Page 44 of Shelter for Shay
"Harder," she whispered, nails scratching down his back, leaving a trail of fiery pain that only served to heighten his pleasure. He obliged, losing himself in the beauty of her body, the sound of her exquisite moans, and the feel of her warm lipsagainst his neck. He could taste sweat mixed with the lingering flavor of lavender from where she'd scrubbed her skin earlier. But nothing compared to the intoxicating womanly essence that was purely Shay.
“Moose,” she gasped. “Oh God… yes.”
The ragged breathiness of her voice was an aphrodisiac all by itself. His thrusts became firm and purposeful, pressing deep inside her. Every response he drew out from her was an affirmation of their connection—one that went deeper than just passion.
She held on to him tighter as if he were her lifeline as an almost pained whimper left her lips and she shuddered beneath him. “Oh my God…” Shay murmured as she came around him, her body convulsing in wave after wave of orgasmic bliss.
Watching Shay come undone beneath him sent Moose over the edge. With a low growl, he accelerated his movements before climaxing powerfully inside her, spilling his warmth as a raw roar left his lips.
He collapsed on top of her, noticing for the first time just how much he’d missed… missed her. Missed holding her. Missed her breath. Missed everything about her. And it wasn’t the sex, as good as that was… it was just her.
Their bodies lay entwined for a while as they caught their breath. His head nestled against her breasts while her fingers traced absent patterns on his sweat-coated back.
“Shay?” He tilted his head.
“Yes?”
“I’ve never had anyone but my chickens and my team. They’re the only ones who’ve ever mattered to me,” he said softly. “You matter. Matter more than I could’ve ever expected.”
“I feel the same way.”
“Do you?” he asked. “Because I’m falling in love with you.”
She blinked. Her lips parted. She blinked again and this time her eyes grew wide.
“Too soon?” he asked. “Did I go and ruin everything?”
“No,” she said softly. “I just didn’t expect you to say that.”
“Me neither, but it’s true.” He traced her lower lip. “Are you going to respond to it?” His chest tightened.
“I’ve never been in love before,” she whispered.
“I don’t expect you to say it back. I just want to know if it’s possible.”
“It’s more than possible because I’m already there.” She palmed his cheek. “I do love you. I’m just scared.”
He smiled. “I’m utterly terrified, so you’re in good company.” He kissed her softly. “Do we want to lie in this bed all night, or shall we do something for dinner?”
“Ugh.” She dropped her head to his. “I told Becca and Todd they could come over since they have a babysitter tonight and they kind of want to give you the third degree.”
He burst out laughing.
“You won’t be laughing when they start asking you all sorts of personal questions. The kinds of questions that will make both of us uncomfortable.”
“Oh, you just wait until you meet the guys. I think they’ve started a list.”
“Wonderful.” She gave him a little shove before turning and reaching for something on the nightstand. “Crap. They’ll be here in fifteen minutes.”
“Guess we’d better get dressed.” He kissed her one last time. “I love you, Shay.” And for the first time in his life, he had something other than duty, honor, and country to hold on to.
Love, after all, was worth fighting for. And Moose knew without a shred of doubt, at this moment and forever more—she was his fight. His battle worth every single scar. She wasn't just his lover—she was his home, his peace.
Shay – Lake George, New York
Once in the kitchen, Shay handed Moose a second bottle of wine to be corked and decanted. Dinner had gone… smoothly. The conversation was light, primarily, and focused on things that didn’t matter. The weather. Football. Flatbed or SUV. Center console versus cabby cuddy. Everyday things people talked about when they weren’t going deep.
But Shay kept waiting for the tough questions to come. The ones that were either blush worthy or would cut a little too close to home for Moose. She’d asked Becca to stay clear of the topic of his family and not to hound him too much about being a SEAL. So far, Becca and Todd had respected her wishes and the evening had been more than fun. She was glad Moose fit in with her friends.
