Page 18

CHAPTER 18

CASPIAN

Nate’s strong hands grip the backs of my thighs, lifting me as if I weigh nothing. The heat in his eyes makes my head spin in the best possible way, and I can’t help but pull him closer between my legs.

My heart hammers, butterflies in my stomach. I know this is insanity, but I don’t care. I lean in, our lips mere centimeters apart, and whisper, “I thought you were going to show me your tools?”

Nate’s eyes darken, and a low growl rumbles in his chest. “Then you shouldn’t have kissed me,” he purrs, his voice dripping with equal parts seduction and mischief. In one swift motion, he pushes me back against the workbench, pinning my wrists above my head.

A shiver shoots down my spine, curling deep in my belly as he leans in, his lips brushing against my ear as he speaks. “I’m a hairbreadth away from throwing caution to the wind, Caspian,” he whispers, his warm breath sending tingles down my neck.

“I think we did that the moment we kissed last night.”

Nate’s grin widens into a mischievous smirk before he releases my wrists. I wrap my legs around Nate’s waist, clinging to him like a koala as he lifts me off the workbench. His strong arms support me effortlessly, and I marvel at how secure I feel in his embrace. My heart races with excitement and trust as he carries me through the house.

“Where are we going?” I tease, nuzzling into his neck.

Nate chuckles, the vibration rumbling through his chest. “Patience, city boy. You’ll see in a second.”

As we move, I drink in every detail—the flex of his muscles, the warmth of his skin even through his clothes, the intoxicating scent that’s uniquely Nate. It’s like being wrapped in the coziest, sexiest blanket ever.

We reach a door, and Nate nudges it open with his foot. The bedroom. My breath catches as we enter, taking in the rumpled sheets on an unmade bed. The room smells like Nate—a heady mix of pine, musk, and something indefinably masculine.

“No going back now,” he says as he drops me on the bed, covering my body with his.

I silence him with a kiss. “Trust me,” I murmur against his lips, “I would rather gnaw my arm off than stop this.”

Nate’s lips curve into a smile against mine, and suddenly, we’re both fumbling with clothes, eager hands exploring newly exposed skin. I tug at his flannel shirt, buttons flying as I yank it open.

“Oops,” I giggle, not feeling sorry at all.

“Impatient, are we?” Nate teases, his eyes dancing with mirth.

“Can you blame me?” I shoot back, running my hands over his now-bare chest.

Nate’s response is to grip the hem of my sweater, pulling it over my head in one smooth motion. His breath hitches as he takes in my torso, and I feel a flush of pride. I know any muscles he can see aren’t because I work out. They’re because I’m skinny, but Nate seems to like what he sees.

As I reach for his belt buckle, Nate’s hands find the waistband of my jeans. We shimmy and wiggle, laughing as we try to undress each other without breaking contact. Finally, we’re down to our underwear, and I hold my breath as Nate’s gaze travels lower.

His eyebrows shoot up as he notices my lacy light-pink underwear. “Well, well,” he drawls, a playful smirk tugging at his lips. “Aren’t you full of surprises?”

For a heart-stopping moment, fear grips me. What if he thinks it’s weird? What if?—

But then Nate’s eyes meet mine, dark with desire. “God, you’re gorgeous,” he breathes. “I love them. Though I might love ripping them off with my teeth even more.”

Relief and excitement flood through me. “Promise?” I challenge, my voice husky.

“Oh, sweetheart,” Nate growls, “you better believe it.”

Nate pauses, his fingers tracing the lace edge of my underwear. The anticipation is electric, making my skin tingle wherever he touches. His eyes lock with mine, a question in them.

“Well?” I breathe, arching my hips slightly. “I thought you were going to put that mouth to work.”

A deep chuckle rumbles through Nate’s chest. “So bossy,” he murmurs, but there’s no real complaint in his voice.

He lowers his head, and I feel the scrape of teeth against my hip bone. My breath catches as he slowly, torturously, works his way down. The mix of soft lips and rough stubble has me squirming.

“Nate,” I whine, threading my fingers through his hair.

He looks up at me, eyes twinkling. “Patience, Caspian. Good things come to those who wait.”

But apparently, he’s done waiting. In one swift motion, he grips the lace with his teeth and tugs. The delicate fabric gives way easily, and I gasp at the sudden exposure to cool air.

Nate’s possessive growl sends shivers down my spine. “God, I’m going to love this,” he says, voice low and rough.

“It’s all yours,” I agree breathlessly, arousal building to a fever pitch.

Then his mouth is on my cock, hot and insistent, and coherent thought becomes impossible. Every lick, every suck sends waves of pleasure coursing through me. I’m dimly aware that I’m making noise—gasps, moans, possibly Nate’s name—but I’m beyond caring.

The intensity builds, higher and higher, until I’m teetering on the edge. Nate’s hands grip my hips, holding me steady as he redoubles his efforts.

“Nate, I’m—” I choke out, my entire body tensing.

He hums in acknowledgment, the vibration pushing me over. My vision whites out as ecstasy crashes over me in waves. Through it all, I feel Nate’s steadying presence, grounding me as I fly apart.

As I come down from the high, I’m acutely aware of my ragged breathing and the slight tremor in my limbs. Nate’s looking up at me with a mix of satisfaction and adoration that makes my heart skip.

“Sorry,” I pant, feeling a flush creep up my cheeks. “That was, uh…quick.”

Nate’s laughter is warm and genuine as he moves up to kiss me softly. “Don’t apologize, Cas. That was incredibly hot.”

I grin against his lips. “Yeah? Not too…eager?”

“Mmm.” He hums, nuzzling my neck. “Just eager enough. Besides, we’ve got all day.”

His words send a thrill through me despite my recent climax. “In that case,” I murmur, pushing gently at his shoulders, “I think it’s your turn.”

Nate raises an eyebrow, a playful smirk tugging at his lips as he turns us around so I’m the one on top. “Oh yeah?”

“Yeah,” I confirm, my hands already tugging on the elastic waistband of his boxers as I suck his lips until he’s canting his hips to meet mine. “Can’t let you have all the fun.”

I marvel at Nate’s chest, my fingers tracing his soft belly, reveling in the way his muscles twitch under my touch.

“Like what you see?” Nate teases, but I catch a hint of vulnerability in his eyes.

I lean in, pressing a kiss to his collarbone. “You have no idea,” I breathe against his skin.

Slowly, reverently, I move down his body. Each new patch of skin gets thorough attention from my hands and lips. By the time I reach for the waistband of his boxers, Nate’s breathing has grown heavy, his eyes dark with desire.

“Caspian,” he groans. “You’re killing me here.”

I look up at him through my lashes, unable to suppress a grin. “Patience, Nathan. Good things come to those who wait.”

My fingers tremble slightly as I tug down Nate’s boxers, anticipation building in my chest. As the fabric slides down his thighs, my eyes are immediately drawn to a distinctive mark on his hip. I gasp, my heart skipping a beat as I recognize the familiar shape.

“Is that…a maple leaf?” I breathe, my voice a mix of wonder and disbelief.

Nate chuckles, his body relaxing under my scrutiny. “Just my way of proving I’m a true Vermonter, through and through.”

But I barely register his words, my mind racing as the pieces fall into place. That beauty spot—so unique and memorable—can’t be a coincidence. Memories of that passionate New Year’s Eve encounter flood back, snapshots of pleasure and connection that I’d tucked away as a beautiful, fleeting moment. It all feels like a lifetime ago, but at the same time…

“Nate,” I whisper, my eyes wide as I look up at him. “You…we…”

He tilts his head, curiosity replacing the playful glint in his eyes. “What is it, Cas?”

I keep my revelation to myself for now. After all, what are the odds? Maybe every guy in Vermont really does have a maple-leaf beauty spot, or maybe I remember it wrong and the other guy’s maple leaf wasn’t really a maple leaf. Besides, if my New Year’s Eve man isn’t Nate, how weird is it to bring up a hookup right now? I push the thought aside, focusing on the gorgeous man before me.

Nathan Stone. My sometimes grumpy but always kind neighbor. The big guy with the even bigger heart who gave me his winter coat when I was freezing. The guy I can’t keep out of my mind because his ocean-blue eyes sparkle like sunlight on fresh snow whenever he smiles, making my heart skip a beat every single time. The gentle giant who carefully tends to both forest and hopeless neighbors with those strong, capable hands, revealing a tenderness that matches the warmth in his gaze whenever our eyes meet.

“You know what?” I say, my voice husky. “I think I need a closer look at that beauty spot.”

Nate’s eyes darken with desire. “Be my guest,” he purrs.

I slide down his body, my lips trailing along his skin until I reach that tantalizing maple leaf. I press a soft kiss to it, relishing Nate’s sharp intake of breath. Then, without warning, I take his hard cock into my mouth.

“Fuck, Caspian,” Nate groans, his fingers tangling in my hair.

I hum in response, savoring the weight of him on my tongue. The taste sends a jolt through me. Is it similar to that night, or is my mind making it all up and wishing for things that didn’t happen? I push the thought away again. Right now, I just want to focus on making Nate feel good.

As I work him over, Nate’s breathing grows ragged. “God, you’re amazing,” he pants. “I want… I need…”

I pull off with a pop, looking up at him through my lashes. “What do you need, Nate?”

His eyes are wild, pupils blown wide. “Can I fuck you?” he asks, his voice rough with desire.

A thrill runs through me. “Hell yeah,” I breathe, already getting hard again at the thought.

Nate grins, reaching for the bedside table. “Condom and lube, coming right up.”

As he rummages in the drawer, all I think about is how familiar this all feels. The way he touches me, the sounds he makes—it’s like déjà vu in the best possible way.

Nate turns back to me, condom and lube in hand. “Ready?” he asks, his voice soft.

I nod, lying on my side, facing him, and spreading my legs invitingly. “More than ready.”

He pops open the lube, warming it between his fingers before gently pressing one inside me. I gasp at the sensation.

“You okay?” Nate asks, pausing.

I nod enthusiastically. “Perfect. Don’t stop.”

He chuckles, adding another finger. “Wouldn’t dream of it.”

As Nate carefully prepares me, I love how tender he is.

I watch, breath catching, as Nate rolls the condom on with practiced ease. His eyes meet mine, dark and intense. “You sure about this?” he asks, voice husky.

“Absolutely.” I nod, my heart racing. “I want you, Nate. All of you.”

He positions himself between my legs, and I wrap them around his waist, pulling him closer. Slowly, oh so slowly, he begins to push inside me. The stretch is delicious.

“Oh god,” I gasp, throwing my head back against the pillow. “That feels…”

“Amazing,” Nate finishes, his voice strained. He pauses, fully seated inside me, our bodies flush against each other. “You feel incredible, Caspian.”

I look up at him, drinking in the sight of his flushed face, the way his muscles strain as he holds himself still. “So do you,” I manage, voice breathy. “I’m gonna need you to move, please.”

Nate doesn’t need to be told twice. He starts to thrust, slowly at first, then picks up the pace. Each movement sends sparks of pleasure through my body, and I can’t help the little moans that escape me.

“That’s it,” Nate encourages, his breath hot against my neck. “Let me hear you.”

I comply, not holding back as he hits that perfect spot inside me. “Right there,” I gasp. “Oh god, Nate, right there.”

As we move together, I’m struck by how right this feels. It’s not just the physical pleasure—though that’s certainly intense—but the emotional connection. I feel safe with Nate, cherished even.

“You’re beautiful,” Nate murmurs, his eyes locked on mine. “So fucking beautiful, Caspian.”

His words send warmth flooding through me. Seeing the raw emotion in Nate’s ocean-blue eyes, knowing exactly who’s making me feel this way—it’s more powerful than I could have imagined.

And suddenly, I’m absolutely certain about that maple-leaf beauty mark. The same one I’d traced with my tongue on New Year’s Eve belongs to the man currently unraveling me from the inside out.