Chasing The Sun: A Small Town Romance (Angel Sands Book 7)

by Carrie Elks

  “I’m not a player,” he said again. For some reason it was important for her to know that. To know him, the real him. Not the shield he put on for other people.

  “I know,” she whispered, her eyes fluttering as he pressed his lips to hers, reclaiming her mouth as he crushed her to him.

  She let out a gasp as he slid his hands over the smooth curve of her behind, hitching her into his arms, her legs wrapping around him. She curled her hands around his neck, her mouth warm, demanding, her fingers caressing his skin in teasing circles.

  Need for her coursed through his veins, making him rock her against his body as they plundered each other’s mouths. She slid her hands down to his shoulders, her fingers dancing against his corded muscles. “This needs to come off,” she said against his lips. “Right now.”

  Putting her down, he lifted the t-shirt over his head, throwing it onto the floor. She made no attempt to hide the fact she was ogling him, her breath hitching as she took in his chest, his abdomen, and the thick v of his hips as they disappeared into the waistband of his jeans.

  “Upstairs?” he asked her.

  “Yeah.” She breathed. “Upstairs.”

  By the time they reached the bedroom, they were in a state of disarray. Jackson had slid Lydia’s dress from her shoulders when they’d started kissing on the stairs, unable to make it up three risers without touching each other again. The rapid thump of her pulse echoed in her ears as his mouth hungrily took hers. She slid her hands down the planes of his chest and the taut skin of his abdomen, before unbuckling his belt.

  He closed his bedroom door and leaned against it as his eyes raked over her body. There was a hot ache inside her, coiling and dancing deep down, as she shucked her dress off and stepped out of it. She loved the way he was looking at her. As though she was everything he never knew he wanted.

  “Turn around. Show me your other tattoo.”

  She’d forgotten about teasing him. With a lazy grin, she turned around, pulling her panties down enough so he could see the butterfly on her behind. Its wings were unfurling, as though it had just escaped from the chrysalis.

  Glancing over her shoulder, her eyes caught his. They were dark. Needy.

  “What does it stand for?” he asked, his gaze dropping to her behind again.

  “It’s me, when I first started traveling. Like I’d been in a cocoon for most of my life, waiting for it to begin.” She ran her tongue along her bottom lip. “Do you like it?”

  His voice was thick. “Yeah, I like it.

  With his eyes set on hers, he slowly unbuttoned his jeans, until he was wearing shorts and nothing else. She turned to watch him, her heart hammering against her chest.

  She was on fire just from looking at him. Wide shoulders, muscled chest, thighs that looked like they wouldn’t be out of place on a Greek sculpture. And in the center of it all, straining against his dark boxers, was the one thing her body needed.

  Without a word, she stepped toward him and dropped to her knees, pulling his hard length from his shorts and wrapping her lips around it.

  Jackson muttered a low oath, his head falling back as she took him in. All of him. Every smooth, hot, masculine inch.

  Coiling his fingers around her hair, he murmured words she couldn’t quite make out as she moved her mouth up and down, loving the way his legs were almost buckling. She slid her fingers up his thighs and around to his muscled ass, digging into the taut flesh as she brought him as high as he’d brought her.

  He pulled away, his eyes flashing, his mouth open. She looked up, her brows knitting together as she wondered if she’d done something wrong.

  “I want to be inside of you when I come,” he told her with a graveled voice, as he took her hands and pulled her up. “Get on the bed.”

  Her lips curled, because there was something damn sexy about being told what to do in the bedroom. Stepping back until she felt the softness of his bedcovers against her legs, she sat down on the edge of the mattress, looking up at him expectantly.

  “Take your bra off.”

  She did as she was told, unclasping it at the back and sliding the straps down her arms. He swallowed hard as he took her in.

  “And my panties?” she asked breathily.

  “Keep them on. They’re mine to take off.” He pushed her gently down on the bed and kneeled in front of her, running his fingers up her inner thighs, making her muscles tremble as he reached her aching center. Pulling her panties aside, he slid a finger against her.

  “Still wet,” he murmured, pulling her panties down her legs and sliding them from her feet. “So damn ready for me.”

  “Always.”

  Her breath caught in her throat, because he was kissing her there, his lips tugging at her, his tongue caressing.

  She heard a rip of a condom wrapper. He slid it on and braced himself over her, cupping her jaw with his hand as he kissed her again. She could taste herself on him, sweet and tangy, but then he pushed his hardness against her and all thoughts flew out of her mind.

  Her mouth fell open as he pushed inside her, his eyes catching hers to make sure she was okay. She nodded, and he pushed more, until he filled her to the hilt. She took a deep breath to get used to the thick, full sensation.

  “Too much?” he asked.

  “No,” she gasped. “I’m good. Don’t stop.” Hooking her legs around his hips, she encouraged him against her, feeling that familiar, hot electric need as he slowly began to move.

  A moan escaped from her lips every time their bodies ground against each other. She was so aware of every part of him. His lips against hers, his hands caressing her breasts, his hardness moving and teasing and making her fly.

  She was tightening around him, white hot ecstasy making her cry out his name as he groaned loudly, slowing his movements as she rode out the waves.

  He stilled his breath hot and fast against her face, his low voice muttering her name as he shuddered with ecstasy.

  She could feel his heart pounding against her skin, matching the rhythm of her own. Slowly, he pulled out, taking care of the condom before he looked at her with soft eyes.

  “You okay?” he asked, brushing the hair from her face. He was smiling at her, and damn if it didn’t make her heart do a crazy leap.

  A wave of pure happiness washed over her. “I’m good.” She caught her lip between her teeth, staring up at this man who knew exactly what to do to make her feel good. The man who made her wish for things she’d never have. Things she knew were never meant for her.

  “Come here,” he said, helping her up the mattress until their heads were on the overstuffed pillows, his arm circling her as he pulled her against him. She dropped her chin on his chest with a sigh, pleasure still warming her skin and loosening her muscles.

  “You’re amazing,” he whispered into her hair.

  “So are you. Three times amazing.” She smiled against his chest.

  “Give me half an hour and we’ll make it an even four.”

  She laughed softly. “I’m not sure I can take much more. And anyway, I should go back to Autumn’s house soon. It’s getting late.”

  “You could stay here.”

  “We probably shouldn’t give Griff an aneurysm,” she said, drawing circles with her fingers against his stomach. She liked the way it rippled every time she touched him. “Not until after the naming ceremony, anyway.”

  “I guess…” He sounded reluctant. And she liked that. Maybe too much. Laying here in his arms was so easy, so natural. But it wasn’t real. None of this was. “Stay for ten more minutes,” he suggested. “Just let me hold you for a while.”

  Snuggling against his chest, she nodded, letting out a sigh as he stroked his fingers through her hair.

  “Ten minutes,” she agreed. After that, she’d let herself get back to reality.

  Closing the front door behind her as quietly as she could, Lydia tiptoed down the hallway toward her bedroom, holding her breath.

  But all her ninja tactics were for n
othing, because Griff and Autumn were in the nursery, calming a screaming Skyler as they tried to get her to nurse.

  “Hey.” Lydia smiled at them, because damn, she was feeling mighty fine. “You guys still up?”

  Griff glanced at his watch, his brows lifting as he took in the time. It was past one in the morning, Lydia knew that because she’d seen it on Jackson’s car clock before she’d climbed out.

  “You’re home late,” Griff said, trying – and failing – to keep his voice light.

  Autumn sighed at him.

  He looked at her. “What?”

  “I thought we talked about this. What Lydia and Jackson do is their own concern.” Autumn adjusted Skyler against her chest. “Did you have a good evening?”

  “It was great.” Lydia grinned. “How about you guys?”

  But Griff was having none of it. “I thought he was taking you for a driving lesson.”

  “He did,” Lydia told him. “We drove all around the mountain roads.”

  “Until one o’clock?” His eyebrow arched.

  “Still not her father,” Autumn muttered to him.

  “You both look tired,” Lydia said, changing the subject. “How about I babysit for you tomorrow night? You can go out and have fun for a change.”

  “Are you trying to sweet talk me?” Griff asked. “Because it won’t work.”

  “She doesn’t need to sweet talk you, because whatever’s going on between her and Jackson is none of your damn business.” Autumn treated him to a fantastic glare. Lydia took note to avoid pissing her sister off.

  “I’m worried about them,” he muttered.

  “I know.” Autumn patted his arm with her free hand.

  “And I love them both.”

  Lydia smiled at him. “We know that. But we’re grown-ups. Imagine how you’d feel if someone had told you not to see Autumn. You’d have been annoyed as hell.”

  “That’s different,” Griff said, sitting on the loveseat next to his fiancée. “Autumn and I were serious.”

  “Not at first we weren’t,” Autumn protested. “You were all about never settling down.”

  He pressed a kiss against her brow. “And then I realized how amazing you were, and that I couldn’t live without you.” He glanced at Lydia. “Is that how you feel about Jackson?”

  Her cheeks flushed. “I don’t know. We’re just having fun, I guess.” She didn’t want to think too deeply about it, because she was scared what she might find.

  Autumn looked from Lydia and back to Griff. “You know, honey, we really could do with a night out. I can’t remember the last time I ate using both hands.”

  Lydia sent her sister a silent wave of gratitude. She knew Autumn was worried about her and Jackson as well. She’d said as much when they went out for ice cream the other night. But her sister was soft hearted, and she believed in letting people do their own thing.

  So did Griff, for the most part. And if she was honest, Lydia kind of liked his protectiveness. She was a free bird, but even free birds liked a safe place to nest sometimes.

  From the way he was stroking Skyler’s hair, Lydia could guess exactly where Griff’s anxiety came from. He was a father now, and that made him constantly concerned for his daughter. His protectiveness over Lydia was just a reflection of that.

  “Yeah,” Griff agreed. “Maybe a night out without this monkey would do us both some good.”

  Lydia grinned, because she knew they both needed this. “I’ll take good care of her, I promise. You’ll have such a good time.”

  Autumn glanced slyly at Griff. “Maybe Jackson could come over to help. He’s going to be Skyler’s godfather, after all.”

  Griff’s head shot up. “What?”

  “Only if you want him to,” Autumn told Lydia. “But as you can see, four arms are usually better than two. Especially when it comes to changing diapers.”

  “Jackson could probably do with the practice,” Lydia agreed happily. “That way he can get comfortable and maybe he’ll be able to babysit after I leave. Give you guys a break.”

  “If you think I’m leaving my only child with Jackson…” Griff trailed off when he saw Autumn’s expression. “Okay,” he conceded with a sigh. “He can come help Lydia. But he’s not to be left alone with Skyler until he’s more experienced with babies.”

  “I’ll call him in the morning,” Lydia said. “See if he’s free. And you two should start planning your date.” She raised an eyebrow at Griff. “You probably need to make it pretty special.”

  Griff huffed. “I’m getting that idea.”

  Autumn kissed him softly. “Anywhere is special with you.”

  “Yeah?” he breathed, cupping her cheek. The way he looked at his fiancée made Lydia’s stomach contract. There was so much love there, but passion, too.

  “Always.” Autumn stared back at him, her eyes shining.

  Lydia suddenly felt like an interloper. She ran her tongue along her dry lips and started to back down the hallway. “I’m beat,” she told them. “Time for bed for this girl.”

  “Sleep tight,” Autumn called out as Lydia opened the door to the guest bedroom.

  Truth was, she’d never felt more awake in her life. After tonight, her whole body was buzzing, like an electric storm crackling in the night sky.

  And as for her mind? Well, she had a lot to think about.

  15

  “Here are three shortlisted candidates I want you to meet,” Lisa said, laying out three résumés on Jackson’s desk. “They’re all good. And this guy was in charge of a department at his last job.” She pointed at the sheaf of paper at the top.

  “Why did he leave?” Jackson asked her.

  “The owner sold. New owner wanted his own people in place.” Lisa shrugged. “There’s nothing sinister about him. Meet him and you’ll see. I already did the hard work and interviewed them. They’re all good, I promise.”

  Jackson read the name at the top. Carl Rubens. He didn’t know the guy, but he’d make a couple of calls to make sure he was as good as Lisa said. Not that he didn’t trust her, but he was running a security business. Anybody he took on was a reflection of him. “Okay, arrange for me to meet with him early next week.”

  Lisa beamed. “I’ll call him now. And the others?”

  “I’ll meet Carl first. If he’s as good as you say he is, he can help recruit anybody else.”

  “Right you are.” She patted Eddie, who was curled in his usual spot at Jackson’s feet. “Oh, and I haven’t had any sensible replies about Eddie. Just a few stupid ones. And a dick pic. Why do people always send dick pics?”

  Jackson frowned. “You got a dick pic? Maybe you should close the inquiry. I don’t want you being harassed.”

  Lisa shrugged. “I can take it. We should leave it up. Somebody has to be missing this guy. He’s too cute not to be loved.”

  “Yeah.” Jackson nodded. “I guess he is.”

  “I’m gonna miss him being in the office if his family is found.” Lisa blew Eddie a kiss.

  “He’s only been here for a few days,” Jackson pointed out. “And you’re forever complaining about his farts.”

  “Doesn’t mean I don’t think he’s the cutest little schnookums ever,” Lisa said in a cutesy voice, ruffling Eddie’s head.

  “Go call this Carl guy and leave me alone.”

  Lisa narrowed her eyes. “You’re cute when you’re upset because your dog could be leaving, you know that?”

  Jackson shook his head and turned back to his computer, biting down a smile as Lisa stomped back to her desk.

  “And don’t think I haven’t noticed what a good mood you’re in today,” Lisa called out, as she sat on her chair. “A little bird told me you had a date last night.”

  If she wasn’t such a good assistant, he’d fire her. But he’d only be hurting himself by doing that. Any right minded business owner would snap Lisa up in an instant, and he’d be the one losing out.

  “I’m putting my headphones in now,” he told he
r. “So I can block out the annoying noise and concentrate.”

  She grinned and lifted her phone to her ear, tapping in numbers as she read them from the résumé.

  Jackson grabbed his wireless headphones. He really did have tons of work to do, and listening to white noise always helped him concentrate. But right as he was pulling up his tried-and-tested playlist, his phone started to buzz. Before he could stop it, a smile curled his lips when he saw Lydia’s name on the screen.

  “Hey,” he said, sending up a silent prayer that Lisa was too busy talking on the phone to notice his grin. “You doing okay this morning?”

  “I am.” Her voice was warm. “I’ve been doing some work at the coffee shop. The couple I’m taking to Rio wanted a few changes made to their itinerary, so I’ve been messing around with that.”

  “When do you go to Rio?” he asked. “I thought you were heading to Europe.”

  “I am. Rio isn’t until June, but I like to plan everything out with as much notice as I can. Things can get booked up very quickly.”

  “How long are you in Europe again?”

  “Almost two months. Barcelona then Madrid, and after that I’m heading to Paris. I’ve got a tentative booking for two sisters to go to the champagne region of France, though goodness knows why they need me to be there. Then it’s Italy for the second half of May, and Rio in June.”

  So she’d be busy. Maybe too busy to come back here. He ignored the dryness in his throat. “When will you be coming back to visit Autumn?”

  “I don’t know,” she said softly. “I hope it won’t be too long. I’m growing fond of this place.”

  And he was growing fond of her. Maybe it was a good thing she was leaving soon, before he got in too deep.

  “Anyway, that’s not why I’m calling. I was wondering what your plans are for tonight.”

  His muscles relaxed. “No plans. Why, what are you up to?”