Untamed (29 page)

“Big spacious power seats.” He murmured, leaning down a bit closer.

“Really big,”

“Yo, Colton!!”

The sudden yell from the sidewalk had both of them jumping. A thin, handsome black man jogged up to them. “What’s up brother?”

“Hey, Anthony,” Colton said with a grin. “This is Memory. She’s visiting and her boat broke down. Memory, this is Anthony.”

“Nice to meet you,” Memory said, sticking out her hand.

Anthony grinned as he clasped her hand. “Likewise.”

Without warning she had a flash. A woman screaming and the sound of voices telling her to push just once more. She blinked and the vision faded.

“So, where’re you visiting from?” Anthony asked.

“California.”

“You navigated this yacht across the country? Cool. How long’re you staying?”

Memory looked over at Colton. “That depends on how long it takes the big guy to get my baby up and running.”

“Pressure’s on, bro.” Anthony said with a laugh.

Colton smiled. “I’ll call Mike and have him tow her down to the ranch and get started on her in the morning. I should know something by midday.”

“The ranch? I thought you were a mechanic?”

“Only out of passion. I can call one of the local fellas if you’d prefer.”

“No. Mirriam said you were good, so I’ll trust her.”

“Then I’ll see about getting Mike to tow it.”

“Great. Now, if one of you could tell me the nearest place to rent a car? I need a way back to the B&B where I’m staying.”

“I’d be happy to give you a ride,” Anthony offered.

“I’ll give you a ride,” Colton said at the same moment then looked at Anthony. “And you’ll go home to your very pregnant wife.”

Another flash went through Memory’s mind, one that brought a smile to her face. “Have you picked out his name yet?”

“His?” Anthony asked. “What makes you think it’s a he?”

She shrugged. “Women’s intuition?”

“Well, from your mouth to god’s ears—naw, not really. I’ll just be happy if it’s healthy and has all its fingers and toes.”

“I’m sure it will,” she said then added, “Thanks for the offer, Anthony. It was really nice to meet you.”

“You too. Colton, I’ll catch you later, man.”

“Yeah. Say hi to Gretchen.”

“Will do.”

Memory watched Anthony walk away then looked at Colton as he slammed the hood. “So what now?”

“You want to go over and get your things from Mirriam? I’m parked around behind her place. I just need to call Mike and make sure he can come and get your car. I wouldn’t want to leave it on the street so we’ll need to wait on him.”

“Okay.”

They made their way back to Mirriam’s with little conversation. Memory wondered why her crystal had not given her any more jolts. And what exactly did that energy signify?

Memory hadn’t given the crystal much thought in quite a while. Angela, the woman who’d cared for her as long as she could remember, had put it around her neck the night before she’d left the orphanage. She’d never had anything unusual happen— no energy surges, strange dreams and thankfully no appearances of anything resembling a demon. So why had the crystal suddenly now awakened?

The question was put aside when Colton stopped to open the door to Mirriam’s school for her. The heat from his body had her stopping to look up at him. The hunger she saw in his eyes had her ready to say to hell with the car. All she really wanted was to get her hands on him. Along with her lips and teeth and a few other body parts.

“Maybe I can get Mirriam to keep an eye on the car until Mike gets here,” he suggested in a low sexy growl that had her body temperature rising several degrees.

“Fine by me.”

“Mama?” He yelled as he followed Memory inside.

“Mama?” Memory asked.

“She’s Anthony’s mother. We grew up together and I’ve called her Mama since I was seven.”

“Oh.”

“Yes, darling?” Mirriam’s voice came from the next room.

“Would you call Mike and tell him to come tow Memory’s car? And keep an eye on it until he gets here? I’m going to give her a ride to the bed and breakfast.”

Mirriam appeared at the door to the studio, startling Memory with her silent approach. “Of course, darling. Don’t worry about a thing. I’ll take care of it.”

“Thanks,” Colton leaned down to kiss her cheek.

“Thanks,” Memory echoed. “For everything. I hope I see you again. Oh, I guess I will. I have to get you prints of the photos I took.”

“That would be lovely,” Mirriam replied and enveloped Memory in a hug. “Now off with you.”

“Yes ma’am.” Colton waited for Memory to gather up her things then led her to the rear exit.

“Oh, baby, love at first sight,” she commented as she got a look at the 1968 GTO. “I bet this bad boy flies.”

“Indeed it does.” He grinned and opened the passenger door for her.

She slid inside, admiring the interior as Colton rounded the car and climbed in behind the wheel. “Oh yeah,” she said with enthusiasm as the engine roared to life. “Now I know I’m in love.”

“I get the feeling you have a thing for powerful engines.”

“You have no idea,” she replied and glanced over at him. “Top end or off the line.”

“Sudden thrust or staying power.”

His comment and tone left no doubt that he was no more talking about cars than she was.

Memory grinned. “Just how fast can you get us to the B&B?”

“In a hurry?”

“You have
no
idea.”

Chapter Six

Memory led the way into her room. “Nice,” Colton commented as she put her camera case and purse on the sofa in the sitting area.

“Yes, it is. “ She turned to face him, intending on extolling the virtues of the inn. But when their eyes met the ability to form coherent sentences fled.

Colton crossed the room to her, tossing his hat in the direction of the coffee table then cupping her shoulders gently with his large rough hands. “Honey, I know full well that the smart thing to do would be to take you to dinner, ask you about your life, your likes and dislikes and what you want out of life. But god as my witness, Memory, all I can think about is tasting you.”

Her lips couldn’t form words, but they could smile. And her arms could snake up to wind around his neck. One of Colton’s arms went around her, pulling her tight to the hard length of his body.

Her lips parted to his on contact, and a shiver danced over her skin as his free hand traced its way down her neck. The kiss turned frenzied in the space of a heartbeat. Memory moved her hands to his chest and lower, pulling the clinging t-shirt free from his jeans. His skin was hot to her touch as she moved her hands over the muscles of his abdomen and up over the hard swell of his chest.

His lips broke free from hers to move to her neck then down its curve to the hollow of her throat. Memory felt like she was about to spontaneously combust when he pulled her shirt over her head and ran his hands over the bare skin of her back.

She pulled him down to her, their mouths meeting in a clash, tongues seeking, teeth nipping. And all the while the feel of his hands on her drove her to want more. She felt him unfasten her bra and allowed him to break free of the kiss to remove it.

He looked down at her breasts and suddenly went still. Memory felt a stab of anxiety in her gut. What was wrong? Did he find her unattractive?

“Where did you get this?” He reached up to touch the crystal that dangled between her breasts.

“I’ve had it a very long time. It was a gift.”

Colton reached inside the neck of his t-shirt. Memory’s mouth fell open in shock when a crystal identical to hers appeared in his hand.

“What does it mean?” she asked in amazement.

“I know someone who would call it fate.”

“What do you call it?”

“I don’t know. And right now it doesn’t matter.”

She considered it. It would matter. Later. But now? No. All that mattered was him and how much she wanted him.

“You’re so beautiful,” he murmured, running one hand lightly over the top of her breasts.

“I could say the same.” She barely had time to get the words out before he bent to lick at her breasts.

She gasped as his tongue circled her nipple slowly. “Oh… ahhh…god, get out of those clothes.”

He rose up to look into her eyes, his voice teasing. “In a hurry?”

“You have no idea,” she whispered, hoarse with desire.

“I like taking my time, darlin’. Don’t want to rush and miss anything.”

Not rush? All she could think about was wrapping her legs around him and riding him like a jack hammer…fast and hard.

He smiled and kissed her gently and slowly. The sweet taste of him filled her mouth. She breathed in his scent and felt her desire grow deeper as if the very smell of him triggered a basic primal need. Her teeth nipped at his tongue and lips, and then fastened more securely on his mouth to feed on his kiss.

Memory had never dreamed that a kiss could produce such an overwhelming physical reaction. The heat flowed from her mouth to her breasts, through her belly and pooled between her legs like liquid fire.

Colton walked her backward to the bed and lowered her back, never once severing the contact of their lips. Another blast of heat consumed her when he took one nipple between his index finger and thumb and rolled it. The heat expanded into an explosion of sensation that had her arching up for more.

She broke free from the kiss to tear at his clothing but he captured her hands. “We have all the time in the world.”

“You’re killing me.”At that moment it didn’t matter how much time they did or didn’t have. She wanted him inside her.

“Lie back, sweetheart.” His voice caressed her with as much skill as his hands.

He took his time tormenting her with every touch. Her breasts grew heavy, the nipples sensitive under his teeth and tongue

Colton sat up and removed her jeans and panties, his mouth moving over every inch of skin he revealed. Once she lay nude before him, he stripped off his shirt and knelt above her, taking another trip down her body with his lips and tongue.

His tongue dipped into her navel then traveled steadily south. When he reached the moist nest of curls, he lifted her so that her legs rested on his shoulders, her sex open and vulnerable to his questing mouth.

His fingers spread her wide, circling within and without, lubricating her with her own juice. Memory screamed with pleasure and longing when he lowered his head and lapped.

A moan rippled up her throat as her orgasm built. She arched her body, welcoming the onslaught of the sensation that intensified like a great wave rushing toward the shore. She was about to crest, to slide into that sublime void when he moved his mouth, leaving her throbbing with unresolved need.

“Please,” she begged, trying to wiggle back into position for his mouth to take her once more.

“Soon,” he whispered just before his tongue plunged into her wet channel.

Her legs tightened around him, trying to pull his tongue deeper inside her. He let her approach the edge of release then pulled back. “Not yet.”

Before he could issue more sublime torment, she wiggled free and got to her knees in front of him. “My turn,” she said with a hungry smile.

Something flared hot in his eyes at her words. Their lips devoured one another as her hands worked at his jeans. Wanting to give as much as she received, she took care to keep her touch gentle. And she took delight in taking her time—touching, kissing and licking every inch of him along the way.

At last there was nothing between them. Memory’s hands roamed over him, stroking and caressing their way down his body. Her lips then followed.

Colton groaned slightly as she took his erection in her hands and licked at him. She took her time, savoring the way he felt, the way he smelled and tasted. He was a living aphrodisiac to her. Everything about him excited her. She felt the skin of his silken sac begin to tighten and knew he was close to release.

With a heavy breath he pulled her up and claimed her lips with a kiss. Then he rolled her over on her back and claimed her wet sex with his mouth again.

She gasped as his tongue touched her and stars exploded in her head when two of his long fingers eased into her wet channel and began to pump rhythmically. She wound her fingers in his hair and cried out as a shuddering orgasm claimed her. Still caught up in the climax, she gasped as he moved between her legs and slid inside her. It sent her tumbling into an unending void of pure sensation from which she did not want to return.

As the climax began to fade, she opened her eyes and looked up at him. He smiled down at her and she arched up against him. His smile faded to be replaced by a look of deep hunger.

Their movements became harder and more demanding, their lovemaking more primitive. There was nothing that existed but their need for one another. Memory cried his name as he took her over the edge.

She felt the tension in his body intensify and knew he was close. Winding her legs tightly around him, she rocked against him. He pounded into her, his climax sending her rocketing into another spiral of sensation.

When at last it abated, Colton rolled over onto his back on the bed, pulling her on top of him. Memory felt the wet evidence of their passion on her skin. That’s when it dawned on her.

“Oh shit!”

“What’s wrong?”he asked, a puzzled expression on his handsome face.

“We didn’t use protection.”

He was silent for a long time. Long enough that she started to worry. “Is there a reason for me to be concerned?”

“No. I can guarantee you’re not going to catch anything.”

“And I can offer you that same guarantee. I’m clean, Memory. I swear.”

Memory had never taken a man’s word on that before, but found herself surprised to be doing just that. She knew instinctively that Colton was telling her the truth. She started to sit and something caught on the chain bearing the crystal.

“What the…Colton?”

He raised his head to look. What had once been two crystals was now one. Colton worked the chain over his head and Memory sat up. Two chains attached at the same point from one crystal.

“How is this possible?” she whispered, feeling the first stir of unease.

“I have no idea. What do you know about the crystal?”

Memory sighed. “God, is this really the time to get into that?”

“From the look of thing, yes. What just happened is impossible. You do realize that, don’t you? It defies the laws of…of everything I know.”

Memory nodded. “You’re right. We need to talk.”

She moved off him and started to get off the bed but his hand captured hers and pulled her back down on him. His arms circled her. “Don’t be afraid, Memory. It’ll be okay. This could be a good thing.”

Memory could only hope that was true.

* * * * *

While they waited for the food they’d ordered, Colton and Memory shared what little they each had been told about the crystals. “Well,” he said as he got up to open the door, “we don’t know much more than we did before, do we?”

While they waited for the food they’d ordered, Colton and Memory shared what little they each had been told about the crystals. 

“Well,”  he said as he got up to open the door , “we don’t know much more now than we did before, do we?”.

Memory emerged from the bathroom wearing a pair of men’s boxers that rode low on her hips and a tank top that was cropped just below her breasts. As hungry as Colton was, the sight of her tempted him to let the pizza grow cold.

“Yea, food.” She grinned as she dug into the box and lifted a slice of pizza. “Ummmm,” she moaned appreciatively around a big bite. “Good.”

Colton couldn’t help but grin at her obvious enthusiasm for the foot. As she grabbed a napkin and dug into the pizza with gusto, he helped himself to a piece.  He took a seat on the couch beside her, noticing how she’d folded her legs Indian-style beneath her.

“So.” She swallowed, took a long drink of soda and burped. “Sorry. So, if Mirriam gave you the crystal, where did she get it and why did she give it to you?”

“I guess you’d need to ask her that.”

“Why don’t we?”

“Guess we should,” he said as he took a seat beside her. “But can we wait until tomorrow for that?”

“You don’t want to ask her, do you?”

Colton hated that she’d nailed him on his reluctance. The truth was he wasn’t sure he was prepared for Mirriam to tell Memory things she’d told him, about the crystal leading him to his soul mate and how it was part of his destiny. That wasn’t the kind of thing you wanted a woman to hear after knowing her for less than a day, regardless of whether your heart was screaming that maybe Mirriam had been right.

He wasn’t ready to admit what his emotions were saying. That Memory was the woman he’d been waiting for. That making love with her had bonded more than just their crystals. That he’d felt a bond solidify deep inside him that he wasn’t sure he’d ever be able to break.

The truth was it scared the living shit out of him. He’d wished for real love to come his way, wanted to fall madly in love. Now that he was actually faced with it, he was afraid to trust it.

“I’d just prefer to wait until tomorrow.”

“Okay. Want another slice?”

“Maybe later.”

“I could order you something else if you don’t like the pizza.”

“No, it’s great.”

“Not hungry.”

“Starved.”

The rather concerned expression on her face changed at his last word. A sexy smile rose slowly. She scooted over close to him. “And just what can we do to quell that hunger?”

He smiled and lowered his lips to hers. Thoughts of food and mysterious crystals fled her mind. All that existed was him, the passion he inspired and the empty place in her heart he filled.

She couldn’t let herself think about her heart. No matter that there was a certainty within her now that hadn’t existed before, an assuredness that she’d found the man she wanted forever after. It was too much to hope for that something that big could happen this quickly.

But passion was something she could believe in. And Colton inspired that in spades.