Page 44 of Last Call at the Doghouse

Duncan danced her from the kitchen into the hallway, then into her bedroom. They kissed the entire way, not wanting to part for even a few seconds. They fell onto the bed fully dressed. She kicked off her shoes; he did the same.

He bounced a little. This bed might not be the best, but it didn’t squeak or squeal.

Did she want him so badly because the power of sex wiped out all thoughts of what was to come? Was it just sex, or was there a deeper connection here, something she’d been missing in her life?

He undressed her; she undressed him. When they were both naked, he kissed her all over. Lips, neck, breasts, belly, between her thighs, behind her knees. She didn’t think of anything else but sensation, need, and the release that was coming.

Soon, but not too soon. The feeling of being on the edge was delicious.

When she couldn’t wait any longer, she pushed him onto his back and straddled him, easing his length inside her and taking a deep breath of relief. Finally! “Duncan, you make me crazy.”

“Call me Mitch,” he whispered.

Armi moved, just a little. This could be over fast, but she didn’t want fast. She wanted slow. She wanted everything. “Why? You said everyone…”

“You’re different. You’re mine in a way I didn’t expect. I want to be inside you and hear you say my name.”

“Mitch,” she whispered.

“Armi,” he responded.

After that, there were no more words. There was just his body and hers, the release that danced just out of reach, the edge of a knife she skated on until she couldn’t take it anymore.

She came hard, and so did he. It was a moment of sheer, perfect pleasure in a world that had too few perfect moments.

She wasn’t ready to say she loved Duncan… Mitch… but she needed him in a way she’d never needed anyone. Was it him or did she just need someone close when it looked as if her days would be short?

Reality didn’t return all at once, but it did begin to slip back. One thought at a time; one annoying, unpleasant thought at a time.

Mitch pulled her down and into a snug embrace. “I wish we could stay here all night.”

“Why can’t we?”

“Tonight, tomorrow, the next day…”

Armi didn’t move. She liked it here, snug and warm and not alone. “Again, why not?”

“Where’s the book?”

She raised up and glared down at him. “You sure know how to spoil a good time.”

He kissed her, then said, “Say it again.”

“Spoil sport?”

“My name.”

“Mitch. Why is it so important that I call you by your first name now?”

He hesitated, pushed a strand of hair away from her face. His fingers brushed her cheek, her neck. “It seems only right since… I’m yours. Entirely, completely yours.”

“No more secrets, then.”

There was little light in the room, just a bit of reflection from the kitchen, but it was enough to show her his worry, his trepidation. “I have so much to tell you,” he said.

“Can’t you tell me now, while we’re naked and happy?”

“What if I say no?” he whispered. “I don’t want to ruin the moment.” He kissed her again. This kiss was almost sweet. He hesitated, and she could see him fighting his own instincts. He had things to tell her; he wasn’t ready. “Shower, then the book. We might as well head back to Mystic Springs tonight.”