14 comments/ 35811 views/ 17 favorites Destined Hearts By: AtFirstSight Camryn O'Connor took a sip of her strawberry daiquiri and stared across the room. There was a thin crowd at the small bar Camryn had found--called The Rusty Bucket. No surprise since it was Valentines Day. Camryn imagined that most everyone was either tucked away in a booth at a fancy restaurant or cuddled up in front of a fireplace with their lover. Everyone except for her and a few other lonely New Yorkers. Tonight was supposed to be a fabulous night of carefree drinking and sexual activity. Just two weeks ago she and her single friend, Kayla, had planned it. They would dress up, head to a local bar, pick up some eye candy, and then head back to their apartments for a night full of fun beneath the sheets. For once Camryn hadn't been dreading Valentines and all of the romantic activity the day entailed. That is, until Kayla's most recent ex had showed up with an offer to rekindle their relationship. At first Camryn had been angry at Kayla for ditching her so quickly. But honestly, she couldn't be mad, because who didn't want to be with someone they loved on Valentines? With a heavy sigh, Camryn caught the bartender's eye and motioned for him to bring her another drink. Out of stubbornness, she had kept her end of the Valentines Day pact she and Kayla had made. Earlier that evening she'd dressed in a red skirt, knee-high black boots, and an off-the-shoulder white cardigan. She had entered The Rusty Bucket full of hope. Too bad all of the men here tonight looked as if they were just up for drowning their sorrows in vodka and scotch. One man had approached her, but had moved on when she made it clear that he wouldn't be bedding her in his wildest dreams. Maybe she wasn't cut out for a hot affair. All of her life Camryn had been the "good girl." Always playing by the rules, and always losing to those who didn't. She told herself that all she needed for her holiday blues to dissipate was a hot guy to cling to all night long. Deep down she knew that it would take more than a one night stand. Ever since her aunt—her last known relative—had died three years earlier, her holiday spirit had been MIA. Images of a husband, children, and paper hearts flashed through her mind, only ceasing when the old bartender set a glass in front of her. "Here you go, sweetheart. Anything else I can get you?" "No, this will do it," she tried to smile, but felt like it came out as more of a grimace. His brows furrowed, "I've been watching you sulk all night. Whatsa matter? You end things with your boyfriend recently? Talk to old Jimmy about it." Opening up to people had never come very easily to Camryn. Growing up in foster homes until age twelve when her aunt was able to find her, she had learned to rely on herself. A flush started to creep up her neck, "I didn't...I mean, I don't have a boyfriend. I haven't for a long time. But I don't feel like talking, really..." A knowing look came over the aged man's face, and he patted her hand, "That's okay, sweetheart, but if you don't mind me saying so, you're awfully pretty; any man would be lucky to have you. Maybe Cupid will work a little magic." Camryn gave an embarrassed laugh, and was about to remind the man that he knew nothing about her. For all he knew she could be the biggest bitch this side of the Mississippi. But her words got stuck in her throat when the bar door was shoved open. Cool air immediately penetrated every inch of the bar, and swirls of snowflakes made their way inside. Street lights from outside kept the stranger's face hidden, but from what Camryn could see was impressive. His long legs were encased in well-worn jeans that led up to a narrow waist and a light blue button-down. Broad shoulders were set off by his suede jacket. Being tall herself, Camryn could tell that he stood around 6'3''. He strode in and took a seat in the middle of the bar, just three seats away. Jimmy went over to talk to the new face while Camryn studied the man's profile. The dim lighting played off the sharp angles of his face, showcasing the powerful square jaw, straight nose, and kissable lips. Chocolate brown hair lay in an intentional disarray. Camryn clenched her hands into fists, her fingers longing to be buried in the silky strands. She brought the rim of her drink to her glossed lips just as the man caught her staring at him. At the sight of those deep blue eyes—one that could be cool as ice or hot enough to melt steel—Camryn gasped, the drink slipping from her fingers. Her drink spilled onto the counter, and she frantically groped for napkins to cleanup the spreading puddle. Jimmy swore crudely, but stopped moving closer to Camryn when a deep voice reached his ears, "Don't worry about it, we'll clean this up. Just get the lady another drink." His expression was one of pity. A pathetic emotion that Camryn really didn't want from someone so gorgeous. Especially if that someone was him. Luke Masterson was one of the people Camryn had counted on never seeing again. Once graduation day had come, she bolted from the small town to the city. Then, after college, she never came back. Didn't go to her five year reunion, wouldn't return calls she got from old classmates, and never talked about her old peers. Still, there had always been one person she couldn't stop from entering her mind every now and then. One person she would still love to see no matter how many old memories it dredged up. And now...that man was before her. As Luke wiped up the mess she'd made, Camryn observed the shift of lean muscles beneath his shirt—ones he hadn't lost since being All-State Quarterback. The only noticeable differences in him were that his shoulders seemed even broader, and his hair was styled in a more professional manner. Her mind drifted back to the fantasies she'd often entertained about Luke, the one person from her past that she knew she could never forget. Luke felt the woman's heavy stare. It was something he was used to—being looked at—but for some reason it felt different now. She was looking past his exterior. He felt naked under her green-eyed gaze. The very idea of being naked in front of her gave Luke a thrill. He'd of been blind not to notice her. Dressed in that short skirt that showed long toned legs leading up to milky thighs. He wanted to settle between them. To feel those legs wrapped around his waist. Wanted to see those glossy lips part with feminine pleasure as he felt her tighten around him intimately. A soft voice interrupted the cascade of images flooding his brain, which was probably a good thing since his pants were growing ever-less-roomy. "Y-you don't have to help clean this up." She removed the wadded up napkins from his hand. He was surprised when he felt a zing of something almost electrical shoot down to his toes when she touched him. Even more surprised at her next words. "I'm sure your date will be here any second." Luke cleared his throat, settling down on the stool next to her, "I'm not expecting anyone. Are you?" The eyes that had been so shamelessly observing him only seconds before now looked like a deer in the headlights. "N-no," she stammered in a way that seemed familiar. Squinting, Luke tried to place where he'd heard the voice. Certainly he would remember a woman this sexy if they'd crossed paths before. How could he have ignored the wavy blonde hair or mysterious green eyes? Not to mention soft feminine curves that were every man's wet dream. Still, despite the nagging feeling in the back of his mind, no memories were surfacing. Maybe she just has a common look. "Well good," Luke smiled broadly, "Because you're the prettiest woman in the room, and it'd be a shame if you were already taken." A blush crept up her neck, and she looked away, "I'm definitely not taken." "I'm Luke, by the way." He smiled genuinely and extended his hand. Maybe tonight wouldn't be too bad. Coming into the bar originally, Luke had been feeling sorry for himself. All alone wasn't exactly the way he wanted to be. Every other day he could handle it, but not on Valentines Day. If for only one night he wanted to bask in the warmth that a woman could provide. Two hours and three daiquiris later Camryn was feeling a lot less shy around Luke. He'd been an excellent companion. They were able to talk about everything from their favorite author to their most embarrassing moment. Of course she'd had to make some things up when he would ask about things from her childhood. If there was one thing Camryn didn't want him to know, it was who she really was. The pathetic loser from high school who all of his friends had made fun of. A couple of times he had touched her. Just a moving of a stray hair here, an elbow brush there...but each time she felt a heat in his touch that made her press her thighs together. What would it be like to be beneath a man who could make her wet by just bumping her elbow? Hell, the sound of his voice alone could probably get her off. Besides, he conducted himself in a very confident—yet not arrogant—way that was extremely sexy. Lost in thought, Camryn was pulled back to reality only when she felt Luke's warm breath on her ear, the scent of his cologne intoxicating. "Come back to my apartment with me...." Even if her senses were a teeny bit off due to the drinks she'd consumed, there was no disguising the lust in Luke's eyes. Her stomach flip-flopped. How long had she wished to see that very look in his eyes? It would be too emotional to go back with him. She didn't need to be thinking about how much high school had sucked. Still, she found herself nodding, and on shaky legs she exited the bar, her small hand encased in Luke's bigger one. It didn't seem like the best decision, but she had come to the bar for the express purpose of getting laid by a good-looking man. And that, she convinced herself, was all this was. Sex. Nothing more, nothing less. But then Luke's hand found hers and their fingers intertwined. And just like that a seed of hope was planted deep in a part of her heart that was untouchable. There was no denying that hope. The one that said there was a chance that Luke would see more in her than a one-night stand. She was surprised when he led her into the lobby of a high-rise. "You live here?" "Yeah, thirty-third floor." Stepping into the elevator Camryn's legs wobbled. What was she doing with a man who could afford to live like this? She was barely surviving with two roommates and a menial job for the local newspaper. Luke's arm came around her waist, gently tugging her closer. Close enough that having any thought outside of how much she wanted him wasn't possible. "You went a little pale at the mention of the thirty-third floor. Not scared of heights are you?" "A little," she admitted, her knees almost buckling when he did a sexy half-smile. Eyes meeting hers, he inched even closer, "Don't worry, Liz. You're safe with me." The fake name she'd given him was startling at first, but then he pressed his lips over hers and all else was forgotten. It started as a light caress. A soft, warm, pressure that slowly grew less tentative with each brush of his lips. Camryn's arms wound their way around Luke's neck as he walked her backwards until she was sandwiched between him and the side wall of the elevator. The air between them simmered with sexual energy. One hand came down to cup her breast, and Camryn moaned, mouth open, eyes closed, her head falling back. She needed a second out from under the most skilled pair of lips she'd ever come across. If he kept it up she just might orgasm from a make-out session. No man needed that much of an ego boost. Luke was a man of opportunity. It was how he'd made the varsity football team as a freshmen, and how he'd made his way up the corporate ladder. So, being presented with the graceful arch of Liz's neck, he knew exactly what to do. Her skin was smooth under his tongue as he made his way to the exposed shoulder that had taunted him all evening. Her small mews of pleasure seemed to have a direct effect on the state of his hard-on—which already felt harder than it'd ever been. Never had a woman been so responsive to every move he made. Every kiss, touch, lick...she had him wanting to skip anymore foreplay and move onto the part where he got to sink into her moist heat. Speaking of which... Luke trailed a hand down her leg, slowly coming back up, but underneath her skirt this time. He let out a groan when he felt that she wore stockings instead of nylons that would get in the way of further probing. But just when he was about to find out just how wet she was, the ding of the elevator penetrated the sexual haze he'd been lost in. Coherent thought and logic abandoned, Luke all but dragged Camryn behind him. Unlocking his door had never proven so difficult. His keys seemed as easy to grip as a wet fish, and almost fell to the ground. Twice. Once inside he shrugged off his coat and let it fall to the floor, waiting for his companion to do the same with hers before he all but attacked her. The wall behind her provided support. Their hips ground together in promise of what was going to come later. Much later if he wasn't careful. The way she was reacting about had him coming with his pants still on. Her hands busied themselves with untucking his shirt from his Levi's. Then they were traveling up his back, feeling cool against his heated flesh. Pushing the sweater down her arms it bunched around her waist. Not the intended way of removal, but definitely the quickest. Practiced fingers undid her front-clasping red lace bra. Oh, God. For a few moments he marveled at the perfection of her breasts. They weren't overly large...just enough to fill his hands. He hefted each of them and made small circles around the nipples until they hardened into distended peaks. One look and he saw that her eyes were on his actions. Without breaking eye contact Luke lowered his head and took one rounded tip into his mouth, suckling and nipping lightly. His other hand found the scrap of material that was covering her mound. He ran his finger lightly up and down her slit until she moaned lightly, rolling her hips. Luke lowered himself to his knees, taking her sweater and skirt with him until they were pooled at her ankles. She stepped from them, and looked down at him, biting her lip nervously. Luke's Adams apple bobbed as he tried to control himself. Here was this beautiful woman. She stood before him in only a pair of red sheer panties that left nothing to the imagination. And she was acting as if he would suddenly decide that he didn't want her? Part of him wanted to wrap her in his arms and hold her close—ask what could've made such an amazing woman lose confidence in herself. The other half—the below the waist half—wanted to show her exactly how he felt. Do things to her so that she was left knowing exactly how much he wanted her. And God did he. Hearing her breath catch as he slowly slid her panties down the long toned legs, and being able to smell her arousal...Luke felt like he would die if he didn't have her that instant. He stood, and she went to remove his pants. With one hand Luke stopped both of hers. The question in her eyes left him with no choice but to kiss her. To take her mouth and sweep his tongue inside, sucking at her lower lip for one delicious second before releasing it. Staring into her brilliant green eyes he stroked her cheek, "Without my pants on I don't think I could resist taking you right now." Those kiss-swollen lips twisted in a confused frown, "You're not going to fuck me?" Considering the fact that he was practically drooling over her, that one word coming from her sweet lips made his mouth go amazingly dry. Not to mention that his pants grew even tighter. Luke licked his lips, "Oh, baby, I want to make love to you more than you can imagine. But not yet." Before she could ask, he scooped her up and carried her to the bedroom. Camryn was set down on the soft sheets. She struck a splayed out pose that she hoped was seductive. If Luke's pupils dilating and the bulge in his pants growing even more defined were any indication...then she'd hit that one on the head. Inside she gave a huge sigh of relief. Out in his large living room, when he hadn't let her take his pants off, she'd been scared that he'd changed his mind. Nothing could be worse than almost getting to feel a man like Luke Masterson above her. He knelt on the bed, kissing his way up her leg to her inner thigh. The throbbing in Camryn's head grew. She needed him inside her. Didn't want anymore foreplay or teasing. What she longed for is to feel a man slide deep inside. It had been way too long. When Luke planted a kiss on her mound and then ran his tongue in circles around her clit, Camryn shuddered. She tried to move back out of his range. Two large hands holding her hips stopped her. "Where do you think you're going?" She swallowed hard. Seeing his intense cobalt-blue eyes looking up from between her legs was almost too much to handle. "You don't have to do that, Luke. I don't expect you to." His smile was so tender that it touched her heart. "I know you don't. That's why I want to." He paused, his smile turning to a grin. "Let me do this for you, Liz. Let me feel you come on my tongue." The lust in his voice made her nipples tighten. The only part she hadn't liked was the name. When he finally came, she wanted it to be her name that he called out. Her name that his voice would caress intimately. Then she became privy to cunnlingus by Luke. And after being given one of the most incredible orgasms of her life, she really didn't give a damn what he called her. As long as he could shuck his pants and slide home in a minute or less. Soon enough he was poised above her, teasing them both by rubbing the head of his cock around her hole. "You're sure you want to go through with this, right? I mean...we hardly know each other." She almost punched him when she saw his eyes dancing with humor. "Right about now I'd say I'll have to kick your ass if you don't finish what you've started, Mr. Masterson." Their eyes met, a world of things being communicated. With a nod, Luke quit messing around and slid into her body—where they both wanted him to be. A gasp escaped Camryn's mouth, but was muffled by Luke's lips. Their first kiss being joined was tender. Too tender. It was the kind of kiss Camryn would expect from a love who had long ago memorized every inch of her body and soul. She didn't want that kind of kiss from Luke. This was a one-night stand. A chance to finally get him out of her system after all those years. She never expected him to edge his way into her life even further. But as they began to move together, breath mingling, their bodies fitting together so perfectly...that's exactly what he did. Destined Hearts Ch. 02 The bed was warm despite the lack of any covers but the sheet. A damp, almost sex-laden, air hung throughout the room. Luke was having one of the best dreams he could remember. What made it better was that it had actually happened. A beautiful woman had laid beneath him, played a very active role in their lovemaking, and had eventually clung to his shoulders and come with his name on her lips. Then his mind took it to the next level. Camryn was on all fours, her face buried in a plush pillow to muffle her moans as he thrust into her over and over. In and out, harder and faster...building until his hips were a blur. Her muscles would start to tighten up, his cock becoming even thicker to announce that it too would be satisfied soon. He would hold back using all of his self-control—thinking about boring, non-sexual things like filing your taxes—in order to hold back until she began bucking against him. Finally he would release, and the two of them would sink onto the bed in post-orgasmic bliss. A smile curved his lips at the thought of holding her again. It had been a new experience—feeling that satisfied. Not only sexually, but deep inside—where it counts. For a long time they had talked afterward. They'd both grown up in small towns, and had just about everything in common. He even remembered telling her about how his father had been abusive. The nights he spent purposely keeping his sleep light so that he could hear when the old man came home. Slowly he would creep to the top of the stairs and watch the scene unfold. It was always the same. The arguing that led to harsh words from his father. His mom would whisper for him to shush so that the kids didn't wake up. That was always the breaking point. For a reason Luke would never understand, his father had harbored the idea that Luke and his kid sister Nellie weren't his. Countless times Luke had mentally begged his mother to just not bring up the kids. Just once. That way he wouldn't have to bound down the stairs and get in the middle. The following days he would go to school with one type of injury or another. He always shrugged it off as a football battle wound, and that made everyone just nod and chuck him on the shoulder—praise him for being the hero quarterback. Only when the coach himself got suspicious did anything close to the truth come out. From then on Coach Carson—a man with power in the community—had "suggested" to Mr. Masterson that he stay in line. Rarely was there a problem after that. Unless you counted the fact that Luke had felt so indebted to the Coach that he'd dated LeAnna Carson throughout high school. Warm and bubbly on the outside, but cool and hard inside, LeAnna wasn't what he'd ever wanted. No, he wanted someone like the woman he'd brought home tonight. A little shy and hesitant on the outside, but warm...oh so warm...not to mention tight and slick...on the inside. With the thought of how amazing she was, Luke rolled to the side—wanting to pull her back against him. Feel her firm round ass nestled in against his groin. But she wasn't there. Luke's eyes flew open. He sat up fast, no longer relaxed, but completely on-edge. Had she left? No. She wouldn't. Would she? He jumped out of bed and pulled on a pair of nearby boxers. Ignoring the cool floor on his feet Luke padded out into the living room. "Hey...you still here?" The bathroom was empty, as was the kitchen and living room. She was gone. Luke took a deep breath. Ironic how fate worked. It let you have one exquisite taste of perfection, and then it yanked it away. With a self-loathing chuckle, Luke leaned against the counter of the bar in the kitchen and looked out the large sliding glass doors. The skyline was still lit as some of the suns rays were just starting to peek over the horizon. Movement off to the side caught Luke's eye. Holy Hell. She's still here. With renewed energy he moved for the balcony and toward the one woman who intrigued him like nobody else ever had. -- Camryn stood looking out at a beautiful New York skyline. To think that this view greeted Luke every morning. She'd never had such beauty in her life. Unless you counted the past few hours. The ones during which she'd been wrapped in his protective embrace. Sex with him had been like one very long, very intense, and very satisfactory roller coaster ride. It was scary, intense, but at the end of the day...all she wanted to do was hop back in the front car and ride it again. And again and again and again, Camryn thought with a sly smirk. She could ride Luke for a looooong time. It had startled her to learn about Luke's past. To think that nobody had ever known. How hard must it have been to keep that burden hidden? Sadly enough...she was just the person to know. If only she would've known back in high school. Maybe they could've talked...related to one another. The second the thought entered her mind, it was replaced by a cold sadness. There was no way that Luke would've given her two looks back then. He and LeAnna were two peas in a pod, and she was the mushy lima bean that everyone had just pushed to the side of the plate. She frowned. Why couldn't things be different? "Mind if I join the party?" Camryn jumped at the sound of Luke's voice. Spinning around she was faced with a very shirtless Luke. The mere sight of his abs made her salivary glands start doing what they do best. Images of her hands caressing those very muscles as he moved deep inside her flashed through her mind. "No, you're fine." He moved over slowly, as if she were a skittish animal that he didn't want to startle. "Thought you were afraid of heights." Their hands came together immediately, Camryn's forehead against the hollow of Luke's throat. "You promised I'd be safe with you." Gently a finger came below her chin and tipped her gaze up to his. "I just want you to know...that I keep my promises." Camryn didn't know what to say. Every fiber of her being wanted to believe what he was saying. A part of her did. But she'd been lied to and hurt so many times before. How could she trust herself to be a good judge? "Look, the sun is coming up..." She turned in his arms, and gave a sigh of happiness when Luke pulled her in close against him. The oversized button-down shirt she'd borrowed from Luke's closet slipped off one shoulder. She reached to pull it back up but stopped at the feel of Luke's tongue. He traced a spot and then kissed tenderly, giving her hand a light squeeze. "I love your tattoo. I've never been able to get it out of my mind since the first time I saw it." Camryn's heart was thumping erratically in her chest as she dissected what he'd just said. "It's so sexy," he breathed, nipping at the tender flesh of her upper shoulder. Camryn wasn't delusional. She knew what she'd heard. It just didn't make sense. Turning in Luke's arms she put a hand on his chest and pushed him a step back. Her eyes met his head-on, searching for a truth that she needed to know. "What do you mean 'since the first time you saw it'? I just met you last night." His hand went to cup her cheek but Camryn stepped back. She held up a hand. "Luke, don't fuck with me." He smirked at that and she had to laugh too. "Dammit you know what I mean. Just answer the question.—and don't you dare lie to me." The dark blue eyes that she loved turned serious. "I will never, ever, lie to you...Camryn." Destined Hearts Ch. 03 "H-how do you...I mean." Camryn turned away from him and stared out at the Ocean. This couldn't be happening. She sliced a hand through the air, "I can't believe you. How could you have pretended not to know?" She lowered her head to her hands on the railing, suddenly feeling faint. Luke's hand guided her to a chair, "Cam, just sit down, okay? I swear I didn't know at first. You look so different, and when you lied about your name..." His eyes pleaded with hers. "I did know there was something familiar about you. I just couldn't place it. Until I saw the tattoo last night." She shook her head. How could this have happened? It was the one-night stand from hell! No, she argued mentally. This was one of the most memorable experiences she'd ever had. Everything had just crumbled at the end. I should've gotten out of here while I had the chance. Even that was a lie. Her instinct upon waking up had been to run. But as soon as she'd moved an inch, Luke sleepily wrapped an arm around her waist and nuzzled her shoulder. For almost an hour she just lay in silence, committing every detail of those minutes to memory. The soft sound of Luke breathing, his chest rising and falling against her back, and most of all the absolute feeling of contentment that was completely foreign. Why of all people had she found perfection with this man? One that was so unattainable. One who was looking at her as if she could dissipate any second. "When?" Her voice was hoarse even to her ears. "I didn't get my tattoo until after graduation. When could you have possibly seen it?" A reminiscent grin tipped the corner of Luke's mouth up. That plus his sleep-ruffled hair gave him a boyish quality that was irresistible. If things hadn't gotten so complicated in the past five minutes, Camryn would beg him to take her back to bed. "You came to my graduation party, remember? You wore a pretty brown halter-top with a bulky cardigan. When LeAnna spilled punch on you and the cardigan came off I caught a glimpse of it. Never thought a daisy could turn me on, but..." Images from the past ran through Camryn's mind like scenes on a movie reel. She remembered all too well the day in question. She'd spent half the day trying to work up the courage to go to Luke's graduation party all alone. Most of her figured he'd only given her the invitation because every other senior at Bedford High had. A secret part of her childish heart had hoped it meant that he liked her. But the latter was proven completely false when she'd gone and immediately noticed LeAnna Carson. She stood, long bronzed arms wrapped around Luke, wearing a skimpy floral dress that kept attracting the town pastor's disproving stare. When the two girls' stares met, Camryn could practically see the claws come out. Not that she knew why. How could a parentless, frizzy-haired, four-eyes possibly threaten the beautiful brunette? Still, Luke had sought her out later on in the day. To Camryn's surprise he seemed really interested in her post-graduation plans, asking all sorts of questions about what a small town girl like herself planned to do in New York. That's when a bump from behind had resulted in brown iced tea being dumped all over her white zip-up. Luckily it had been extra thick and hadn't allowed any wetness to seep onto her halter. Recalling the story, Camryn's brows scrunched together. "Wait...LeAnna didn't spill on me. John Whitman did." Luke knew a test when he saw one. Fortunately he was ready for this one. "Yeah, the same John Whitman who was in love with LeAnna and would do anything—including spilling a drink on you—if she so much as crooked her little finger in his direction." The button-down Camryn wore rode up her thighs. Luke couldn't resist laying a hand just above her knee. For a reason he couldn't explain he wanted to touch her. Brand her so that every other man knew she was his. Which was ridiculous, because she wasn't. A quizzical look still sat on her face. "I didn't think guys paid attention to that sort of thing..." "Only when someone they care about is involved." A soft edge crept into his voice as he tried to soothe her insecurities. She nodded firmly at that. "Yeah, I guess that makes sense. You and LeAnna dated for a long time, huh?" Luke choked on a snort of laughter, "You're kidding, right?" She wasn't. Hand coming up to cup her cheek he ran a finger over her bottom lip. When her cotton-candy pink tongue darted out to lick at it his almost lost his focus. But the mood didn't seem right for a quickie on the balcony. Besides, the lounge chair would leave lines on her pretty little ass. "I meant that I cared about you, Cam. I kept LeAnna around because I figured it kept Coach from having to keep her in line. She was a pretty wild child." That seemed to lighten her mood a little. "But why did you feel indebted to Coach?" Luke swallowed the lie that almost came out of his mouth. He didn't need to lie to the woman in front of him. "He was the one who got my dad to stop abusing my mom and me. Of course he didn't insist that I date LeAnna...but at the time I felt like it was what I had to do. That probably sounds dumb." That got an instant reaction. Her fingers curled around his, "No, Luke, not at all. That's totally understandable for a kid to think. And you probably did a favor to LeAnna, anyway—keeping her out of trouble and all." The fact that she was trying to keep from being bitter at the mention of LeAnna amused him. This woman was near perfect. With a tug he had her on her feet and turned around in his embrace, looking out at the ever-brightening line of skyscrapers. "I'm sorry for not recognizing you right away, Cam. It wasn't because I never looked at you in high school. And now that I know it's you, it only makes what we've shared that much better. Forgive me for being a stupid male?" "How could I say no to Luke Masterson? He's dreamy, former football captain, all American boy. An upstanding citizen of New York, with a—" Her list ended in a gasp when Luke's mouth found her ear to nibble on. "Let's not talk about me, hmm? How about we talk about Camryn O'Connor." With a sigh Camryn leaned back against Luke's firm chest. "What's there to say? I was an orphan who finally found a home only to be ridiculed by classmates until I graduated. And deep down I'm still the nerdy frizz-head with no social skills. I try to act confident, though." "Mm, no," Luke decided. "You are confident. Very strong and determined. You just worry that you're really not. You are, Cam. Everyone can see it. I've always seen it." Before she could argue Luke gestured toward the horizon and they both stared in silence. His hand slid down beneath the oversized shirt she wore. He ginned when he found there were no panties in his way. Gently he cupped her mound and began lightly tracing her folds. Almost immediately he felt her flesh warm, and wondered if she had been this wet during their entire conversation. The idea had his cock hardening, liking the idea of being buried in Camryn once again. Luke's other hand came up to tease the sides of Camryn's cotton-covered breasts. Soon her nipples were hard, her head falling back to rest on his shoulder. Her lips parted for him, and he wasted no time finding her most sensitive spot, drawing circles around it with the pad of his finger. This brought a soft moan from Camryn. "We're on the balcony, Luke...what if someone sees?" Kissing the curve of her neck he smiled, already knowing the answer to his question. "You want me to stop?" He punctuated the last word by sliding a finger into her warmth. Her head shook slightly, "Nooo, God no. I want to come on your fingers. Right here. I don't even care if anyone sees." Picking up his pace, Luke smirked. "See, now that's a very social thing of you to say." She chuckled and nudged his stomach softly, "Here's an idea Masterson...why don't you keep your fingers busier than your mouth?" Camryn rocked back and forth on a pair of some of the most skilled fingers she'd ever met. Her only complaint was that he kept backing off right when she felt like one more stroke in the right direction could send her into an orgasm she may never come back from. Eyes clenched, bottom lip between her teeth, Camryn let out a low moan. "Oh...oh Luke...p-please don't stop. Please." She gasped as the pressure on her clit increased, "Mmm, yeah, yeah...harder...oh God, Luke!" His fingers paused for an agonizingly long second. Her insides were screaming for him to keep going. She was aware of every throb around his fingers. In an attempt to encourage motion she bucked once against Luke's hand. Warm breath tickled her ear. She was so close her legs were trembling. "Before you come, I want you to know that you're beautiful...." The thumb on her enlarged clit began caressing again—this time with a mission, and if his words hadn't almost put her over the edge, the one last hard thrust of his fingers did. A primal groan of utter satisfaction tore from Camryn's lips. Her hips jerked erratically. Her knees gave. And the world around her went fuzzy, her last glimpse being of the sun shining around a skyscraper. The next thing Camryn heard was Luke's voice. Things were still a little blurry. Still, she managed to wind her fingers through his unkempt hair and pull his mouth to hers. It was meant to be hard quick. Instead their lips met softly, tugging and sucking at one another gently. When he eased back, a smile in his eyes as well as on his face, Camryn had to fight the three words that were threatening to spill forth. At the sight of her open mouth, Luke raised an eyebrow, "What is it?" Becoming more aware of her surrounding Camryn realized she was inside on the couch. She must've passed out for a second of two. No surprise. Instead of the words she wanted to say, she opted for something different—though also true. "I've never come that hard before...in fact, I've never gotten off before actual sex." "Me either." Camryn stared at him hard, and he shrugged, "Well, except for blowjobs." She stared harder. Then darted her eyes down to the crotch of his pants only to see a wet spot. Eyes wide she burst into laughter, falling back against the armrest. A playfully angry Luke was soon hovering over her, tickling her sides—at first. Soon he was holding her lithe body against his hard one, their limbs and tongues tangling. With other guys Camryn was done after one orgasm. Getting hot again was never really a possibility. Now it was different. Soon she was trailing fingers down to undo the button and zipper that kept her from really feeling Luke against her. He kicked off his jeans and boxers once she couldn't get them down any further. Her shirt, however, was proving more difficult. Buttons weren't as easy to undo when every nerve in your body was standing on end. Frustrated, she groaned. Luke reached forward, taking the two tails of the shirt. One firm yank later and the button problem was history. Camryn was thought she'd had a mini-orgasm. "I can't believe you did that," she gasped. Mouth already nearing her breast, Luke smiled. "Nothing comes between me and your breasts. Their amazing..." he said that last part almost as an after-thought. No they're not was right on the tip of her tongue. Then Camryn merely smiled. She was beautiful to Luke. She felt beautiful with him. Just thinking about their romp on the balcony made her squirm. Or maybe the squirming was due to Luke tonguing her nipples. Soon enough he was spreading her thighs, guiding his length into her so slowly that she could've screamed. It almost hurt in a "do-this-to-be-every-hour-of-every-day" sort of way. When he was fully embedded in her their eyes met. His dark blue eyes were almost black. Their lips came together slowly, much like their first kiss, but this time it stayed soft. Luke's strokes were unhurried and deep. He would pull out until all that remained clasped inside was the head of his cock before sinking back in with the same deliberate strokes, over and over. Camryn was quickly growing restless. Her hips bucked instinctively, wanting Luke to take her hard and fast. But he didn't. Instead he moved a hand down to hold her hips still, his mouth caressing her ear, "Just be patient...I promise it will be good." And he was right. Only minutes later Camryn was moaning incessantly, back arched, her breasts feeling like they were on fire. Just one more bump and grind to her clit...that was all she needed to explode. Luke seemed to realize this, and he picked up his pace a little bit. After a few half-strokes that had Camryn tossing her head from side to side he embedded himself with a hard stroke. That's all it took. Her short nails raked up his back, and their bodies moved together before they both surrendered to earth-shattering orgasms. The sound of Luke's voice when he called out her name—her real name—as he came would've been enough. They collapsed together on the couch, Camryn completely content to stay beneath his weight for the rest of her life. Luke rolled onto his side. The last thing he wanted to do was kill Camryn by suffocating her. His hands roamed up and down her spine, trying to assure himself that she was real. Not until long after their heart rates had returned to normal and the post-orgasmic glow wore off a little, did either of them speak. "What are your plans for today?" For a moment he didn't know what to say. Over the past 12 hours he'd managed to forget that anyone besides he and Camryn existed. "Well, I planned to talk to you, make love to you, eat with you—or eat you, whichever one comes first." Camryn gave him a look of mock disapproval. Then her stomach growled and she turned red as a stop sign. He chuckled, "Alright, I get it. I need to feed you." Reluctantly Luke stood up, "How about I take you out for breakfast after we shower?" "Together?" She asked coyly. "Much as I'd like that—a lot—I think food would take a backseat to pleasure if we were to do that." He nudged her toward the bathroom. "Towels are in the closet, and you can borrow some of my clothes if you want." Camryn nodded and then disappeared behind the bathroom door. For a few minutes Luke just stood there thinking. He'd gone from being alone on Valentines Day to having a woman he'd always had a thing for naked in his shower. A woman who was even more than he could've ever imagined. -- Camryn wound her arm around Luke's waist as they walked down the nearly empty side street. Breakfast in a little diner had been just the right thing to do. Especially since Luke's own cupboards had been bare. The man was definitely the confirmed bachelor type. Until me, Camryn thought wistfully. She was caught off guard by that thought. The feelings she had for Luke were going to take some time to get used to. Over breakfast they'd admitted to each having a crush on the other throughout high school. Amazingly Luke seemed more surprised than she was—who would've guessed that the school's golden boy had fancied her? Both agreed that taking things slow was a good idea. Neither had been in a relationship for a while and getting too deep too quick was never a good idea. But it would be so easy to do. Camryn glanced at Luke's profile. A strong jaw and intense eyes. Those had been the first features she'd noticed the night before. "Hey!" She had an idea. "Let's stop by The Rusty Bucket for a quick drink." Luke laughed, "Right now? It's not even noon." She giggled—actually giggled. Something about being with Luke made her feel giddy. "Yeah but it's only a block away, and it only seems right to stop by. After all, it brought us together on Valentines Day..." After a moment he nodded, allowing her to lead the way. Arriving at the next street corner, Camryn's eyebrows knitted together. "Where is it? I swear this was the right corner." Staring at the street signs, Luke rubbed his chin, "Fifth and Main...this is definitely it. It was right over..." His words died as they both spotted a plaque on the side of the old, empty building. Camryn approached it hesitantly and read, "In memory of The Rusty Bucket—local pub and hotel. On February 14th, 1956 a fire claimed the lives of two newlyweds and the Bucket's beloved bartender Jim Helmen. Some locals believe that on certain nights the Rusty Bucket reopens in order to help destined hearts find their way to one another..." Eyes wide, Camryn met Luke's calm gaze. "Oh my God...do you know what that means!?" Luke didn't get a word in before she started rambling. "That man last night, he was a ghost, and so were all the others...and those poor newlyweds. They died almo—oh! It was the fifty year anniversary of that fire, Luke. This is insane! You...you don't look very shocked." That smile that would knock the socks off any woman aged sixteen to sixty made its way onto Luke's face. Hands came to rest on her shoulders, "You're adorable, you know that? But come on, Cam, it was probably just a big joke. You know, something they do every year just to attract some couples. Ghosts aren't real, babe." "It couldn't have been a publicity thing. We were practically the only ones there! I'm telling you, this is creepy." The look in Luke's eyes was the kind you give children when they freak out upon realizing Santa isn't real. She let out a sigh of frustration. "Seriously, Luke, just think about it for a second...that guy, the bartender, he told me his name was Jimmy, and he even mentioned something about Cupid working some magic for me. Don't you think it's even a little bit coincidental?" "Sure it is, and I'm not saying that us meeting again doesn't seem like it could've been fated, or whatever. But I don't believe in ghosts." Camryn cocked her head. A smile pulled at one corner of her mouth. "You think fate brought us together?" "Yeah, I do," Luke grinned, planting a chaste kiss on her lips. "I've never felt anything like when we're together." One heavy, intimate pause later and Luke smirked. "Besides, sex like that doesn't come along every day." Camryn tipped her head back with laughter, slugging the incorrigible man before her in the arm. "I think Cupid must've got his signals crossed. I requested a good guy." "I'll be the best man I can be if it means you'll stick around." All of the playfulness had left Luke's gaze, leaving only sincerity. Camryn's heart swelled. All those years of loneliness and wondering when it would be her turn at happiness. They'd all led right here. To standing on a possibly haunted street corner with Luke. She had only one thing left to say. "Promise?" A low rumble of laughter bubbled up from his chest, and he lowered his lips just above hers. "Oh, yeah. I promise." When their lips met, Camryn sent a quick thanks to The Rusty Bucket and Cupid before losing herself completely in the warmth of Luke's embrace.