Author's note: This chapter contains mild smut, and therefore, I'm giving it an unofficial "M" rating. Read at your own risk. Enjoy!

Chapter 35.

Callie stumbled up the uneven wooden steps to the beach house, holding Brandon's hand for support. Monday morning, they had classes. But over the weekend, they had a short, but romantic honeymoon planned.

Brandon found the key to the Quinn's beach house and unlocked the door, then turned to her. "You ready?"

"Yeah," she nodded, taking a step toward the entryway, but he stopped her.

"I have to carry you over the threshold," he told her with a wink. "It's tradition." With that, he scooped her up in his arms and brought her inside.

Once her feet were back on the floor, Callie looked around. She hadn't been to the beach house in a long time. Touching the mantlepiece, she sneezed, as dust drifted up.

"Bless you," Brandon laughed, taking a tissue from his pocket and giving it to her. "Nice place. Just needs to be aired out a little." He went to the living room window and opened it.

"Want to see the bedroom?" Callie asked, coming up behind him and wrapping her arms around his waist.

He turned to face her. "Do you really have to ask?" He cupped her chin in his hand and kissed her slowly and thoroughly on the mouth.

Callie returned the kiss, then broke away. "Come on." She turned to the stairs, indicating for him to follow, then threw open the tall, white-painted French doors that led to the master bedroom.

"Whoa," said Brandon, taking everything in. "This is awesome." The room was painted a soft shade of aqua, and filled with a suite of furniture made of weathered gray-white wood. Sheer curtains hung over the tall windows, and a sliding-glass door led to a deck. A bathroom with a deep, round bathtub was set just off the side of the room. He imagined sinking into a hot, foamy bath with Callie, in that tub. And he vowed to make his fantasy happen before the weekend was over.

"I'm glad you like it," said Callie. "We're gonna have a great time. But right now, I need to get out of this dress." She reached behind her, trying to find the zipper.

"I'll get it," Brandon volunteered, standing behind her.

Callie felt his fingertips touch her skin before he began unzipping the back of her gown. She sighed softly, taking a deep breath, as the garment fell to the floor, leaving her in a strapless bra and thong. She knew what Brandon was going to do next; they'd been in a similar situation before, except that then, Brandon was helping her dress, rather than undress. And at the time, she'd been trying her hardest to refuse his love. Now they were bonded for life. A muscle in her shoulder twitched in anticipation as she felt Brandon's warm breath on her shoulder, then his soft lips against her skin.

"I love you, Brandon," she whispered.

He ran his hands over her hips, then placed them on her stomach, drawing her back towards him. "I love you too." He kissed her neck, then turned her around. "I've got a surprise for you, to make everything special. But it's gonna take a few minutes to set up."

"That's okay," said Callie, glancing over at her suitcase. "I've got a surprise for you too." She pecked him on the lips. "Take your time."

Grabbing her bag, she went into the bathroom and locked the door. She'd received some very sexy lingerie for gifts at her bachelorette party. Now, she layed out the delicate garments on the bathroom counter, trying to decide which set to wear first. She fingered the lace trim of a white corset, which had been a gift from Caitlin. It was beautiful, but a little too racy for her tastes. There was also a pale pink baby doll top and matching panties, and a sheer, dark blue nightie. The nightie seemed the safest bet. It was simple, and though it was see-through, it was fairly modest, the hemline grazing her thighs. She lifted it up and held it out in front of her, prepared to put it on, but then stopped herself, and thought of Brandon. He'd seen her in similar nighties before. It was their honeymoon. Shouldn't she surprise him a little? Her mind made up, and suddenly feeling daring, she set down the nightie, and wriggled into the corset. Once it was on, she regarded herself in the mirror. Dressed so skimpily, she felt exposed. She crossed her arms over her chest, rethinking her decision, when she heard Brandon tap on the bathroom door.

"Cal? Everything's ready, honey."

"Uh, coming!" she called back. There was no time to change now. She unlocked the door, peeking her head out. The bedroom was filled with the soft glow of a half-dozen candles, set up on the dresser. The light bounced off the mirrors, making it look as if there were many more, and mood music drifted from Brandon's iPod.

"What are you doing?" he laughed, studying her. "Come on out."

Taking a shaky breath, Callie stepped out of the shadow of the bathroom door. Standing there, facing Brandon, she felt like a virgin, shy and naive.

"Callie," Brandon breathed, coming closer. He was dressed in a pair of form-fitting boxer briefs that only brought out the sexiness of his body. Cautiously, he touched the tops of her breasts, exploring her curves. "I've never seen you like this."

"Is it too much?" she asked, once again covering her chest with her arms. She could feel herself blushing.

Brandon carefully moved her arms away. "No... you look beautiful." He leaned in to kiss her, then began removing the bobby pins from her hair. Her updo fell messily over her shoulders. "You have nothing to feel self-conscious about," her told her. "It's just you and me."

She nodded, leaning into him. Through the barrier of their undergarments, she could feel him, already starting to get hard. His apparent arousal suddenly made her feel braver. "Brandon," she whispered, grabbing his hand. "Will you touch me?"

Brandon grunted softly as she moved his hand down her stomach to her inner-thighs. "I need you," he groaned, gently stroking her.

"I need you too," she replied. She felt herself become wet against his fingers. "Take me to bed."

Without another word, Brandon picked her up and placed her on the cool sheets. Then, he moved over her, kissing her hard. Callie kissed him back, touching his face, the friction of his stubble making her palms tingle. Effortlessly, she helped him slip out of his underwear. Then, she sat up and let him untie her corset.

She closed her eyes as he expertly touched her, and she ghosted his caresses with her own hands, giving him the same pleasure back. Her breath hitched in her throat when she felt something building inside her. Her eyes fluttered open and she pressed her hands to his chest. "Please," she gasped. "I'm ready."

Brandon nodded and leaned down to kiss her lips before sliding into her, filling her completely.

And he kissed her again as he pulled out. Callie felt warm liquid trickle out of her and onto the sheets as he encircled her in his arms, pulling her so close that he was partially on top of her. She snuggled against him, petting his back, coming down from her orgasm.

"That was amazing," she whispered. "You were amazing."

"So were you," Brandon whispered back, touching his lips to her forehead.

Callie took his hand in hers and kissed each fingertip. Then, she pulled his arm back around her. Brandon reached back for a light blanket and draped it over them. Callie felt warm and light, Brandon's weight the only thing anchoring her to Earth. Surrounded by the heady scent of lovemaking, she drifted off to sleep.

To Be Continued