“Which means the kids will have a good time?”
Where was she going with this, and what did it have to do with his proposed walk?
“Which means everyone is tied up for at least another hour,” she told him tartly.
Cisco wondered if he’d drifted into an alternate universe. Was it possible Hilly was suggesting…?
Cisco coughed. “You, uh, may have to spell it out for me, Hill.”
She gave an exasperated huff and crossed her arms over her chest, her poise draining away, her gaze dropping to her feet. “Seriously, Cisco? I thought you were smarter than that.”
He could see Hilly backing off, and if he didn’t step up and take a pretty big leap of faith, he could lose an opportunity she might or might not have just handed to him.
“Are you, uh, suggesting we go back to your cabin?”
Even from his viewpoint of the top of her head, Cisco could see the blush move into the part in her hair.
She mumbled something he couldn’t hear, but he wasn’t waiting for another sign. Cisco picked up Hilly’s hand and tugged her farther into the trees. “Look at me, Hilly,” he demanded gruffly.
Her pretty blue eyes rose to meet his.
“I’d like nothing better than to go back to your cabin, if that’s what you’re saying. But I don’t want to overstep. I’ve been taking us slowly because I know you’ve had doubts about how you felt in the past, and how serious I am.”
“Us,” she repeated softly, then cleared her throat. “I have, actually,” she admitted. “But I’ve…changed my mind.” He saw her drag in a big gulp of air. “I… I decided you’re far too hot not to take advantage of while I still have the opportunity,” she told him honestly, lifting her stubborn little chin in the process.
Cisco grinned. “You think I’m hot? And you want to take advantage?”
His cock stirred.
“Oh please.” She snorted. “You’ve heard that hundreds of times before.”
“Maybe,” he admitted. “But never from you.” His response was dead serious. “And you mean more to me than any woman who’s ever said it. I promise.”
Her face took on a hopeful, yet still doubtful cast that made Cisco’s heart break. He needed to grow a pair, right the hell now. “I’m serious, Hilly. I’ve… There’s…” Dammit. He’d never said this before, and it was difficult. Cisco spit things out, quickly. “I think I’m falling for you.”
Her pretty mouth dropped open, but she caught herself mid-gape, and snapped it shut.
When she looked everywhere but at him, shifted her feet and didn’t respond, Cisco began to have doubts. Had he read her wrong? Had she simply been angling for a quick tumble? It didn’t jibe with the Hilly he’d come to know, but…
“I’m falling for you, too,” she cut through his fog.
But in what should have been a very happy moment, a single tear fell from the corner of her eye.
Cisco reached out with his finger and caught it.
“If that’s the case,” he asked gently, “then why are you crying?”
“I’m scared.” Her small voice trembled. “I’ve been dancing around my feelings for you for weeks now, afraid if I acknowledge them fully, I’ll get hurt when you eventually say goodbye.”
Cisco slowly backed her up against a tree, and raised her palm to his chest.
Her fingers flexed on his pec.
“Do you feel that, Hilly? That’s my heart, beating overtime for you. And this?” He gently rocked his hips into her belly, letting her feel his cock, which had responded with enthusiasm to the situation. “It’s been giving me endless shit about keeping things G-rated.”
Still, he had to hear her issue her invitation again. “So, with those things in mind, do you still want to bring me back to your cabin? Because once you do, you’re mine, Hilly. And I’m not letting you go.”
Her breath came in quick gasps. “You sound…serious. Like you really know.”
“I’ve known for a while,” he rasped.
Unable to hold back any longer, he leaned forward and took her mouth in a hard, insistent kiss.
When Hilly didn’t pull back, but poked her tongue out to lick the seam of his mouth, he had his answer. She was all in as well.
“Thank fuck, Hilly,” he growled, pulling back with a great effort. “I don’t know what I would have done if you told me this thing between us wasn’t happening.”
A smile tipped her lips upward, but their slight wobble told him he still had work to do to make her realize he was dead serious. It would take time, but he’d remind her over, and over, for as long as it took for her to finally get it, that she was worthy, and that they were meant for each other.
“I want you, Cisco,” she said bravely, reaching for his hand. “Let’s go.”
She didn’t have to tell him twice.
Was it hours, or only seconds later when they reached Hilly’s cabin? Cisco didn’t know. His anticipation was so high, he had no concept of time. All he knew was, when the door finally closed behind them, Hilly was already working the buttons of his shirt, tugging the cotton material down off his shoulders.
“I love your chest,” she rasped, lowering her head, and nipping at his skin. “You’re all muscle.”
