Inflame

Chapter 23

Lucy

“OVER HERE, Lucy!” I hear Charlie calling my name.

Looking up from my phone, I see her by baggage claim, and I make my way towards her as I type out a quick text to Kale letting him know that I made it home just fine. She gives me a big hug when I reach her, and my belly grazes hers, causing her to laugh.

“It’s like you’ve popped overnight! Seriously, where’d this come from?”

Groaning, I roll my eyes as I rub my stomach. With the holidays coming, I didn’t have much time to see Charlie before I left for Florida. Now I’m almost seventeen weeks along and have a very pronounced bump that seems to have grown almost overnight. There was a slight pouch at my last doctor’s appointment, but nothing like this.

“I don’t know if it was all of Mom’s home cooking or what, but I’m pretty sure I gained ten pounds just from being back home for Christmas.” I grin at her, knowing that I’m exaggerating. “I secretly love it though. I like being able to place my hand on my bump. It makes it all that much more real.”

“It’s adorable. Pregnancy looks so good on you, Lucy. And just wait ‘til he—or she—starts kicking. Then you’ll definitely know how real it feels. After all, his daddy is a mean fightin’ machine,” she reminds me.

Gathering up my luggage, I turn back towards her. “Oh gosh, did you have to remind me? With my luck, I’ll have the most active unborn baby thanks to Kale. That is until Knox decides to knock you up. That kid’ll have the most active legs in any womb with having you two as parents.”

She shakes her head at me. “Nope. Nuh uh. Don’t even start all that. It’s bad enough I had to deal with his mom at Christmas giving hints on grandchildren. Now that Branson’s divorce is underway, Knox is her next hope, and I swear to God, that woman is already knitting baby caps for us. I’m pretty sure Knox would pass out if I told him I was pregnant.”

As we make our way to her car, I playfully bump her shoulder with mine. “Oh come on. He’s head over heels for you. Wedding bells can’t really be that far off,” I tease.

Charlie goes pale. “Hey, just because you and Lexi are jumping on the wife and mommy train doesn’t mean that I’m in any hurry to move my future along.”

Eyeing her suspiciously, I’m not sure I believe my best friend, but I’ll play along. “You might say that, but I don’t believe for a second that Knox is going to waste any time putting a ring on it. Now that he has you, he’s never letting you get away. I give it six months—tops.”

“Okay, you have me there. Maybe he has hinted at it. I just don’t want to get my hopes up. I got all swoony and teary at Jace and Lexi’s wedding, and maybe I’m secretly hoping it’ll be in the cards for us. I can be patient. But probably only for six months tops,” she admits, causing me to giggle. “But enough about me. I feel like I’ve barely seen you since you and Kale started playing house. What’s going on there? Tell me everything.”

“First of all, we’re not playing house. We’re simply a couple who enjoys spending every night together but still lives in two separate places. It’s a lot of going back and forth, but I mean, you’ve seen Kale shirtless. Who wouldn’t want to sleep next to that?”

“A girl who gets to sleep with Knox Wellington every night, but I see your point. I don’t understand why you guys just don’t move in together. I mean, it’s not like you’re having a baby together,” she says sarcastically, and I sigh.

“Trust me. I know. In the beginning when Kale mentioned it, I thought it was way too soon. To be honest, I think a lot of my hesitation had to do with my dad. I was too scared that Kale wanted the baby and I just happened to be along for the ride.”

Charlie looks over at me with a sympathetic smile. “Oh, Luce, you know that’s not true. Now that you two are finally out of the closet, it’s clear as day to anyone that he’s crazy about you. In fact, I don’t know how I missed it all along.”

I grin to myself, remembering the night I finally got the courage to tell him I love him. Okay, maybe I can’t consider it brave since I said it to a drunk, sleepy Kale, but once he woke up and I was able to tell him my fears, he put me at ease completely.

“What? What’s with that smile?” Charlie asks perceptively.

“You’re right. I was kind of an idiot for thinking that Kale was only in this for one thing. I know him better than that, and in the end, it was just a silly fear. The thing is…” I pause and let out a deep breath, keeping her in suspense. “He loves me. And who the hell would’ve thought, but I love him, too.

A huge grin spreads over her face. “That didn’t take long.”

I shake my head, disagreeing with her. “Yeah, just a year and a half. Not long at all.”

“You know what I mean! I’m so happy for you, Lucy. For you both. I honestly couldn’t think of two people more perfect for each other.”

Leaning back in my seat, I can’t help but feel pure happiness. “I couldn’t agree more. It’s like nothing I’ve ever felt before. I don’t think I ever understood real love until now, until Kale. And now I feel bad for all those times I made fun of you and Knox.”

“I told you you’d get yours. When are you going to learn that I’m always right? Although I’m pretty sure this means Knox loses the bet and he’s gonna be pissed,” she says nonchalantly.

“What bet?” I ask slowly, not sure I want to know the answer.

Chuckling, she shakes her head as she pulls into my parking lot. She shuts off the car engine and turns to look at me, amusement in her eyes. “Apparently my man is more perceptive than I am. A couple of months ago, one night when we were all out, Knox guaranteed Kale was next, and Jace concurred. I guess they saw what the rest of us didn’t. Jace, however, was the smartest. He gave Kale until Christmas. Knox thought he’d last at least another six months. I thought they both were insane, but it seems Kale proved us all wrong and barely made it past Thanksgiving.”

“You guys are assholes,” I tell her jokingly. “I’ll have to tell Jace to use that money towards an exceptionally good baby shower gift.”

As I get out of the car, I thank Charlie for the ride and then close the door, quick to grab my luggage from the backseat. I’m about to walk away when I hear her say my name, and I bend down to look through the now open window.

“Happy and in love looks good on you. You deserve it.”

A swell of pure elation flows through me, and I know she’s right. “Looks good on you, too. We both deserve it. Love ya, girl.”

She gives me a warm smile and a quick wave. “Love ya, too!”

With that, she drives away. I then turn back towards my apartment, wishing Kale were here to greet me.

AFTER UNPACKING, doing three loads of laundry, and putting away the ridiculous amount of Christmas gifts from Mom and Steve, I decide that I can’t sit around the apartment anymore. Kale was only able to get a couple of days off for Christmas, and I wanted to stay at least a week at Mom’s, so we made the painstaking decision to spend the holiday apart. We decided we’d do our own Christmas when we both got back. He’s not due to return until tomorrow, and as it’s been over a week since I’ve seen him, I’m feeling restless and, well, lonely. I have no idea when exactly I came to count on him being part of my daily life, but now that I’ve had a taste of life without him, I’m certain that I’m ready to move in with him.

It’s been nearly a month since that night I found him pretty much passed out drunk. Any time I’ve tried asking about what happened, he changes the subject. I realized quickly that he didn’t want to talk about it and I tried to let it go. All that matters now is that that night was one for revelations, and after one hell of a hangover—for him—things finally seemed like they were falling into place.

Quickly slipping on my shoes, I gather up my purse, figuring I can go to school and at least get my classroom ready for when the students come back. I’m too antsy to stick around my apartment, and I’m ready to kill some time as I wish this day away so I can be back with Kale.

I’m not surprised to see a few cars in the parking lot. Work never really ends for a teacher, not even on winter break, and I’m kind of glad I’m not the only one spending a day of my vacation here.

After unlocking my room, I place my phone on the speaker dock and throw on my latest ‘favorites’ playlist. The sound of Best Day of My Life by American Authors fills the room. It brings a smile to my face as it reminds me of Kale. Happily dancing along to the beat, I set about taking down all the holiday decorations, ready to transform my room from a Christmas classic to a winter wonderland.

I’m at the back of my supply closet when I hear my door open and close, surprising me. One of the other teachers here must need a break, and after spending a couple of hours rearranging the classroom, I could probably use one, too.

“I’m back here! Be out in a sec,” I shout to whoever’s waiting.

Stretching up on my tiptoes, I’m trying to get one last box off the top shelf, but it’s no use. I’m too damn short. I curse myself for not bringing my stepstool back. I try one last attempt, and just as my fingers graze the cardboard, I feel a firm, solid chest pressing against my back and strong arms circling my waist. The scent of him gives him away, and a shiver runs down my spine as I feel his warm breath on my ear. I wonder if he’ll always affect me this way.

“Excuse me, ma’am, but in your condition, I don’t think it’s wise to be lifting all these boxes without any assistance. It’s a damn good thing I came along when I did,” he drawls in my ear, and it’s sexy as hell.

Taking in a deep breath, I close my eyes, happy to savor his closeness after what felt like the longest week ever. When I turn in his arms, pure giddiness runs through me as I take in his features. Dark brown stubble covers his face, and it’s a look I’ve never seen on him. Immediately I imagine his face between my legs and wonder just how he’ll feel against my soft skin. Without thinking, I lick my lips. His eyes widen in amusement.

“Why, Ms. Dawson, we’ve got to stop meeting like this,” he whispers seductively as he leans in, nuzzling against my neck.

“Mmmm. I disagree. Let’s keep meeting like this,” I respond as I wrap my arms around him, sinking into his warm embrace. “I missed you.”

He slides his arms under my ass, picking me up. My legs instantly clasp around his waist, my arms circling his neck. His dark eyes gaze into mine then slowly move down to my lips. Leaning in, he captures them with his own, giving me a sensual kiss that begins slowly and then builds rapidly, as if we’re trying to make up for all the lost time.

My hands slide up and my fingers tangle in his hair as I try to pull him even closer. His lips devour mine as need and want pour out from both of us, mixing together in a heated passion that’s not exactly appropriate for a classroom, but in this moment, I don’t exactly care. It’s been far too long since I’ve been able to feel him, to taste him, and I’m going to soak in every single sensation. A fire starts to grow within my belly and seeps down quickly until I’m unwittingly grinding myself against him, causing him to groan. He slows our kisses, and although I try to speed things back up, he pulls away from me.

“I missed you, too, baby,” he says as he peppers my jawline with light, little kisses. “So. Damn. Much.”

With just a few steps, he moves to the back of the closet, where I’m silently thankful that a tall table sits. When he places me down on it, I’m still perfectly aligned with the erection that’s causing his jeans to bulge. As I continue to rub myself against him, I tilt my head back, and he takes the opportunity to nibble at my neck, causing me to shiver.

“You came home early,” I say, practically panting, desperately aching with need.

“Mmm hmm,” is all I get in return as he bunches up my t-shirt, exposing my bra. He pushes it to the side and captures a soft nipple in his mouth.

My breasts are ultra-sensitive, an unexpected perk to this pregnancy, and my body shivers at the contact. His tongue darts back and forth until it hardens under his touch, and I let out a small yelp when he bites down on the swollen tip. I can feel the smile forming on his lips as he moves to the next breast, giving it the same care. A hand reaches up and cups it before sliding down my body to where my now protruding belly rests. Kale’s mouth lets go of my nipple with a loud pop as he steps back to take a look at me. Slowly, I remove my t-shirt and sit up straight as I watch his eyes widen in pure wonderment. He sinks to his knees in front of me so that he’s on the same level of my belly, and his hand connects with my skin as he caresses my bump.

“How? I just saw you a week ago and there was barely a pouch. Now I can actually see a pretty damn pronounced bump.” He grips my waist and shifts me so he can get a side view. “Seriously, Luce, that’s amazing.”

Shrugging, I give him a sheepish smile. “I don’t know. I think he just kind of snuck up on me, and then all of a sudden, bam! He was ready to make an appearance. I’ve learned this one has a thing for timing. Plus, I may have had way too much home cooking when I was home. Mom said I needed fattening up. Now I don’t know about all that, but it looks like she did a damn good job,” I tell him, echoing the excuse I gave to Charlie.

“I’ll have to send her a thank-you card. You look amazing, baby.” His eyes travel up my naked torso and they stop on my breasts as he inhales sharply. He rises back to his feet, standing directly in front of me, his hand resting on my belly. “I love the way your body’s changing.”

Scooting to the edge of the table, I wrap my legs around him and groan when the thin material between my legs presses up against his groin. I grin at him wickedly. “It seems like he does, too. That or he just missed me a lot.”

A lone finger begins to trail from my belly down to the waistband of my stretchy yoga pants, and I’m glad I decided to dress down, especially since it means he’ll have easy access. As he slides his hand beneath the hemline, I shiver in anticipation of his touch. I’m not disappointed as his finger descends on my clit, where he presses down gently. His mouth crashes against mine and his tongue invades my mouth, moving it in slow, methodical circles that match the rhythm of his thumb. A heightened wave of pleasure grows between my legs, and I almost forget where I am in the midst of it all.

Somewhere along the corridor, a door slams, and I jump, pulling back.

Breathing heavily, I glance up at his hooded eyes. “Kale, we have to stop,” I protest. It sounds lame even to my own ears. “Let’s go home where I can ride you six ways from Sunday. And then once more for added measure.”

“Come on, baby. You know I’ve always fantasized about a classroom quickie. And since I knew I wouldn’t be able to get my hands off you until I was buried deep inside you, I already locked your door.” He gives me a devilish smile, and I realize that this is what he intended all along. The thought of doing this here feels taboo, and strangely, it’s such a turn-on that my protest is long forgotten.

In a frenzied move, I bring my hands to his waist and fumble with the button, greedy with need, not wanting to wait for him to be inside me any longer. After I slide his jeans and boxers down just enough, my hand finds his cock as it springs free. It's warm, hard, and more than ready for me. Wrapping my fingers around it, I love the feel of him, and I love even more that I affect him this way.

I tug on the end of his shirt, and he quickly slips it over his head and tosses it aside. Kale's hands find their way to my ass. I gently lift up so he can slide my pants off, and I squeal when I feel the cold metal table beneath me.

"I can't believe we're doing this here," I whisper as Kale pulls me to the edge of the table, aligning himself at my already dripping-wet entrance.

“Another fantasy to check off the list, Ms. Dawson,” he growls as he cuffs my ankles and brings them up so they’re resting on his shoulders, forcing me to lie down. He runs his length up and down my slit, coating himself with the effects of my anticipated pleasure, and I find myself lifting my hips, ready to have him inside me. “Always so fucking wet for me.”

Without hesitation, he slams into me, causing me to cry out. He leans forward, a wicked gleam in his eye.

“Quiet, baby, or else I’ll have to gag you.”

The idea is both frightening and thrilling, and I have to bite my lip to keep from moaning as he continues to pump in and out of me with forceful thrusts. One hand slides down my leg and rests between my thighs, where his finger circles my clit, bringing me to the brink. Just as I’m about to give in to the pleasure, he removes his hand, slows his thrust to a painstakingly unhurried pace.

“I know I said a quickie, but you feel too damn good for this to be over already.”

As my impending orgasm starts to retreat, I decide to take control, in a hurry to finish this so we can get home and start all over again. Bringing my legs down from his shoulders, I pull him closer by wrapping my legs around his waist, drawing him in even deeper. He leans over the table and braces himself on either side of me, and I grab ahold of his dog tags to bring him down to me, giving him a searing kiss. His eyes are watching me as I pull away.

“We have plenty of time to savor this when we get home. Fuck me, Kale. Fast and hard.” My eyes gleam at him and my teasing tone returns. “You got your wish. You’re fucking the teacher in the supply closet. Time for the ultimate test. Under pressure, can you fill every single bubble again, Montgomery?”

His eyes fill with a mischievous look of pure lust, and I know he’s accepted the challenge. He brings a hand to my nipple, where he twists and tugs as he starts moving in and out of me. I close my eyes as he continues to work my breasts over, and I shudder as electric currents flow through me with every single touch when he replaces his hand with his mouth. With each plunge, his pace increases until he’s moving with reckless abandon. He releases my breast and moves up to cover my mouth, his tongue darting back and forth until he pulls away and burrows his face in the crook of my neck. I bring my hand up to the top of his head, running my fingers through his hair, gripping slightly.

“Harder, Kale. I’m so close. Please, fuck me hard,” I whisper encouragingly, and he doesn’t hesitate to give in to my request. His hips move expertly in a quick rhythm, so forceful that the table slams against the wall with every single thrust, but we’re too lost in our lustful haze to care.

As he brings me closer to the edge, the fire between my legs begins to intensify, and I close my eyes, ready for the ultimate pleasure to wash over me. I can feel him pull away from my neck, his lips hovering just over my ear.

"Open them, Lucy," he growls. "I want to see you when you come."

I comply, and my eyes meet his in a hooded, lust-filled fashion. He begins to speed up, plunging in and out rapidly and vigorously, his eyes on me the entire time. My hands grip the edge of the table as I can feel my imminent release building. Inhaling sharply, I can't stifle the moan that crosses my lips, and it only serves to speed Kale's movements up as he drives into me, wild and frenzied. I’m done for as the crest of my orgasm sends pulsating sensations throughout my body in a toe-curling climax that has every nerve ending tingling with sweet satisfaction. I can feel my walls contract around him, and with two more quick thrusts, he erupts, and I milk out every single drop as he falls down on my chest, panting heavily as he presses quick kisses all over my skin.

As we both try to catch our breaths, I start to come back to reality, and I’m suddenly aware of my surroundings. I’m in a blissful haze, and I know I could lie here for hours cuddled up with our chests pressed together. Fortunately, some sort of rationale seeps into my brain and I know I need to get him home or else we’re going to end up naked on the floor of the closet.

Tapping his shoulder, I get his attention. He pulls himself off me, eyes widening when he looks down at my naked skin, unable to take his eyes off my bump.

“Oh God, baby. I’m so sorry. I got carried away. I didn’t hurt you, did I?”

I can feel my eyebrows wrinkle until I understand what he means. “No, Kale, you didn’t hurt me. Not in the slightest.”

Relief floods his face, and my heart swells with love for this man. He leans down and places a quick kiss on my lips. “Good. So, Ms. Dawson, did I pass the test?”

Toying with his dangling dog tags, I give him a sly smile. “Oh yeah, Montgomery. You passed with flying colors. In fact, I’m half tempted to let you take me home to earn some extra credit.”

His cock jerks inside me, and he gives me an unabashed smile. “I could definitely go for some extra credit,” he says as he presses a quick kiss against my lips. I think he’s about to pull away from me, but instead, he hovers over me, his eyes meeting mine. “But first things first. It’s about time I give you a pop quiz of my own.”

Cocking an eyebrow, I tilt my head inquisitively. “Ah, schooling the teacher? This should be interesting. Go ahead, Montgomery. I’m game. Give it your best shot.”

“I’m pretty sure I just did that,” he winks at me shamelessly, and I playfully slap his shoulder and encourage him to continue with his sudden pop quiz. “You said you wanted to go home and fuck my brains out, right?”

“I’m not sure I put it quite that way, but that was about the gist. I was thinking more of sweet, slow lovemaking where you’d worship every inch of my body, but I suppose fucking your brains out could be arranged. So yes, Kale, take me home and let me have my way with you.”

“Jesus Christ, pregnancy’s made you insatiable. You haven’t even flinched once even though you’ve said some variation of fuck at least six times in the last ten minutes. Poor, poor Sprout. His momma’s got a dirty mouth. A very hot, extremely wicked, dirty mouth.”

Wincing, I bring my hand between us and rub my belly. “It happened in the heat of the moment. I have a feeling he’s used to that. Sorry, buddy. I’ll try not to let it happen again,” I whisper to my stomach, causing Kale to chuckle. “Anyways, the pop quiz? Now that I’m coming down from my Kale high, I’m starting to get paranoid that someone’s going to walk in. I feel like I’m sixteen years old and I’m being felt up by my boyfriend while my mom’s right outside.”

“Oh, that. Well, you want to go home?” he asks, and I nod, wondering why he continues to harp on that question. “Okay, well… Lucy Dawson, I have one question for you. Where is home?”

His eyes look down into mine and I see the hope in them. Suddenly, I’m aware of what he’s asking, and as much as I want to throw my arms around him and give him an answer, the tease in me can’t help but toy with him. After all, I did leave him a note almost a month ago basically giving him my answer.

Squinting up at him, I pretend to mull it over. “Can you repeat the question?”

An incredulous look spreads over his face, and he pulls up slightly. “You little tease. What is it, babe? Have you spent too much time on the other side of the classroom that you can’t take tests anymore? All that shit you gave me about Scantrons and you can’t answer a simple question.”

“I’m no good with Scantrons. I don’t have the proper equipment to fill in the bubbles,” I tell him, giggling at the innuendo, loving when Kale’s playful side comes out.

He begins to tickle me, his fingers running up and down my bare flesh until I’m squirming beneath him.

“Kale, stop! Seriously,” I say between breathless laughs. “I have a hard enough time holding my bladder as it is, and if you don’t stop, I’m going to pee my pants.”

Slowing his movements, he runs his fingers up and across my breasts, causing my nipples to pebble under his touch. “Well, that might be a problem, baby, seein’ as how your pants are on the ground and my dick’s still inside you. Now answer the question. Where’s home, baby?”

My eyes soften and I lift up, ensuring that he doesn’t slip out of me. I reach out and grab ahold of his dog tags, pulling him in close. “Home isn’t just a place for me, babe. It’s wherever you are. So we could be at my place, at your place, or in a van by the river. As long as I’m with you, then I’m home.” I pause, allowing the words to sink in. His eyes continue to bore into mine, and a slow, satisfying grin spreads over his face. “But, in case this is a trick question and you’re looking for two answers, then home—my new home—I hope is in your house, in your room, in your bed. I just spent eight long days without you, and I don’t want to do that again. I’ve already asked about breaking my lease, and it shouldn’t be a problem. I was just waiting for the invitation. Which, actually, I’m still waiting for.”

Wrapping his arms around me, he lifts me up off the table, and I have to hook my legs around his waist to keep my balance. I slowly slide down on him, and I can feel him hardening inside me. I don’t know if it’s because he’s been missing me or because my words are seeping in, but he seems hesitant to separate himself from me. If he doesn’t hurry up, round two is going to happen right here.

“Lucy Dawson, move in with me.”

“Most pop quizzes have questions, but I suppose I can look past it just this once.” I place a quick kiss on the tip of his nose before pulling back and grinning at him. “Consider my bags packed. Now give me my clothes, take me home, and show me just how much you’ve missed me.”

He lets out a low laugh as he slowly slides out of me and sets me back on the table. Bending down, he throws my shirt to me, and I hop down, quickly getting dressed. I make sure we’re both decent as I head to the front of the closet, apprehensive as I open the door. Peeking my head out, I sigh in relief when I see that the room’s empty, my door still shut. Kale follows behind me, and just as I’m going to get my purse, he grabs me by the waist and presses me up against the now closed supply closet door.

“I missed you, baby,” he admits, staring down into my eyes. I feel a slight tingling between my legs, and I can’t believe how ready I am for him. “I don’t think I can go that long without being inside you again.”

Bringing my hand up to cup his cheek, I stretch up on my tiptoes to give him a quick kiss then nuzzle my cheek against his, loving the feel of his scruff against my soft skin. “You won’t ever have to, babe. I love you, and I’m not going anywhere.”

“Love you, too. Now let’s get you home. I have some extra credit to earn,” he says teasingly, giving me a wink. I allow him to take my hand and pull me to the parking lot, where he puts me in his car, promising to get mine the next day.

The whole ride home, he describes to me all the ways he missed me, and I have to clench my thighs in anticipation, knowing I missed him just as much.