Disclaimer: I do not own the characters from Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman. The rights to those characters and to the show belong to the creators of the show, to CBS, The Sullivan Company and to A&E.
Renewing Bonds
Chapter Five: The Ties that Bind
This story takes place after the episode Promises, Promises and follows Sully to Virginia City, Nevada to help his friend Daniel.
Colorado Springs
Michaela stood at the kitchen sink staring aimlessly out the kitchen window as her mind raced with thoughts of Sully. Tomorrow – he would be home tomorrow. She could scarcely believe it and had this terrible feeling that something would delay him. After the fact, he had written her about the cave-in which only served to make Michaela more nervous about his remaining time in Nevada. Closing her eyes and leaning her head back for a moment, she imagined Sully coming up behind her. He would put his hands on the counter on either side of her and then plant light kisses to her neck. Of course this was only when the children weren't around.
Michaela opened her eyes as she let out a deep sigh. She still hadn't made a decision about whether or not to take Grace up on her offer. Yet now it seemed obvious that her and Sully needed an evening alone. Today she would ask Grace if it was still convenient for Brian and Colleen to stay tomorrow night with them. After all they could spend the afternoon with Sully.
"Ma?" Colleen asked coming around the corner. Michaela's mind was still a million miles away and she didn't even hear her name spoken. "Ma," Colleen repeated tapping her lightly on the shoulder.
"Oh, Colleen," Michaela said whirling around to face the young girl. "You shouldn't sneak up on people like that."
"I called your name twice," Colleen replied as she wrinkled her forehead in confusion.
Michaela's cheeks turned pink and she gave a little shake of her head. "Sorry, I seem to be preoccupied this morning. Did you need something?"
"I was thinking that I would make something special for dinner tomorrow since Sully's gonna be home. Maybe try to make all his favorites and then a cake or pie for dessert."
"That would be nice," Michaela whispered unable to stop her displeasure from shining through.
Colleen was even more confused now. "If you wanted to make something…" she began.
"Oh, goodness… no," Michaela laughed. "Sorry, I just have a lot on my mind."
"Okay," she nodded. "I'll stop by Mr. Bray's later to get a couple things I need."
"It's very nice of you to do that for Sully," Michaela said trying to make up for her earlier response.
A smile spread across Colleen's features. "Figure he'll want some home cookin' after being gone so long."
"I'm sure you're right," Michaela agreed giving her a forced smile as her plans for the following night seemed to be dashed.
The front door opened and Brian peeked his head in. "I got the wagon hitched up."
"I have the wagon hitched up," Michaela corrected him absentmindedly.
"I have," Brian replied rolling his eyes as Colleen laughed. "Are ya two coming'?"
Michaela smiled over at him and laughed. "Yes, we are coming."
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Virginia City
Sully stared into the case in front of him trying to decide what to get for Michaela. There were some nice hair combs but that wasn't exactly what he had in mind when she asked him to bring her something back. Plus he had bought some hair combs for Colleen and he couldn't see giving them both the same gift. He needed something special that would be memorable to both of them, yet nothing seemed to stand out to him.
"Decide yet?" Daniel asked joining him at the counter. Sully shook his head without looking up. "Ya been here long enough," he teased.
"I know," Sully sighed. "Just wanna find somethin' special."
"Man, ya've got it bad."
Sully looked up at him quizzically. "Got what bad?"
"Michaela," he said laughing.
Sully smiled and laughed with him. "Just wait til ya meet her. You'll see why."
"So I'm invited for a visit?" Daniel asked tentatively.
Sully turned to face him completely. "Oh yeah, sorry. Michaela wants ya to come. She made me promise to ask ya. And I know the kids would like to meet ya too, specially Brian. He was askin' me all about minin' before I left."
"I'd like that," Daniel admitted sheepishly. "It must be nice to have a family."
"It is," Sully said clasping him on the back. "Ya should give it a try some time."
"Maybe I will," Daniel replied. "I'm gonna go send a telegram why ya finish up here."
"See ya outside," Sully returned beginning to feel frustrated at his lack of ideas for a gift. Then a thought hit him and though he wasn't sure if he had enough time to prepare it, he decided it was better than anything he had come up with so far.
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"Promise you'll come for a visit," Sully said hugging Daniel good-bye.
"I'll try," Daniel replied shrugging his shoulders.
"No excuses. Say you'll come."
"Okay, okay I'll come," Daniel finally gave in as he stepped back.
Pacer leaned over and shook Sully's hand. "Daniel was right about ya. Ain't ever worked with a finer man."
"Thank you," Sully replied feeling a little self conscious. "Ya certainly kept things interestin'."
Pacer let out a good belly laugh and slapped Sully hard on the shoulder. "I ain't gonna forget that ya saved my life."
Sully shook his head. "Pacer," he began but was interrupted.
"As far as I'm concerned ya saved my life. Tell that pretty wife of yours thanks and if she's ever out this way tell her to look me up."
"Right," Sully said laughing at him. "I'll do that."
The train whistle blew and Sully knew the time had come to bid Virginia City farewell. He picked up his bag and swung it over his arm. "I'm gonna write ya Daniel. Don't loose touch with me."
"I won't," Daniel promised. "Take care and tell Michaela thank you," he called as Sully sprinted over to the train that was beginning to get underway. Once safely on board, Sully waved back at Daniel thankful for their ties of friendship.
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Colorado Springs
Michaela stood on the steps of the train station, nervously twisting her hands as the train approached. Her heart was racing and she concentrated on taking slow even breaths so her excitement wouldn't be too obvious. Billows of smoke reached heavenward and she smiled watching each puff of steam bring the train closer. Brian ran down the steps before the train even came to a complete stop. Michaela smiled – he was so excited to see Sully. She had made the right decision not to send the children off for the night. There would be other nights for that but tonight was for the family to be together.
Colleen reached over and took Michaela's hand. "Oh Ma, I don't think I even realized how much I've missed Sully until this moment."
Michaela smiled. "It will be good to have him back." Her eyes were already searching the faces of the passengers that were disembarking from the train. Each stranger's face made her heart drop a little more, until emerging from the door she saw him.
"Sully," Brian shouted pulling anxiously on his hand as he descended the steps.
"Hey, Brian," Sully replied tousling the boys hair but his eyes firmly fixed on Michaela. He had never seen the dress she was wearing but it was beautiful. Her eyes sparkled with something that he could only assume was desire and he found his body reacting to the sight of her. Her hair was pulled up on the sides but cascaded down her back in soft curls, just the way he liked it. Their eyes locked and Sully moved steadily towards her, wondering why she stood frozen on the steps. The world had receded for a moment as he stepped up beside her, and wrapped her firmly in his embrace.
"I missed you," she whispered, a sultry smile on her lips. Quickly Sully closed the distance between them, covering her lips with his own. Michaela leaned into him forgetting that they stood in plain view of the whole town. The movements of her body seemed to be out of her control as her lips parted and Sully's tongue danced inside of her mouth.
"Embarassin'!" Loren exclaimed from where he stood at the other end of the platform causing Michaela and Sully to finally break apart.
"Leave them alone," scolded Dorothy giving Loren a look. "They haven't seen each other in a month."
Sully laughed and smiled down at Michaela. "I missed ya too," he replied reluctant to let her go. Brian chose that moment to throw his arms around Sully once again and Sully pulled away in order to hug the young boy back. Soon everyone was hugging Sully and he greeted each person but his eyes never wandered far from Michaela's form.
"Let's head over to Grace's," Dorothy suggested as she stepped out from the small band of people to lead the way.
"I need to stop by the clinic," Michaela said her eyes meeting Sully's in a look of understanding.
"I'll take the children on over," Dorothy replied knowingly. "Join us when you're done."
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As soon as the door was closed she stepped toward him, her hands immediately encircling his neck. The warmth of his body next to hers electrified her, as her heart began to beat out a strong and fast rhythm. Stepping in towards him, she planned to bury her face in the crook of his neck. The need to smell everything that was uniquely him drove her on. Sully's hands found her waist and held her back. Lifting her head, their eyes met.
"I need a bath," he whispered.
"I don't care," she replied, her voice breathy with a touch of desperation.
"Ya might care after ya smell me," Sully laughed but conceded wrapping his arms firmly around her waist and pulling her close. He felt her lips soft and warm on his neck causing him to shiver in delight. Finally he was here, holding the woman that he loved.
Sully felt her hands slip under the collar of his jacket and begin to push it backwards so that it hung low on his shoulders. Loosening his grip on her for a moment, he let it drop to the floor anxious to pull her close once again. Michaela was already moving her lips around to the opening of his shirt and placing a trail of light kisses to the area of his chest that was exposed. Sully lifted his head leaning it back against the door as she continued her path downward.
"I dreamed about this," he whispered, his eyes closed as if he was afraid this too might be a dream
"Me too," Michaela said raising her head to look up at him. "I dreamed that you came home early and surprised me right here at the clinic and we..." Her voice trailed off but Sully could clearly see the passion in her eyes and it made him smile broadly.
"I dreamed that ya showed up at the minin' camp," he admitted. "And we..." He also let his voice trail off, though only in imitation of Michaela's previous manner.
It was now Michaela's turn to smile. "And we what?" she asked teasingly.
"We went on a walk," he returned with an impish look on his face. "What did we do when I came here?"
"You helped me sterilize my instruments."
"I'd like to help you do that right now," Sully laughed.
"They do need to be sterilized," Michaela returned her eyes sparkling with amusement.
Sully nodded his head and ran his tongue over his top lip as he studied her face. Unable to resist her one moment longer, he brought his lips down to engulf hers. The kiss was deep and passionate making Michaela quake with intense longing. Her hands tangled in his hair unwilling to let him move away from her for even a moment. Sully's arms continued to hold her just as tightly so that it was hard to tell where one body began or ended.
When Sully finally pulled away an extremely small distance to catch his breath, he found himself physically shaking. "Wow," he whispered, his voice stirring her hair. Michaela lifted her eyes to the ceiling briefly as the thought of them going upstairs to complete their reunion filled her mind. "Whatcha thinkin'?" Sully asked as he slipped his tongue out to taste her sweetness on his lips.
"That the recovery rooms need some airing out." Her voice was completely serious and her face composed making Sully question whether she was playing or not.
"Ya gonna be needing some help with that?" he asked trying to gage her reaction.
"Umm-hmm," Michaela managed to get out before she pulled herself tightly against him once more, their lips meeting again in a heated kiss.
Though Sully was immensely enjoying her enthusiasm, he knew the family was waiting at Grace's for them. Additionally, his desire to make things as perfect as possible for them included his wish to bathe. He knew how sweet the body was when it was clean and he wished to be so for her. As they parted once more, Michaela began to move towards the stairway but Sully pulled her back towards him. "As much as I want to do this," he growled, "I don't think we have time right now. Tonight..."
Michaela interrupted him, her eyes full of something akin to embarrassment. "The children," she whispered.
Sully pulled her closely against him. "What is it, Michaela?"
"Grace offered to keep them but they were so excited about you coming home. Collen planned a special dinner and Brian..."
Sully put his finger on her lips and smiled down at her. "I'm excited about seein' 'em too."
"But things won't be..." She stopped unsure how to continue.
"They will go to bed and things will be perfect. Course you're gonna have to be a little quieter," he laughed.
"Sully," she scolded but her face was bright with amusement.
"Ya don't know how happy I am to be home. Just to be able to hold ya close."
"I'm so glad," she whispered. "I'm so glad you're home safe. I was worried after that cave in. And I'm so glad that you're happy to be home," she added.
"Ain't no place I'd rather be," he assured her kissing her softly once more. "Guess we better head on over to the café."
"Are you hungry, Mr. Sully?" she asked with a glint in her eye.
He let out a deep breath as he nodded his head slowly up and down as if mesmerized by her question. Pulling her close, he started to nuzzle her neck as his tongue slipped out to taste her skin. Michaela closed her eyes and reveled in the feeling as she leaned back pulling him with her. Sully who still held her tightly felt himself moving and quickly pulled up as they stumbled backwards towards Michaela's desk. He let out a ragged breath. "Grace's," he managed to force out, knowing that he was only seconds away from losing all control.
"Right," she said pulling away but Sully refused to loosen his grip just yet.
"I'm counting the seconds until tonight," he whispered against her ear as his hands crept lower down her back unable to resist giving her backside a quick squeeze.
Michaela blushed but smiled. "Me too," she whispered in agreement before they finally let go of each other to join the group over at Grace's.
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After lunch at Grace's, Sully rode out to the homestead with Brian in tow while Michaela finished her day at the clinic rather reluctantly. The thought of Sully being home without her felt like torture but he had assured her that there were things he needed to do. A bath was certainly high on the list of priorities. Around three in the afternoon, Michaela found she could take it no longer and Colleen joined her as they headed home.
As they pulled up at the homestead, Brian ran out. "Where's Sully?" Michaela asked anxiously.
"Takin' a bath. I told him that I'd tend to the horses so he could finish."
"Thank you," Michaela replied giving him a pat on the back before grabbing her bag and heading inside. The partition was set up in the kitchen and she could hear him moving around in the water. Colleen made for her room and Michaela couldn't help but feel drawn to the kitchen.
Stepping around the partition, she smiled at the site of Sully relaxing in the tub. "Need someone to scrub your back?" she asked, startling him.
"You're home early," he remarked giving her a curious look.
She nodded and kneeled down behind him, reaching for the soap. Sully leaned forward in the tub as she set to work, her hands not only washing him but taking the chance to massage his sore muscles. He relaxed while she worked on him and jumped when he felt her hands move around to his sides. Michaela shifted her position encouraging him to lie back in the tub as she worked the same magic on his chest.
"That feels good," Sully sighed peeking at her from under his eyelids. When she finished, he quickly leaned up and planted a hard kiss on her lips and found that her hunger matched his own. The kiss deepened and Sully wrapped his arms around her neck being cautious not to soak her.
Michaela pulled back. "We can't do this now," she whispered, her hand moving ever lower in the tub.
Brian's voice from the other room brought them quickly to their senses and Michaela rocked back on her knees removing her hand altogether. "Thirty days and 10 hours," Sully said.
Michaela wrinkled her brow. "Hmm?"
He beckoned her to come closer and she did. "That's how long it's been since I last loved ya." A tingle ran down Michaela's spine and she swallowed hard. She had not been the only one keeping track of their time away from each other and that thrilled her. "Five hours," he said drawing another odd look. "Five hours until I get to make love to ya," he clarified.
Michaela blushed deeply but he could see the longing in her eyes. "300 minutes," she sighed.
"Eighteen hundred seconds," he returned a wide grin spreading over his face.
"Ma, "Brian called. Michaela grunted and rolled her eyes but rose. Sully laughed as he dipped down in the water to rinse the soap off his chest.
"I'll be counting those seconds," Michaela said before stepping back around the partition.
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The table held the remnants of dinner dishes as Brian asked for more and more details of Sully's trip. Matthew had joined them for dinner and each person sat riveted as Sully told all that had happened during the cave in. Everyone was amazed at his description of Virginia City and wished that they could see the city built into the mountainside for themselves. Matthew and Michaela then took their turn to regale Sully with their own mountain adventure. He was quite impressed with Michaela's tracking ability and he couldn't help but smile with pride.
Colleen, still beaming from Sully's multitude of compliments on dinner, brought out the pies she had made for dessert. She served Sully first and he readily accepted a large piece of apple pie, his senses already reeling with the smell of it. He closed his eyes as he took a big bite. When he opened them as he chewed, he locked eyes with Michaela who was watching him intently.
After everyone had been sated with at least one helping of pie, Sully retrieved the presents he had bought for each one in Virginia City. Brian opened his first, more anxious than the rest. Sully gave him a small leather pouch and Brian opened it dumping a small silver nugget onto his hand.
"Daniel gave me that for ya," Sully informed him.
"It's real silver?" the young boy asked.
"It's real silver."
"I can't wait to take this to school," Brian exclaimed pocketing the silver for the meantime.
Colleen went next and was pleased with the hair combs Sully had brought her back. She hugged him around the neck while thanking him profusely. Matthew took his turn next even though he hadn't expected Sully to bring him anything. Like Brian, he also received a piece of silver but his was in its rough form still and so it looked only like a black rock.
Matthew looked up at Sully perplexed. "It's silver," Sully told him. "Just ain't been refined yet. It's valuable but I gave it to ya 'cause I want ya to remember that even the darkest times aren't all bad." His eyes bore into the younger man's as they communicated to each other silently.
"Thank you," Matthew whispered hastily wiping at his eyes.
"Last but not least," Sully said setting an intricately carved wooden box in front of Michaela.
"It's beautiful, Sully," she said running her hands over the workmanship.
"Made by one of the Indian tribes," he informed her. "Found it in one of the mercantiles. Go ahead open it." Slowly she pushed the lid up to reveal a host of flat stones lying in the bottom of the box. "There's one for everyday we were apart," he explained. "And there's a letter where I wrote down my thoughts when I was away from ya."
Michaela clasped her hands together in delight. "Thank you," she said her voice on the edge of tears. Sully dipped his head and placed a light kiss to her lips. "I don't wanna ever forget this time, Michaela. I realized how lucky I am to have ya." One tear slipped own her cheek and he quickly wiped at it. "I love ya."
"And I love you," she returned kissing him again. Michaela rose from her place, anxious now to get the kitchen cleaned and the children settled for the night.
"Brian and Colleen go get a change of clothes," Matthew said nodding to his brother and sister as Michaela began to clear the table.
"Why?" Brian asked looking up from petting Wolf.
"'Cause ya two are gonna stay with me tonight."
Sully smiled over at Michaela raising his eyebrows as he did so. In turn Michaela blushed terribly but the sides of her mouth also curled up into a smile.
"But Sully just got home," Brian complained. "We're gonna go fishin' tomorrow."
"Not til the afternoon," Sully said still grinning from ear to ear. "I'm sure Matthew will have ya home by then."
"Come on," Colleen said grabbing him by the arm and beginning to pull him toward the stairs.
"Can we take the rest of the pie with us?" Brian called back.
"Ya can take anything ya want with ya," Sully replied, rising to pack the pie. Brian disappeared up the stairs as Sully rounded the corner into the kitchen. Sully didn't want to embarrass Michaela so he simply mouthed the words thank you to Matthew. Matthew nodded trying hard to suppress his own grin.
"Think I'll go make sure Brian's actually packin' something," Matthew said as he left the kitchen.
Michaela stood at the sink just beginning to wash the dishes. Sully came up behind her, wrapping one arm around her waist and pulling her back firmly against him. With the other hand, he moved her hair to the side and began to kiss the back of her neck. "Sully,' she admonished but tilted her head to the side so that he could freely kiss there as well.
"Sorry," he whispered between kisses. "It's getting hard to resist ya."
"Someone needs to learn some patience," Michaela replied in a strict tone.
"This from the woman who's been teasin' me all afternoon," Sully whispered against her ear making Michaela giggle. The sound of feet descending the stairs reached their ears and Sully pulled away from her after one final kiss. Michaela turned and followed him back to the main room to hug the children goodbye.
"Good night," she said pulling Brian against her.
"Good night," he returned as he pulled away to hug Sully.
"Goodnight, ma," Colleen said giving her a light kiss on the cheek. "Matthew's gonna ride me into the clinic in the morning so you don't have to worry about going in. You don't have any appointments but I know you'll worry."
"Thank you," Michaela whispered as she hugged the young girl.
"You're welcome," Colleen replied looking very pleased with herself, as she moved over to hug Sully and wish him a good night as well.
"See ya tomorrow," Matthew said with a nod of his head and his lip curling up on one side as he watched Sully wrap his arm around Michaela's waist.
"Thanks, Matthew," Michaela called as he turned to go. The door closed behind them and Michaela turned to face her husband. "Seems as if we are finally alone."
Sully let go of her and stretched his hands above his head as he let out a fake yawn. "Didn't even realize how tired I was."
Michaela regarded him suspiciously. "Then you should go on up to bed while I finish up the supper dishes," she suggested.
"Night." Sully stepped towards the stairs.
"Night," Michaela returned wondering if he was really going to leave her alone and she was mildly surprised when he actually did. Yet, she suspected he had something up his sleeve. Quickly now she returned to the kitchen, hurriedly washing up the dinner dishes. She left them drying on the counter instead of towel drying and putting them away. Hastily she wiped down the table and counters drying her hands on her apron as she headed over to the stairs. Anxiously she climbed, anticipating what was to come.
Their bedroom door was closed and she decided to knock instead of simply entering. Gently she wrapped on the door and she heard Sully's footsteps crossing them room.
"Hello," he said as he opened the door and leaned against the door frame staring out at her. "Would ya like to come in?"
Michaela inhaled sharply taking in Sully's appearance. He had already shed his shirt and stood there in only his buckskins. Biting her bottom lip, she nodded eagerly and stepped toward him. Before she knew what was happening, Sully had picked her up in his arms and was carrying her across the room to the bed. Her arms encircled his neck as she couldn't help but smile at him. "That was nice of Matthew."
"Certainly was," Sully agreed. "Now ya can be as loud as ya wanna," he teased making Michaela turn a shade of pink.
"Do you...," Michaela started to ask but then pressed her lips firmly together unsure of how to continue.
"Do I what?" Sully pried as he placed her on the edge of their bed.
"Do you mind?" Her eyes dropped to the floor as she spoke.
Sully let out a light laugh. He brought his finger under her chin and gently raised it so that he could look her in the eye. "That last morning before I left," he whispered bringing his face close to hers. His warm breath hit her cheek and Michaela felt shivers run down her spine. Slowly she nodded her head. Sully leaned in towards her so that their cheeks almost touched his mouth close to her ear. "I loved that."
Michaela gulped and then let out a ragged breath feeling her body react to his proximity. Calmly he returned his head to its previous position moving close to her lips but never actually touching them. She saw his tongue slip out and wet his upper lip making her crave his kiss all the more. Riveted, she watched as he raked his teeth over his bottom lip. Michaela let out a deep breath stirring his hair and he smiled at her, moving in towards her again. This time he stopped just before her left ear and blew gently.
Michaela's mouth formed a perfect circle as she squeezed her eyes shut. Only when she heard him gently laugh did she open her eyes. Sully had moved away to stand in front of her so she tilted her head up and smiled at him mischievously. "Are you planning on teasing me all night?" she asked her eyes twinkling.
"Is this the pot callin' the kettle black?"
"What ever do you mean?" Michaela giggled as she drew her feet up on the bed, lying sideways so that she could rest her head on her hand.
"In the clinic, during my bathe, at the sink a few minutes ago," he listed, smiling at her suggestively.
Michaela raised her hand to the back of her neck and made to unbutton the top of her dress. "I wasn't teasing you in the clinic," she protested.
Sully was watching her hands as they changed position and now she sat up as her fingers moved ever lower down her back. The dress fell down off her shoulders and he felt his heart speed up the minute the straps of her camisole came into sight. Swallowing hard he looked back up at her face. "Ya were the one suggested airing out the recovery rooms."
"Only because they need it."
"Oh they do, do they?" Sully asked with a suggestive smile.
"Umm-hmm."
"When I was in the bath?"
Michaela's mouth curled into a crooked little grin. "Maybe I was teasing a little."
"At the sink?"
"That was both of us."
Sully nodded as Michaela stood up and let her dress and petticoats fall to the ground. It took every ounce of control Sully had not to finish undressing her in that instant but he held back restraining himself. Michaela had been so bold all day and it intrigued and enticed him. Slowly the pressure was building up and Sully had this gut feeling that the more they drew it out, the more gratifying it would be in the end.
"I missed ya," he whispered stepping towards her but still not touching her. "Did ya miss me?"
"You know I did," she replied saucily cutting her eyes up at him.
"What did ya miss?" he asked placing his hands on her shoulders and gently pushing her backwards. Michaela fell back onto the bed leaning on her elbows as she looked up at him. Sully stepped to the left and lay on his side next to her.
"Everything," she whispered giving him a curious look.
"I missed this side of your mouth," he said running the pad of his thumb over it. "I missed the way it sometimes curls up higher than the other side." Leaning in, he placed a kiss to the spot and Michaela turned her head so that he would kiss her again but to her surprise he pulled away.
Little by little, she was catching on. "I missed the hollow of your neck. I love to bury my face in it, to kiss you there…" Her voice trailed off as their eyes met.
"To bite me there," Sully added.
"Nip – not bite," she replied with a giggle. Following his example, she leaned in and placed a light kiss to the hollow of his neck. Yet she found herself unable to resist nipping at the area with her front teeth. "Your turn," she laughed as she pulled back.
"Let's see." Starting at her head he gazed down the length of his body looking for what he would choose next. Suddenly he sat up and drew her foot into his lap. "I missed this baby toe right here. I missed the way it curls under when I run my hand down your foot." Sully's fingers began a sensuous massage of her foot while Michaela laid back on the bed with her eyes closed enjoying his tender movements. She looked back down when she felt his lips enclose over her toe and gasped in pleasure. Lying back down beside her, he smiled over at her to indicate she should share next.
"I missed these hands. I missed the way they hold me, the way they pull me close, the way they touch me." Bringing his left hand to her mouth she kissed each finger, before placing a hard kiss to his palm. She gave his right hand the same treatment and then relaxed back, satisfied with the look on his face.
Again Sully sat up and drew her leg towards him, letting his fingers run up from her ankles and linger around her knee. "I missed this knee," he said. "I love the way it bends around my leg drawing me closer to you." Moving in a slow circular motion, his fingers elicited goose bumps on her flesh as she squirmed against him.
"Sully that tickles," she exclaimed trying to pull her leg out of his grasp. Sully only laughed and held on more firmly as he continued to educe laughter from her. Then he let go, completely distancing himself from her again as he returned to his previous position.
Michaela moved closer brushing her leg against his feeling as if she had enough of this game. "That's all ya missed about me?" Sully asked as he urged her to continue. There was something enthralling about the waiting now pushing him to continue drawing out the experience.
Starting at his breastbone and running one finger downward, she traced an imaginary line that ended at his buckskins. "Your physique," she said. "I missed looking at you." This was almost Sully's undoing and he sucked in sharply wishing her fingers had traveled a little lower. Michaela heard him moan back in his throat when she followed the same imaginary path with her lips.
Sully moved now to close the distance between them but Michaela pushed him backwards. "Is that all you missed about me?" she asked raising one eyebrow at him.
His fingers flew to the delicate ribbons of her camisole and he hurriedly untied each one, letting the fabric fall to the side so that she was bare to his eye. Michaela was positive he would now touch her where she longed to be touched but to her surprise his fingers went to the valley between her breasts. "I missed this," he said smiling up at her before burying his head there and planting a light kiss.
Michaela's fingers tangled in his hair and she raised his head so that she could see him. His hands grasped the bed and he pulled himself up so that he was even with her, their lips finally meeting with all the desire that had built up over the day. Sully's lips felt warm and soft as they overwhelmed her lips. The light scent of his aftershave filled her nostrils and she breathed in deeply wishing him to fill her entire being.
Holding her down lightly, he pulled back and smiled teasingly. "Is that all you miss?" he asked once more.
She closed her eyes feeling her cheeks blush already. Her mouth opened and she took her time in speaking, allowing her tongue to run the perimeter of her lips. "I missed us together," she breathed out.
Yet Sully was not willing to let it go at that. He placed his head next to her ear and asked, "Doin' what?"
Michaela was ready for him and she pressed her mouth against his ear as well whispering the fullness of her desires there. Sully's eyes grew large as he listened and suddenly he felt constrained by his buckskins. Michaela heard him gulp and though part of her feared she had shocked him, another part of her was elated in her boldness. Her hands moved down his back until she reached his waistband. Hooking her thumbs inside, she now slid her fingers around until they were pressed in between their two bodies fumbling with the button. Once he felt the button open, Sully stood and divested himself of his pants. Michaela was already wriggling out of her remaining underclothes.
No more words were spoken for the moment. He stood staring at her body, reminding himself that this was no dream. Michaela parted her legs and looked up at him invitingly. Sully moved towards the edge of the bed, settling himself between her legs. His hands began to caress her inner thighs as Michaela let out her first sound of delight. Her legs wrapped around him drawing him ever closer and he felt her heels digging into the back of his legs as he tried to hold out. His hands trembled as he reached down to caress her breasts and he knew that his resolve was quickly slipping.
Michaela reached up pulling him down towards her, kissing him hard on the mouth as their tongues found each other. Sully pulled back but placed kisses to her eyelids, nose and cheeks moving down towards her neck and finally breasts, eliciting more and more cries of ecstasy from Michaela. Michaela felt his length brush against her core and she opened her eyes to look fully into his. "Sully," she pleaded her need now stronger than it had been in the past weeks.
The timbre of her voice moved him deeply and he united them feeling his body quake from the tremendous sensations her body was producing in him. Her hot breath against his ear coming in short little gasps spurred him on. They moved together slowly at first until Michaela's cries became more urgent and Sully felt the same urgency within himself as they strived towards a conclusion. Her legs tightened their grasp as she cried out his name over and over while Sully found his own release. He collapsed against her as she quivered with waves of euphoria. Amazing he thought to himself. Simply amazing. The build up had been hard to maintain but he was right – the ending was simply spectacular.
Neither was willing to pull away and Sully remained as he was for another minute letting his breath return to normal. Eventually, he rolled to the side bringing her with him, her head coming to rest on his chest. "That was incredible," she whispered looking up at him.
"A month. I can't believe I was away from ya for a whole month."
"I don't know, I think it made me appreciate us all the more," Michaela said running her hands over his chest. "I was so worried about you leaving and even after you left I feared that you would want your old way of life back."
Sully laughed. "Sleeping on the hard ground with snoring men, ain't nothin' compared to this."
"You know what I mean," she returned good naturedly. She looked up at him feeling lost in the love she saw in his eyes. "They say absence makes the heart grow fonder but for me it did something else."
"What?" Sully asked.
"It made the ties grow stronger. Every time I think I couldn't love you more that changes. My heart understands something new about you. I realize I'm a better person because of you. When I was on that mountain, I could help those people because you had taught me."
Sully lightly caressed her arm as she spoke. "Me too," he said. "I'm a better person because of loving you. When I realigned Pacer's arm, I couldn't help but think the same thing about ya. The tie that binds us together Michaela, it's strong. Ya never have to worry about time or distance separating us 'cause they won't. Our hearts are one."
"One," Michaela repeated as her hand settled over his heart. "Yes they are one, aren't they?"
Sully nodded. "Ya and me together Michaela, I ain't ever felt anythin' more powerful than that."
Michaela smiled and snuggled in close to him, letting the sensation of his arms around her make her feel safe and secure. Her eyes closed as Sully leaned down and kissed the top of her head. "Good night," he whispered knowing that this was only the beginning.
"Good night," she returned as she hooked her leg over his, her mind already thinking about their next encounter.
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Thanks for reading! I hope you enjoyed it. Thanks to Priya for suggesting this storyline!