Page 24 of Condor’s Vow

Clay followed in his car, wanting nothing more than to be with her in hers, but knowing if something urgent came in and he had to leave, he’d leave her without a car.

He followed her through a pretty neighborhood already decorated for the looming holiday and reminded himself to ask Hattie what her plans were. He wanted to spend them with her, but she might have plans with Martin and Todd, and he also had Reid and Callie coming over from the UK. Hopefully, between the two of them, they could carve out some time together.

She turned into a lovely property, over two stories high with a decent sized yard and lush mature plants, that looked like it had been lived in and had a multitude of stories to tell. She met him at his door, and he leaned down and kissed her properly now they had a little more privacy, not wanting to wait another second.

When her fingernails dug into the nape of his neck, and she sucked on his tongue, he thought he might embarrass himself there and then. She was like a siren, and he was more than ready to answer that call. He just wanted the timing right and now wasn’t it. He pulled away and chuckled at the groan she made as she tried to hold on.

“Hattie, when I make love to you for the first time, it won’t be a quicky at lunch. I want to take my time and savor every kiss, every touch. Learn what you like with my fingers and tongue, have you screaming before I stroke my cock inside you. I want you so wet that it’s dripping down your ass onto my balls, and when I’m done with that, I want to fuck you against every surface I can find until neither of us can stand.”

Clay rocked his hips toward her, his hard cock brushing her clit and making her moan and drop her head to his chest. He was sure he felt the heat of her pussy through the denim of her jeans, and it made him gather every ounce of strength he had to step back. “Show me around, baby, and maybe let’s start outside until I can trust myself in a room with a bed around you.”

Hattie smirked, and a giggle popped out as she took his hand and led him around the side to the back gate. “This is my family home.”

Clay took in the large back yard and imagined kids playing and family parties there. His eyes darted to the woman at his side as she told him about growing up there and he wondered if perhaps it wasn’t the house, but the woman who was making him think those things.

He could hear the dog growl as she opened the door to the garage that led inside to the mudroom. Mr. Chester was a big and muscular dog, mostly black with some tan typical of a rottweiler. He ran for Hattie and Clay froze a second, but relaxed when the dog just sat down in front of her and gave her his paw.

“Hello, Mr. C, aren’t you a good boy.”

Clay watched Hattie pet the dog and was pleased he seemed so gentle with her. This type of cross was the ultimate guard dog, but loyal and easy to train. They could be a little standoffish with strangers until they got to know them, but that wasn’t a bad thing in his opinion.

Mr. Chester moved to him, and Clay let him sniff his hand and get to know him before petting him gently. The animal allowed it before moving back to Hattie.

“Why don’t you go run around outside while I show Clay the house, okay?”

Clay smiled as Hattie let the dog into the yard, talking as if he understood every word.

“Right, let’s finish the tour.”

The inside of the house was as he imagined it, homey and comfortable with family photos all over the place, knickknacks on the side, and lists stuck to the fridge. The kitchen was at the back overlooking the yard, and had a small eating nook with a table and chairs. The front of the house had a large entranceway and a separate living and dining space. It was a gorgeous home, if a little dated.

“It’s a lovely home, Hattie. I can feel the love here.” It was the right thing to say, and she beamed at him, making his gut clench with emotion for her. He hadn’t been lying when he’d said he could see this being serious, but the truth was, he was falling for her in a big way.

Every time she smiled, he wanted to be the one who put the dimples in her cheeks. Hattie was good down to her bones, like when she went out of her way to do something for someone like visiting a patient on the ward who she’d treated for burns last week just to check on them, and the sexiest woman he had ever met, but it was more than that. He felt his heart squeeze when she looked at him with softness in her eyes and realized he was way past like and was falling in love with her.

Hattie stepped into his space when he held out his arm, and he wrapped her up close, wanting just to hold her for a second. She fit so perfectly he couldn’t imagine another woman in his life now, didn’t want to. It was too soon to tell her how he felt; she’d had so much going on, the last thing he wanted to do was pressure her.

“I’m glad you like it because I’m buying it.”

Clay squinted, feeling confused. “What?”

Hattie looked up at him through long lashes. “This house, I’m buying it.”

“Oookay,” he said still not understanding.

Hattie stepped away, and he let her go, following her back to the kitchen when she went to the fridge and started pulling out fixings for sandwiches. He sat at the island and waited for her to elaborate, sensing this was important to her. When she didn’t, he prompted her. “Hattie, gorgeous, talk to me.”

Hattie was chopping a tomato and stopped with a sigh. “My dad’s insurance won’t cover what we need to support him, so we need the equity in this house to cover it. I love this place, so I’m going to buy it off him and live here.”

“Wow, that’s a huge commitment, but if you’re sure you can manage it, then this is a wonderful house and neighborhood.”

“You think so?”

She sounded unsure, and Clay didn’t know why so he stood and walked up behind her, sliding his arms around her waist, and kissing her where her shoulder and neck met. He could do this all day, just kiss this spot and watch her shiver, but she needed something else from him at this moment. “I think if you want it, then it’s a great idea and a wonderful investment.”

Hattie angled her head back and grinned at him, and he could see his words made her happy, which made him happy. God, he was turning into such a sap, but he didn’t care.

“I want to do some renovations. Can I show you?”