He didn’t deserve another chance, but he wanted it more than he’d ever wanted anything in his life. And he’d do whatever it took to win her back.
“One more chance, Becca.” He reached out, touching her arm. “Just give us one more chance. We were so good together. I know we can be good together again. I’ll do whatever it takes to prove it to you.”
“You don’t hurt the people you love,” she said, her chest rising and falling heavily. “You don’t push them away. Not to protect them and not because you’re scared.”
“I know I fucked up,” he said, prepared to beg if that’s what it took to make her understand that losing her would break him.
“And you don’t knock them down again when they make a mistake.” Her chin trembled. “You pick them up, and you dust them off, and you love them, like you always have and always will.”
Wait. What was she saying?
“Becca—”
“Shut up and kiss me, Jax.”
His ears were playing tricks on him. Did she just say “kiss me?” That couldn’t be right, could it? One look at her face, at the raised brow that said “what are you waiting for,” and he had his answer. He slipped an arm around her back and pulled her close, enjoying the way she fit perfectly against him, as if she’d been made for him alone. Hell, maybe she had been. That was the beauty of it.
He lowered his mouth to hers, committing the moment to memory and savoring the sweet taste of her lips. His mouth moved over hers slowly, teasing her with a slow build.
“You call that a kiss?” She tangled her fingers in his hair and tilted his head, giving herself better access to his mouth as she spread his lips with her tongue and delved inside. She kissed him like a woman starved for intimacy, devouring his lips with urgency.
When she finally released him, he was panting, the hard ridge of his erection straining against the fitted dress pants. “Before you say anything else, I need to know if you can forgive me, if you can you give me one more chance to be the man you deserve?”
“Didn’t I just say you were forgiven?” She grinned up at him, her face glowing with excitement, her eyes filled with love. “Clearly I’ve still got a lot to teach you about relationships and loving people.”
His heart swelled. “I promise to be a diligent student. Starting right now. Let’s get out of here.”
“I thought you’d never ask,” she whispered, glancing at the door. “My place or yours?”
“Yours. It’s closer.” He kissed her again, hard and fast this time. “What about my artwork?”
“The gallery has a delivery service.”
Ten minutes later they fell through the door to her apartment, tearing off their clothes. They never made it to the bedroom. He pinned her against the front door, cupping her ass and lifting her in the air as she opened herself to him.
They were both primed and ready. He drove deep into her with the first stroke, seating himself to the hilt.
He groaned, lowering his forehead to hers as her body clenched him tight.
Withdrawing, he slid back into her, watching her as he moved so he could memorize the look on her face and relearn all the places that made her moan with pleasure.
“I missed you, too.” She closed her eyes and rocked her hips as he pumped into her, their bodies moving in unison. “My little battery operated friend has nothing on you.”
“Open your eyes, Becca.” He stopped moving, and she did as he instructed, looking up at him from beneath heavy eyelids. “From now on, the only one getting between your thighs is me, understand?” He pumped into her and slowly withdrew. “My dick.” He gave her another stroke, eliciting a moan. “My mouth.” He buried himself deep. “My fingers. That’s all you’ll ever need.”
Nodding, she fused her mouth with his, ravishing his lips as he pushed them both toward climax, their bodies spiraling higher and higher with each crash of their hips. Just when he was sure he couldn’t hold out any longer, she threw her head back, banging it against the door as she called his name, riding out the aftershocks of her orgasm and pulling him over the edge with her. His body went rigid, sealing itself to the woman he loved as they lost themselves in carnal pleasure.
Afterward, he held her tight, promising himself he’d never let go. No matter what life threw at them, they’d face it together. Because a life without Becca in it? It wasn’t a life worth living, and nothing was going to come between them this time. Not the past, not the job, and definitely not his fears.
With Becca, he was finally home.
Epilogue
Becca studied her date across the table, wondering how he felt about exhibitionism. No one was paying a bit of attention to them. If she wanted to give it a go, there was no time like the present. She slid her foot up his calf and between his legs, following the hard muscles of his thighs straight to his cock. Thank God for floor length table linens. Otherwise she’d be well on her way to getting them both kicked out of the black-tie affair. Not that it would be the worst thing in the world. Getting kicked out meant they could go find a bathroom or a coat closet or some other very private place to finish what they’d started.
Okay, technically, what she’d started, but that was hardly the point.
Jax’s eyes nearly jumped out of his head as she massaged him with her foot, his erection growing thick at her touch. He shifted in his chair, his face turning a deep shade of crimson. Enjoying the tortured look on his face, and knowing he’d return the favor later, she blew him a kiss.
It was a fancy-pants charity dinner, the kind they both hated, but it was for the FDNY, and as guests of honor, their presence would be missed if they slipped away for a quickie in the bathroom. Especially since they’d soon be announcing the models for a FDNY Hall of Flames special edition calendar. Jax and his peers had been so popular they’d sold a record number of calendars, prompting a special edition for the New Year, with the most popular firemen of all time. Quinn liked to think sales were stimulated by her Bravest series, and maybe they were. The only thing Becca knew for sure was that everywhere they went, women were fawning all over Jax.
Talk about irony. If someone had told her a year ago that she and Jax were a perfect match, she’d have laughed in their face. Hard.
Now? She couldn’t imagine her life without him. Or without moments like this one.
She rubbed her foot against his cock, applying more pressure.
He moaned. And then he coughed, raising his napkin to his lips to cover up their bad behavior. She grinned. Twenty minutes ago the only thing she could think about was dessert. Unfortunately, dessert was nowhere in sight, and Jax was right across from her, looking far more delectable than any hotel pastry.
A year of hot, sizzling sex and they still couldn’t get enough of one another. The days he spent at the firehouse were long and her bed lonely, but they made up for it when he was home. Now if they could just duck out…
The emcee took the stage, droning on and on about the voting process they’d all engaged in earlier that evening. She continued to work Jax’s cock with her foot, knowing there was a real possibility he’d be heading to the stage with the mother of all hard-ons.
He threw his napkin on the table and slipped his hands below, capturing her foot before she could do any serious damage. When his gaze fell on her, there was a wicked gleam in his eye. He began to massage her foot, paying special attention to the arch, which was hella sore from the four-inch stilettos she’d worn against her better judgment.
Crap. If he kept that up, she’d be putty in his hands. Or possibly under the table.
The emcee opened the envelope and began to ceremoniously read the names of the twelve firemen who would grace the pages of the special edition calendar she’d be shooting.
Throughout the room, the men stood when their names were called, acknowledging the applauding crowd as they made their way to the stage. Some waved, some winked, one the younger guys flexed his biceps, drawing a roar of enthusiasm from the women in the room.
“Mr. November:
Jackson Hart!”
She jerked her foot free of his grasp, joining the others in their applause. Much to her relief, Jax was boner-free when he stood and waved to the crowd. He stepped around the table and lowered his mouth to her ear. “How fitting, since I have so much to be thankful for.” A warm blush filled her cheeks as he brushed his lips across her temple.
She watched with pride as he joined the other men on the stage, the bright lights glinting off his blond hair. It was a stark contrast to the navy uniform that hugged his well-defined muscles as if the freaking thing had been custom made to torture her.
So much for having him all to herself tonight. Still, she couldn’t have been prouder of him, and she was thrilled to be shooting the special edition calendar. After all, she sure as hell didn’t want anyone else shooting her man while he strutted around topless.
When all the fanfare died down and Jax returned to the table, he didn’t take his seat. Instead he reached for her hand, taking it gently in his own. “Ready to get out of here?”
“I thought you’d never ask,” she returned, slipping the heels from hell back on her feet. It was going to be a long walk home, but at least she’d be in good company.
When they entered the lobby, he reached into his coat pocket and withdrew a room key. “I booked us a room for the night.”
“That sounds like the best idea ever.” She didn’t have overnight clothes, but who cared? The only thing she needed was the man standing beside her. “I’ve been dying to get you out of that uniform ever since you put it on.”
Jax silently led the way to the elevator bank and ushered her into the first available car.
“You’re awfully quiet,” she said, wrapping her arms around his waist. A fine sheen of perspiration coated his forehead. Maybe he’d had a little too much of the spotlight tonight. “Contemplating your duties as Mr. November?”
His lips curved, hooking up on the left and revealing the dimple he’d used to get his way more times than she could count.
“Something like that,” he said, sliding his hands around her back and pulling her close. He lowered his face to hers and placed a gentle kiss on her lips, his mouth moving tenderly over hers.
The elevator doors slid open, and he grabbed her hand, leading her down the hall, her heels sinking into the plush carpet with each step. When they reached their room, he paused at the door.
“Close your eyes,” he ordered, sliding the card in the lock and withdrawing it.
“Jax.”
“If you want me to finish that foot massage, you’d better close your eyes,” he warned, sweeping his fingers over her eyes and forcing them shut.
“I don’t know what you are up to,” she teased, “but don’t think I’m going to forget about that foot massage.”
“I’d expect nothing less.” He planted a hand on her lower back and steered her into the room. She followed his lead, trusting him implicitly to guide her without letting her stumble over a piece of ill placed furniture. Soft jazz played in the background.
What the hell is he up to?
When they finally stopped, he took her hand.
“Open your eyes, Becca.”
She did as he instructed, finding the suite aglow in candlelight and overflowing with red roses. There was an overnight bag on the chair. And, oh! Jax was on his knee in front of her, looking up at her with such love, such emotion, she could hardly believe her eyes. It was like something out of a movie, one of the many she’d watched growing up. Only it wasn’t a movie, not this time. This was her life, and the man she adored was on his knee before her.
“Oh my God!” she gasped, bringing her other hand to her mouth. “Jax?”
“Becca Mancini.” He reached into his pocket and removed a tiny box, his eyes glued to hers. “Before you came back into my life, I didn’t know the meaning of love or family. You taught me both, helping me understand true love means taking the good days with the bad, and giving your heart to someone you love and trust unconditionally.” Her own heart swelled. This was really happening. He opened the box, revealing a brilliant round cut diamond. It was classic, elegant, and perfect. “I don’t know how I got so lucky to have you in my life, but I’m sure as hell not going to let you go. Not now, not ever. Marry me, Becca.”
The day she’d dreamt of so many times was finally here, and the reality was so much better than any fantasy she’d indulged in growing up. Jax was on his knee asking her to take this leap with him, and she didn’t even have to think about it. He was the only man for her. Always had been, always would be.
The whole moment was surreal, and she wanted to say yes, but she was frozen in time, her brain determined to preserve every last detail of the world’s sweetest proposal. Her silence stretched between them, with Jax’s hopeful gaze fixed on her, waiting for her answer.
“I have your mom’s tartufo in the fridge…”
“Yes,” she gushed, pulling him to his feet, her heart soaring. “Yes. Yes. Yes!”
“Yes to tartufo, or yes to marrying me?” he asked with a crooked grin, relief flooding his eyes.
“Both.” She wrapped her hand around his neck and crushed her lips to his, opening herself to him and enjoying the way his tongue skated over her own as he took the kiss deeper, melding their bodies into one.
No woman had ever loved a man as fiercely as she loved Jackson Hart. She was sure of it. She loved him so hard she was bursting at the seams, barely able to contain the emotion stretching her body and spirit in new ways. Whatever the future held, they’d take it one day at a time. Together they’d build a life and a family, and dammit, she’d get her happily ever after with the sexy fireman whose soul completed her own, and who could ignite her panties with nothing more than a look.
Did you love this Brazen? Check out more of our steamy titles here!
And for exclusive sneak peeks at our upcoming books, excerpts, contests, chats with our authors and editors, and more…
Sign up for our Newsletter
Be sure to like us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Acknowledgments
Acknowledgements are always a little tricky. There are so many people who help bring a story to life, providing guidance, expertise, and encouragement along the way. And while I’d like to give awkward hugs to each and every one of them (because I’m a super awkward hugger—just ask my family), geography has spared them that fate. Seriously though, I’m so grateful for each and every person that helped me share Jax and Becca’s story.
Thank you to everyone on the Brazen team for providing such incredible support for the Risky Business series. It’s always tough to close a series and say goodbye to characters I love so hard, but it’s been a wonderful journey! I’m so lucky to be part of this awesome community of editors, authors and publicists.
A special thanks to Candace Havens for being such a kick-ass editor and for giving the best feedback. I can always count on you to make me laugh, even when it’s at myself.
To my family, for supporting me through this whole crazy journey. You’ve been patient and supportive, always reminding me what matters most. I love you all to the moon and back.
Thank you to all the readers who’ve shown so much love for the Risky Business series! Your feedback and encouragement mean the world to me and help me push through when the plot bunnies get a little…frisky.
And to everyone who ever uploaded a picture of a hot firefighter to Pinterest, because…inspiration.
About the Author
Jennifer Bonds writes sizzling contemporary romance with sassy heroines, sexy heroes, and a whole lot of mischief. When she’s not writing or wrangling toddlers, she can be found curled up with a good book and a bottle of wine. Jennifer lives in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, where her overactive imagination and weakness for reality TV keep life interesting. She’s lucky enough to live with her own real life hero, two adorable children, and a pair of rambunctious dogs. Loves Buffy, Mexican food, the Winchester brothers, and all things zombie. Sings o
ff-key.
To connect with Jennifer, find her on Facebook, Twitter, or at www.jenniferbonds.com.
Sign up for our Romance Steals newsletter and be the first to hear about new releases from Jennifer Bonds and other fantastic Entangled authors!
Reviews help other readers find books. We appreciate all reviews, whether positive or negative. Thank you for reading!
Discover the Risky Business series…
Once Upon a Dare
On the eve of earning her dream promotion, all-work-and-no-play advertising guru Olivia Masterson receives an irresistible dare—ditch her frosty facade for a hot night with an even hotter stranger. Olivia’s worked her ass off to get where she is—why the hell not? Except she has no idea she’s seducing the guy who stole her promotion, or that no matter how hard she tries to ice him out, Cole Bennett will do whatever it takes to permanently melt the ice queen…
Once Upon a Powerplay
Sidelined by an injury, hockey player Ryan Douglas is supposed to be focusing on recovery. But after a near death experience and a night of passion with a spunky brunette, the only thing on his mind is getting her five and a half feet of sexy sarcasm back in his bed. But Chloe Jacobs wants nothing to do with a pushy, arrogant hockey player who thinks date-by-blackmail is an acceptable social convention. Ryan wants to play games? Fine, but this is one faceoff he’s going to lose.
If you love sexy romance, one-click these steamy Brazen releases…
Best Man with Benefits
a Wedding Dare/McCade Brothers novel by Samanthe Beck
Logan McCade’s best man duties have just been expanded. Coaxing his best friend’s little sister out of her shell should be easy—or so he thinks until he’s blindsided by the delectably awkward Sophie Brooks. She’s sweet, sexy, and brings much-needed calm to his hectic life. Soon, he’s tempting her to explore all of her forbidden fantasies…and wondering exactly how far a favor to his best friend can go.
Seducing the Fireman (Risky Business) Page 18