Unwritten

by Hartley, Jenna

  “Now I’m curious,” I said. “Is he famous or something?”

  “Or something,” she said, but laughter bubbled out of her. “I take it you’re not a football fan.”

  I shook my head. “I’ve always been more into soccer.”

  “He used to play for the Hollywood Heatwaves. He’s a color commentator now.”

  I thought back on our first phone conversation. When I’d been frustrated with rehab, and she’d mentioned how change could be a positive thing. And suddenly it all clicked—she’d been talking about her dad retiring from football.

  “And apparently, he’s the key to keeping my job,” she sighed.

  I frowned. “What do you mean?”

  “My boss, Seth, wants me to get my dad to agree to do a biography for Igloo Books.” She crossed her arms over her chest.

  We’d talked about her job occasionally, but mostly in general terms. Considering her success with Spines for Soldiers, I was shocked that her position was conditional on something so…ridiculous. On something that had absolutely nothing to do with her or her ability to perform her job.

  “Fuck that,” I said.

  “Yeah.” She laughed, but it felt like she was blowing me off as she returned to the kitchen for something else.

  “I’m serious, Olivia. You don’t need Igloo.”

  She rummaged in the cabinets, while I continued to peruse her photos. The next one was of Olivia and a redheaded girl about a foot shorter than her—both of them wearing flight jumpsuits.

  “Did you go skydiving?” I asked, unable to hide the surprise from my tone. “Or was this taken at one of those indoor air places?”

  She laughed, setting a plate with some cookies on the coffee table. “I can tell you think so highly of those indoor air places.” She mimicked my disdain.

  I lifted a shoulder. “I just think nothing compares to the real deal. But somehow, I can’t imagine you wanting to jump out of a plane.”

  “We went for my twenty-fifth birthday.”

  “Surely that wasn’t your idea, though. It seems…out of character.”

  “It was, and it wasn’t. Have you ever been?” She sank down on the couch, and I joined her. “Why did I even ask?” She rolled her eyes. “Of course you’ve been. It was part of your training, right?”

  I nodded, distracted by her proximity, by her vanilla scent. We were talking about skydiving, but all I wanted to do was kiss her.

  I cleared my throat and glanced toward Luna. “It is. Though it’s a bit different from jumping as a civilian.”

  “Sorry.” She waved a hand through the air. “I’m sure you don’t want to talk about work—not when you’re finally on vacation.”

  I leaned forward to take a sip of my water. “Doesn’t bother me. But I’d rather hear more about you.”

  “God, you are smooth, aren’t you?”

  I leaned back, draping my arm over the back of the couch. “Only with you.”

  “Why?” she blurted.

  “Why what?”

  “Why…” She shook her head. “Never mind.”

  “No. I want to know.”

  She glanced away, but I placed my hand beneath her chin, guiding her attention back to me. “Why am I so smooth with you? Or why you?” I asked, going out on a limb.

  She nodded, and for the first time since I’d met her, I saw uncertainty in her gaze. Why? Why did she doubt my interest in her? My attraction?

  “Olivia—” I waited until her eyes met mine. This close, I realized they had a hint of blue to them as well. They were captivating. “Surely you know how incredible you are.”

  “You’re just saying that because you’re hoping to get lucky,” she teased.

  “Well, yeah,” I joked, though I was serious. “Have you seen yourself? You’re fucking gorgeous.”

  She sucked in a shaky breath, and I wondered if no one had ever told her that. Wondered why she didn’t see it herself. Because I knew—unlike other women I’d been with—she wasn’t fishing for compliments. She genuinely didn’t see how beautiful she was, but I was determined to make her believe it.

  “You’re beautiful,” I said again, holding her gaze.

  “Please.” She huffed out a breath, her cheeks pinkening. She even rolled her eyes. “You don’t have to say that just to be nice. A guy like you—” Her eyes scanned me, and I liked the heat in her gaze, the way her eyes darkened with desire. “A guy like you could have any woman he wants.”

  “Maybe,” I said, not wanting to dismiss her feelings. I knew how women looked at me. How they flirted. “But the only woman I want is you.”

  Her eyes searched mine as I cupped her cheek, her skin soft against my callused palm. And then she leaned into my touch, melting into my hand. “I want you too, Connor.”

  I stared at her a moment longer, taking in those gorgeous green eyes framed by dark lashes. The pouty lips that were fuller on the bottom… And then, I slanted my lips over hers. The connection was shocking but also natural. Because when our lips met, our tongues exploring, tangling, it felt right. It felt as instinctive as breathing.

  What started as a lazy kiss turned frenzied as we fumbled to undress. Months of pent-up desire poured into the kiss, into our every touch. It was frantic and hot, and I wanted more. Needed more. With every inch of clothing removed, with every kiss and sigh, I wanted everything.

  “I was wrong,” I said after we’d stripped down to our underwear.

  I kissed away her frown, loving the feel of her lips against mine. It was addictive—kissing her.

  “You’re not just beautiful.” I held her gaze, wanting her to feel my sincerity. I sensed she needed the reassurance, though fuck if I knew why. “You’re breathtaking.”

  Her answering smile was warm, at least before it turned into a smirk. “You’re not so bad yourself.”

  “Not so bad.” I narrowed my eyes at her because I knew she was messing with me. “Not so bad?”

  She nodded, covering her mouth to stifle a giggle.

  “Oh, you’re going to pay for that.” I easily picked her up, hauling her over my shoulder.

  She squealed, pounding her fists playfully against my back. “Connor James, put me down!”

  “All in good time.” I smacked her ass with a satisfying thwack and smirked when she stilled. “You like that, sweetheart?”

  A whimper was my only response, so I did it again before smoothing my hand over her cheek. This was going to be so much fun.

  “Where’s your room?” I asked.

  “End of the hall, on the right. And you really shouldn’t be carrying me. I’m concerned about your knee.”

  “Shh. You weigh nothing.”

  I kicked open the door, laughing when Luna darted past. I hadn’t realized she’d come in here, but I’d been so absorbed with Olivia, I doubt I would’ve noticed if a bomb had detonated. That wasn’t entirely true. Even as distracted as I was, I was still scanning her house for potential threats. And I’d decided there were a number of security improvements that needed to be made. But those would have to wait.

  “Good kitty.” I kicked the door closed behind me. I didn’t want any interruptions. “Now it’s time to make another pussy purr.”

  Olivia’s laughter was muffled by my back. “Oh my god. You did not just say that.”

  “What?”

  I tossed her gently on the bed, ready to make good on my promise. But when I saw her lying on her back, hair fanned out against the pale pink comforter, all I could think about was how badly I needed her. I pressed against my dick, aching to be inside her, aching for release.

  She propped herself up on her elbows. “Connor.” She bit her lip. “Is something wrong?”

  “No, baby.” I crawled up the bed, up over her body.

  “Fuck, you’re sexy,” I rasped, placing kisses all along her bare skin. “I’ve been thinking about this—about you—for months.”

  “Really?”

  Shit. I hadn’t meant to admit that. But this woman did funny
things to my brain. Funny things to my heart. Like make me want things I couldn’t have. But when she arched her hips, grinding against me, thoughts of anything else fled my mind. Because all I could think was—need. I needed this woman.

  “I want to see you,” I said between kisses. “All of you.”

  She sucked her lower lip into her mouth, just like I wanted her to suck my cock, and I groaned. This woman was going to be my undoing.

  Chapter Eleven

  Olivia

  My phone buzzed on the nightstand. Behind me, Connor shifted, the warmth of his body, his scent, permeating the sheets. I wanted to ignore my phone, ignore everything but him, and I would’ve, if not for the notification of ten missed calls. I blinked, trying to clear the sleep from my eyes as I peered at the display. Alyssa’s face flashed on the screen as it continued to vibrate in my hand. I cringed and glanced over my shoulder to make sure Connor was still sleeping.

  He was facing me, but his eyes were closed, his breathing even. I’d still be sleeping too, were it not for Alyssa’s call. But I had a feeling she’d come over soon if I didn’t answer. Or worse—ask my dad to stop by. Just what I didn’t need. My dad showing up to find Connor and me in bed.

  I slipped out of bed as quietly as possible and pressed the button to connect the call. “Just a sec,” I whispered, grabbing Connor’s shirt from the floor and slipping it around me.

  “Oh my god. Is he still there?” She squealed. “Get it, girl!”

  I squeezed my eyes shut. It was too early. I needed coffee.

  “Shh,” I hissed, glancing over my shoulder as I pulled the door closed. Even though all I wanted to do was crawl back in bed with him. Despite the insane amount of sex we’d had last night, it only made me crave him even more.

  I pinched the bridge of my nose, desperate for caffeine. “Will you keep it down please?” I whispered, padding across the floor toward the kitchen.

  “Can you talk now? I’m dying here!”

  “You’re always so dramatic.” I pushed my hair out of my face.

  “I take it your date went well?”

  I headed out to my back patio once my coffee was finished. “Yes,” I said, no longer whispering. “Okay, I can talk for a minute or two.”

  “Nuh-uh. I need more than a minute. What’s he like? Is he what you expected? How was the sex?” Her questions were rapid-fire, and I struggled to keep up after my late night.

  “He’s…” I smiled, glancing out at the palm trees. “Amazing.”

  “The sex too?” she asked.

  I sighed, thinking of the things we’d done. Him on top, me beneath him, his lips, his hands all over my skin as he made love to me. Because it certainly felt like making love.

  But I was getting ahead of myself. This was temporary. Fun. A fling. Nothing more.

  “That good, huh?” I could hear the smile in her voice. I would’ve been annoyed by her smug tone were I not floating on a high of orgasms.

  Unlike the other men I’d been with, Connor had no problem making me climax. He’d certainly proved me wrong about sex in romance novels being a fantasy. But still…maybe last night had been a fluke. Further research was definitely necessary.

  “Yes.” I turned when I heard a noise but saw nothing. “Look, I should probably get going…”

  “But I want details!” she whined.

  “I have to go… I have a feeling he’s going to be up soon.”

  “Up for another round?” she chuckled, amused by her own cheesy joke.

  “Probably. Though it would be round three of a marathon session in less than twelve hours.”

  The long stretch of silence on the other end of the line amused me. Alyssa was never silent.

  “Damn, girl. I’m totally jealous, but I hope you have fun!”

  “Oh, I will.” I grinned, bringing my coffee mug to my lips to take a sip.

  “Look at you, all confident. I like him already.”

  So did I, and that was a problem because he was leaving in a few days.

  “I’ve got to go,” I said, spying Connor in the kitchen. “I’ll see you on Monday.”

  He walked outside not two seconds later, his chest and abs on full display. Damn him for looking so perfect after rolling out of bed. His gray eyes sparkled, a smile tugging at the corner of his lips. His boxer briefs rode low on his waist, showcasing amazing abs and perfect V that led to his...

  I gulped and pulled his button-down shirt a little closer, suddenly self-conscious in the harsh morning light. Why hadn’t I taken the time to look in the mirror? Swish a little toothpaste in my mouth? Dab on some lip gloss or even brush my hair?

  “Good morning, beautiful.” He leaned down, pressing his lips to mine. His voice was gravelly, and he looked even sexier with a bit of scruff lining his angular jaw.

  I cringed, hoping my breath didn’t taste awful. Maybe the coffee would cover any morning breath?

  “Morning.” I smiled.

  He sat on the chair next to me and pulled my feet into his lap. “Sleep well?”

  I nodded as he started massaging my feet before working his way up to my calves. I leaned my head back against the chair, the sunlight warming my skin. His hands melted me like butter, and some of my earlier concerns vanished.

  “Oh god.” I moaned. “That feels…so good.”

  He chuckled, and the sound went straight to my core. I rubbed my legs together, seeking to ease the ache.

  I opened my eyes, gasping as he slid his hand even higher, caressing my thigh and resting there a moment. In the distance, I saw one of my neighbors sunning in her backyard, her perfect body a reminder of everything I wasn’t.

  “I, um—” I squirmed. “We should get ready.” I leaped out of my chair, seizing on the excuse. So much for my newfound confidence.

  “Okay.” He furrowed his brows, and I wanted to smooth any worries away. “Sure.”

  I went inside and closed the door to the bathroom. A glance in the mirror only confirmed my fears. My hair looked like a rat’s nest. His shirt barely covered my thighs. And still…he somehow seemed to think I was sexy. It made no sense.

  Before I could strip out of his shirt, there was a knock on the door. “Olivia.”

  “Yeah?” My voice sounded timid.

  The door swung open. Connor stood in the opening, arms crossed over his chest. “What do you think you’re doing?”

  “Um…getting ready,” I squeaked, though it sounded more like a question.

  “You sure? Because it feels like you’re avoiding me.” He stared me down. “And I want to know why?”

  “I-I—” I glanced away, unable to handle the intensity of his gaze. The room was heating up, and it had nothing to do with the steam billowing out of the shower. I couldn’t believe he’d had the balls to call me on my lie. Though, why would I expect anything less? He’d never been one to back down. And despite the fact that we’d just met, he knew me. He could read me—better than anyone.

  His feet came into view, and he placed his finger beneath my chin, lifting. “Are you having second thoughts about last night?”

  “What?” I frowned. “No. I’m just—” I closed my eyes and took a shuddering breath. “I’m afraid you might.”

  He barked out a laugh. “Regret a night of amazing sex with a beautiful woman? Right.”

  “I’m sorry. I’m still trying to wrap my head around everything. I mean—we met online. And now…you’re here. And you’re—”

  “I’m…?”

  “Well, you. You’re hot and amazing at sex. You’re caring. And for some reason I can’t quite make out—you seem to like me.”

  He placed his hands on my hips, pulling me closer. “Oh, I definitely like you.” His erection dug into me, and he gave me a look that burned with desire. “Have I not made it clear just how much I like you?” He ground against me, and I was hit with a strong pang of need.

  I laughed, burying my face in his chest. “You’re ridiculous.”

  “Perhaps I need to show you again
.” He flashed me a mischievous grin.

  “Perhaps you do,” I said as he pushed the shirt off my shoulders, allowing it to pool on the floor.

  We spent the rest of the day in the shower, in bed, on the couch, trying to prove just how much we liked each other.

  “So,” he said, twirling my hair around his finger later that afternoon. I was resting on his chest, enjoying the sight of this sexy man in my bed. I still couldn’t believe it. “Any remaining doubts about how much I like you?”

  I laughed. “No. And I think I’m going to be sore tomorrow.”

  “I’ll just have to kiss it better.” He smiled, his dimple making an appearance. How could one man be both adorable and incredibly sexy? His smile melted my heart, even as his naughty words heated my core.

  “Hmm. That sounds nice.” I fell back on the bed, my body buzzing happily after my latest orgasm.

  He shifted beside me and groaned a little. I turned to look at him. “You okay?”

  “My knee’s just a little stiff. It’ll be fine.”

  I rolled to my side to face him, pulling the sheets up over my breasts. “Crap. I totally forgot about your knee. I’m so sorry.”

  He continued to stare at the ceiling, but a smile played at his lips. “I’m not.”

  “Still—” I smoothed my hand over his chest, tracing his insane muscles. “We should take it easy tomorrow. I’d hate to be the cause of any further damage.”

  He chuckled, though it lacked mirth. “It might not matter anyway.”

  I frowned. “What does that mean?”

  He grabbed my hand, lacing our fingers together, holding it over his heart. “I might be on desk duty permanently.”

  “What? Why? I thought you said your knee was healing nicely.” I frowned, trying to make sense of it.

  “It is, but…” He continued to stare at the ceiling, but I could see his struggle. See him battling with himself. “I fucked up on the last mission.”

  I stayed silent, giving him a minute to process his thoughts. In the past, he’d shared some about his work, but mostly in general terms. I sensed this was different.

  “We were supposed to be protecting an ambassador and his family. But his son was…” His Adam’s apple bobbed. “His son was a piece of work.”