The German shepherd had made great progress in her shyness and fears, blossoming under Lily's patient touch. She now ran and played, chasing a ball until your arm grew tired. Though still frightened of loud noises, a spark had returned to her eyes, replacing the dull, hopeless expression of before. He placed the credit squarely on Lily. With love, she showed the dog that happiness and fun still existed, she only needed a bit of trust and belief.

Lily refused to leave her alone, even with Carson looking in on them. One thunderstorm without someone there could send Tally backwards, she argued, losing all the hard won progress. Lily made it a requirement, even if they needed to stay at a local hotel. Luckily, his parents understood and extended the offer to Tally, as well. They always had dogs growing up, so it wasn't a big inconvenience to them. Animals were the center of his parent's life living on the ranch. One well behaved dog following alongside could easily be accepted, even happily welcomed.

Nearing the house, Lily discovered a small group of horses standing near the east fence, close to the driveway. "Oh, my. Look! Isn't he gorgeous?"

No sooner had Cale cut the engine on the SUV, then Lily threw the passenger door open. She dashed over to the fence, already talking to the small herd which quickly gathered around her, curious and probably looking for treats. A bold colored stallion nudged to the front, stretching his head over the fence. His white hide with brown spots sparkled in the morning sun. As he watched, Lily reached out, scratching the horse's forehead as he leaned in for more, ears and body relaxed, a look of equine contentment if he'd ever seen one.

Cale could only shake his head. Whether bulls or stallions, Lily coaxed them all into big babies.

The squeak of a screen door slapping shut drew his attention. His parents walked toward him, both wearing jeans and sweatshirts, warm yet comfortable.

"Cale! I'm so happy to see you!" His mother hugged him tight before stepping back, beaming at him with a wide smile. Her dark hair bore more silver steaks than the last time he saw her, but she remained as always, beautiful and dignified.

His father offered his hand, grinning when Cale shook it without hesitation. "Good to see you, son."

"You, too, Dad." Cale noticed his father's hair held more gray and his jeans probably increased a belt notch, but otherwise, he had changed as little as his mother.

He searched his father's eyes, trying to locate the harbored resentment and anger. If there was any, he couldn't detect it.

Rachel was responsible for a large rift between him and his parents. They tried to tell him she wasn't right for him and, like a spoiled teenager, he rebelled. Both sides exchanged hurtful words before he stormed out. Months later, he learned the truth about his wife. By then, he disconnected from his parents, not speaking to them in all that time.

Unfortunately, pride prevented him from calling them up and admitting he was wrong. Instead, he stuck his head in the sand and continued on with his life. His father probably did the same, refusing to give the first quarter. Dillon kept him informed, the designated middle road between them. That worked.
Until now.
Lily made him finally realize how important his parents were to him and how much he truly missed them.

"Is that Lily?" His father gestured toward the pasture where she stood petting horses with Tally sitting dutifully beside her. The dog bolted out of the car right behind Lily, never wanting Lily out of her sight. A stuffed turtle dog toy hung from either side of her mouth. Tally latched onto the thing as soon as Lily brought it home a couple of weeks ago. Since then, she carried it everywhere she went and slept with it every night. Her version of a security blanket, they decided.

His father's question didn't really surprise him. Although he spoke to his parents a couple of times recently, Dillon remained the major source of information between the two parties. Obviously, his little brother filled them in about Lily and their relationship. Knowing Dillon's penchant for yapping, Cale would expect his parents to know pretty much everything about Lily and how he felt about her.

"Yeah, that's her. The one enamored with your herd stallion."

"She's got a good eye for studs." His father answered shrewdly. A low snort followed.

"Hal!" His mother whapped her husband in the arm. "Good grief."

Cale chuckled, noting his father did as well. His shoulders relaxed, feeling for the first time that things just might work out between them. It was a good start, at least. Much better than he feared.

"I've got to get the boxes out of the car."

"Boxes?" His mother shot him a look of bewilderment. "I told Dillon we didn't need anything. Just to bring yourselves."

"Lily wanted to cook something and bring it with us, insisting we couldn't just show up without a contribution to the dinner table. She decided she could bake better than cook and spent hours figuring out what to prepare. We brought homemade bread, cinnamon rolls, and a couple of pies."

"Oh, my. That's enough to fatten everyone up for winter." One hand reached up to rest on her chest.

Cale grinned. "Yeah, she kept hoping that Dad wouldn't turn up diabetic before we arrived, just in case."

His father rolled his eyes at that, while he continued to watch Lily pamper the stallion.

As if feeling eyes on her, Lily turned to them. Blushing prettily, she slowly walked their direction, chewing on her bottom lip the whole way.

"Seems a bit nervous." His father pointed out.

Cale followed his father's gaze. "She's a bit like the shepherd. Brave, dedicated, loyal, and would lay down her life for someone she loves. For all that, she's a little uncertain of new people and their acceptance of her." His words trailed off as she stepped up.

After confiding to Lily about his past, Cale understand her hesitancy in meeting his parents. She was so afraid they wouldn't like her. She told him more than once that she didn't want to ruin his second chance, but insisted he go visit, mend the old hurts, and regain parental support. He reassured her over and over again that they would simply adore her, just like everyone else. Everyone knew that to be true, but Lily. Hopefully, today would prove all her fears unfounded.

He wrapped and arm around her waist. "Mom. Dad. This is Lily. Lily, these are my parents. Hal and Linda."

"We're so happy to finally meet you." Linda gushed as Lily shook hands with both of his parents.

"Me, too."

Cale pulled her against his side. "Maybe we should get those baked goods?"

Lily grinned widely. "Oh, good idea." She stepped after him, then paused to look back at his parents. "I hope you find something you like. I wasn't sure what to bring, so I just brought a little of everything."

Cale pulled the biggest cardboard box from the back of the SUV after handing Lily the smaller one.

Linda peeked inside Lily's box. "Oh, my. It looks like you prepared to feed an army."

"Well, Cale did say Dillon was coming." Lily tossed out tartly, following his mother toward the house.

Chuckles filled the air. It was no secret Dillon ate like the world would soon run out of food and he intended to stock up before that happened. Only his high metabolism and constant exercise prevented him from carrying an extra hundred pounds in body weight.

Linda led Lily to the side door, holding it open for the younger woman. Tally hopped along on her three legs with ease of practice, keeping pace with her mistress. She, too, snuck through the open door with her ever present green toy, wagging her tail at his mother in thanks.

Cale started after them only to be stopped by his father's voice.

"Son." One hand combed through his dark hair while he sucked in a breath. "Look, I know we've had our issues in the past."

Cale nodded, his gut clenching with anticipation of what would come next. He really wanted this to work. His father was his mentor, his hero when he was younger. The rift caused by his ex-wife tore a wound inside that begged for repair.

"I like that girl. Anyone that can take on an ornery, old cuss and make him happy as a dog with a big bone is all right in my book." He slapped Cale on the back. His smile extended into his eyes, making the blue irises, so like his own, glimmer.

Leave it to his father to be most impressed with Lily's ability to soothe the nastiest tempered beast. He assumed his father spoke of the Appaloosa stud in the pasture. But, the twinkle in his father's eye made him realize that his father could easily have meant him, too.

He shook his head at the backhanded compliment, returning his father's amused grin.
You had to read between the lines with him.
Relief flowed over him at the warm reception. He never knew how much his father's acceptance meant to him until he lost it. Now, thanks to Lily, he had it back. It couldn't have been better in his opinion. Old hurts still remained, but he pushed past them, just thankful that his father had the gumption to forgive him.

Perhaps his father was right after all. She wormed her way under his skin, to his heart, and each day made him smile and crave those sweet hands on his body.

A true beast of a man, Lily tamed him with sheer kindness and love.

The End