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How far he’d come and what he wanted was something he needed to remember when he dealt with Cassie this second time around. Remembering the shocked look of betrayal on her face when she learned he had set up a ménage for their last night of newbie introductions at Wade’s club, he still questioned whether she really wanted him, and everything he’d want in return. But what plagued him even more was the way she took off, refusing to talk to him after he had spent two nights stressing the importance of communication. He could still recall with vivid clarity the razor-sharp pain of her silence, how it had sliced through him, hurting him more than it should have given their short acquaintance. How much worse would it be if she pulled the same thing again after spending weeks together?
She braved a huge risk returning to him. Maybe it was time he admitted what he always felt for her, and was feeling, was worth some risk also. He wouldn’t, couldn’t tiptoe around her or rein in his needs as that would send the wrong message. But he’d remember not to take this time for granted, give her what she wanted, show her what he expected, and hope she meant it when she insisted she could not only handle his demands this time around, she wanted them as much as he did.
Walking around to the grassy picnic area behind the lodge, he found her sitting at a picnic table, watching Morgan paint. The afternoon sun had warmed up the day, and she sat with her head tilted back, her eyes on the easel. Her long red-gold hair hung down her back and her pale skin shone with a rosy tint from the sun. She smiled at something Morgan said and his throat tightened. Maybe he ought to commission Morgan to do a portrait of Cassie. He’d seen several she did for some of the residents and they were excellent. That way, if things didn’t work out, he would have something to remember her by. Already just the thought of her running again had him faltering, swearing he’d go after her this time if she put him through that.
Chapter Seven
“Hey.” Cassie smiled up at Marc, wondering at his speculative look. “Something wrong?”
“No, darlin’. Do you have a sturdy pair of tennis shoes?” he asked, eyeing her small sandal-clad feet.
“Yes. Are we going hiking?” She had explored none of the hiking trails since moving here and the afternoon was so pleasant, she couldn’t think of anything she’d rather do more except spend time with him.
“Yes. I’m taking a group up to Eagle’s Lookout in about thirty minutes and you’re going with us.”
“Eagle’s Lookout?” Morgan glanced up at Marc with a knowing glint in her topaz eyes. “Are we going?”
“You’re meeting us there to escort the group back.”
Marc laughed when Morgan wasted no time packing up her paints. Cassie looked between the two, wondering what they knew that she didn’t. “What’s at Eagle’s Lookout? Is it someplace special?”
“There are a lot of special places on their property. But don’t worry, you’ll like them. See you guys up there.” Morgan folded her easel and practically skipped inside.
Marc watched her go with a fond smile. She had come a long way in the last six months and now embraced her passions with open abandonment, much to his and Jack’s delight. “Come on, Cassie.” Holding out his hand, she took it and allowed him to pull her up. “Go change your shoes and I’ll pack a few things to take with us.”
Cassie marveled at Marc’s knowledge as he led her and a group of eight guests through a scenic tour of the mountain. They took their time, allowing him to point out plants and wildlife native to the area, stopping at strategically placed lookout spots with breath-stealing panoramic views of the snow-capped mountains and lush green valleys. Forty-five minutes into the hike they stopped at a clearing and rested, taking time to down water and eat an energy bar.
Listening to his deep voice as he walked in front of her, watching his long-legged stride, his taut buttocks clenching with each step, made it difficult to concentrate on her footing or grasp what he was saying. Even looking up at him now from her perch on a log bench, watching him as he swallowed a bottle of water, his strong tanned throat working with each gulp, sent her pulse rate soaring. Her mouth watered at the sight of him, dressed in jeans, boots, and a tight black tee shirt, her appetite for what he dished out never fully sated. They’d had sex that morning, but she wanted him again. She seemed to be insatiable where he was concerned, something she had no desire to rectify. Her tight nipples and damp pussy ensured she would be ready for whatever paces he wanted to put her through. Recalling the way he had controlled her in the bakery yesterday reminded her it was her mind that had trouble submitting, not her body. It had been the same when she first met him, only this time she would make sure her mind got on board with him all the way.
“What are you thinking, darlin’?” Marc asked when he stooped down next to her, a small grin on his dark face.
“About how I can’t seem to get enough of you.” Her honest answer took him by surprise, as she meant it to. He might have the upper hand in this relationship, but she had ways of getting her own two cents in.
“That just happens to be a mutual feeling. Let’s get going so we can do something about it.”
Thirty minutes later they reached Eagle’s Lookout and met Jack and a flushed-faced Morgan. The small, tree-shrouded glen had one wide open view overlooking the sprawling valley and lake below, the stunning vista from this height taking Cassie’s breath away when she looked down. Logs for seating circled a fire pit, and as she sat next to Morgan she noticed how someone smoothed away the roughness, how the grass grew thick and lush, and the trees kept the sun’s heat from beating down on them but still allowed for splashes of sunlight to dapple the copse.
“Why do they switch up here instead of one or both of them taking the group the whole way up and back?” she asked Morgan, biting into another energy bar that tasted good, much to her surprise.
Morgan smirked at her. “It all depends on what other activities those two come up with. From what Jack said, Marc wants some alone time with you while up here, so it was no problem for us to take the short route and meet you. Of course, we’ve been here awhile because Jack wanted his play time as well.”
“I’ve never had sex outside,” she confessed, but the hint of it sent a heated rush sizzling through her veins. “But what if someone comes along?”
“That’s part of the excitement, never knowing if you’ll get caught. I remember one time… oops, no time now. Jack’s ready to head out. Have fun, we’ll see you back at the lodge.”
Jumping up, she joined Jack as he led the group down another path from the one they came up on. Cassie rose and waved goodbye before turning to see Marc removing his small backpack from his shoulders.
“Cassie, do you need more water?”
“No, I’m good. This is a beautiful spot.”
“One of my favorites. Jack and I spent days traipsing these woods and locating different rest areas. Come here, darlin’.” Marc
sat on a large log and held his hand out to her, enjoying the signs of nervousness and arousal crossing her expressive face. When she stopped next to him, he reached up and unbuttoned her shorts, his eyes never leaving hers. After lowering the zipper, he pulled them down and urged her over his lap. “Bend over. I have a need to feel that soft ass under my hand.”
“This is getting to be a habit,” she muttered, bending over his hard, jean-clad thighs, the soft breeze fluttering over her exposed butt making her ache for a harder touch.
“One I don’t intend to break.” He adjusted her so her buttocks lay over his right leg, her hands braced on the ground, head down and knees bent. Perfect. Running a hand over her round, pale cheeks, he waited until her tense muscles relaxed and acceptance took over. “That’s a good girl.”
