Tate (Lighthouse Security Investigations Book 6)

by Maryann Jordan

  His name on her lips as she came jolted through the past and pierced his heart. That was all it took for him to feel his balls tighten as he continued to thrust, finally roaring through his release. Keeping his weight on his arms, he continued to glide in and out of her warm, tight sex. He tried to drag in a breath but was uncertain he could take in enough oxygen to keep from passing out. Rolling to the side, he brought her body with him, falling to his back and holding her tightly onto his chest. There, bodies still connected, they panted through their smiles, their heartbeats mingling together.

  After a few minutes, he reached down and snagged the covers, jerking them up to her neck, hating to hide her luscious body but wanting to keep her warm. Shifting her to the side, he kissed her lightly, mumbling against her lips. “Be right back.”

  He headed to the bathroom and took care of the condom before slipping back under the covers. Drawn together like magnets, they moved easily, her head on his chest and his arms pulling her in close. He felt so comfortable with her tucked into his embrace, it was as though the years had fallen away leaving them more worldly but bound just as tightly together.

  Her fingers trailed along his jaw, and he stared into her eyes. “I’d give anything to know what you’re thinking, babe.”

  Her fingers slid to the back of his head, gliding along his scalp. “This all seems so familiar, and yet everything about you is also different. Your body is bigger, your jaw more square. Your hair is shorter than when you were in high school but longer than when you were in the military. We both have more years and experience behind us, but it was as though there had been no one else. I know that sounds weird…”

  “It doesn’t sound weird at all, Nora. When I first saw you laying on the bed, all I could think of was that your body was so beautiful and familiar, and yet the years had only made you more desirable. You admitted that you never loved anyone the way you loved me, and I’ve told you it was the same for me.”

  “So where does that leave us, Tate?”

  He knew the moment was coming when they were going to have to face the hard discussion of where to go from here. He knew what he wanted… and that’s her with me.

  “First things first. We get dressed, we get something to eat, and then we’ll come back here and talk.”

  Lifting her eyebrow, she asked, “Just talk?”

  Barking out a laugh, he responded. “We’ll talk to begin with, but I have no doubt we’ll end up right back here all night long.”

  27

  Nora was changed and standing in her kitchen by the time Tate walked out of the bathroom, fresh from his shower. Wearing a slouchy sweatshirt and yoga pants with thick socks warming her feet, she grinned as he moved his gaze over her. Dropping a menu on the counter, she said, “Before you say anything, I thought I’d suggest we eat here. I know we could go out, but… well, I kind of like just having some us time.”

  Tilting his head to the side, his brow lowered. “Sweetheart, us time is my favorite time, but I don’t mind taking you out. Are you sure?”

  “It’s cold outside and warm in here. There are lots of people out there, and in here it’s just you and me. The idea of just the two of us staying just the two of us right now works for me.”

  Grinning, he nodded. “I couldn’t have said it better.”

  After perusing the menu, she made the call. As she reached into her purse to pull out her credit card, his hand slapped down onto the counter, his credit card in front of her. Knowing it would be useless to argue, she read off the number and then disconnected. “I could’ve paid for dinner, you know.”

  He leaned in and kissed her. “It was my suggestion we go out to dinner, so it’s my treat.” He opened her refrigerator and pulled out two beers. Holding the long necks in one hand, he linked fingers with her, and they walked to her sofa.

  It did not take long for their dinner to arrive and, setting the various containers on her counter, they piled their plates high. Eschewing her small table, they walked back over to the sofa. Making themselves comfortable, they sat in silence while their chopsticks moved effortlessly and their moans of appreciation filled the air.

  Licking her lips, she asked, “What is it about Chinese food? It’s always amazing and always hits the spot!”

  Laughing, he shook his head. “I don’t know, but you’re right. I’ve had Chinese food all over the world, and it’s all been good.”

  As they finished the food and placed the empty plates onto the coffee table, shadows slowly began creeping into the room as the sun was setting. The sky was cast in streaks of gold and rose, pink and blue.

  “Do you remember lying on the hay in the loft of the barn, staring out toward the sun setting over the mountains?”

  He turned and looked toward her, the smile playing about his lips indicating that he had the same memory. “Nora, I think I remember everything that we used to do. Playing, riding horses, me letting you ride on the tractor, and yes, you snuggled in my arms in the hayloft.”

  She smiled, reaching across the cushion to hold his hand. As memories continued to assault her, she sighed. “You know, Daddy and Mama thought the world of you. So did Nathan. I know he was your best friend, but he once told me that you were the only guy that he could imagine ever allowing me to be with.”

  Tate shifted so that he was facing her, his eyes warm. “I loved Nathan, but I had no idea he said that to you. That’s good… I’m glad to know that.” He looked down and linked his fingers with hers, giving a little squeeze. “I loved your parents, also, Nora, so it’s good to know they felt that way about me. But I don’t doubt that after I broke up with you, they didn’t feel the same way.”

  Shaking her head, she squeezed her eyes tightly shut for a few seconds before settling her gaze back on him. “They still loved you, Tate. They knew how upset I was, and they were upset for me. Daddy told me that war changed men, but that you’d come back to me. I used to think he just said that because he missed Nathan so much.”

  Tate winced and his fingers twitched against hers.

  “I’m not saying that to make you feel bad, honey. He missed both of you. Funny, though, Mama used to say the same thing. She’d pat my cheek and tell me that one day my prince would come. I’d roll my eyes and tell her that life wasn’t like a fairytale, but she’d just smile like she knew something I didn’t know.”

  He turned completely so that he faced her, and his back was to the sunset. Seeing the brilliant colors of the sky in the background behind him caused her breath to catch in her throat. “I always thought you were the most beautiful man.”

  “I was just thinking that I’ve never seen anything more beautiful than you, Nora.”

  Their hands were linked between them, their gazes never wavering. She wanted to ask him what they were doing and where they were going, but fear choked the words, holding them in her heart.

  “Don’t be afraid, sweetheart,” he said.

  How does he do that? How does he see so deeply inside of me? “I’m terrified,” she whispered.

  He lifted his hand and cupped her face, and she leaned her cheek into his palm. “So am I,” he confessed.

  Her eyes popped open in surprise. “You? Why?”

  “Because now that I have you back in my life, I don’t want this to end. You’re the only woman I’ve ever loved. The only woman I’ve ever seen a future with. But we’re not kids anymore. And I know that you’ve lived in Wyoming your whole life. You have a job here, friends here, and a life here. What I want you to think about is moving to Maine. I know that’s asking a lot, but that’s where my job is. My family is here, and I’ll always come back to see them, so it’s not like you’d leave them forever. But I also know it’s asking a lot, and I know it might be asking too much. That’s why I’m terrified.”

  Her chest depressed as the air rushed from her lungs. Move? Move to Maine? She had no idea why the suggestion of moving caught her off guard. After all, if we were going to be together, one of us has to be willing to move. She had been
unsure that he wanted them to be together. The most she had allowed herself to hope for was that he would want to try a long-distance relationship to begin with. A slight snort erupted as she realized that, with Tate, his decisions were usually big.

  As these thoughts crashed into her, she became aware of the expression of uncertainty on his face. She sighed heavily. “I suppose I wondered if you’d ever want to move back to the ranch, but I know that’s not going to happen. I mean, even your parents have moved out of the main ranch house.”

  Squeezing his hand, she said, “I’m sorry, Tate, all kinds of thoughts came flying at me. I didn’t expect you to want me to move. At least not now. I wasn’t sure you wanted to be with me or thought that maybe you’d want to date long-distance for a while.”

  “I’m through fuckin’ around, Nora. I’m older and wiser and know what I want. And what I want is you. You were the girl of my heart and now the woman of my dreams, and I’d be a fuckin’ fool to let you go now that I found you again.”

  Her heart raced as tears threatened to spill. Leaning forward, she kissed him gently, finding it hard to catch her breath. Settling back, she sucked in a deep breath before letting it out slowly. “This feels really weird. I know you’re on pins and needles waiting to see what I’m going to say, but it’s not a simple yes.”

  “It could be. It could be just as easy as that.”

  Shaking her head, she said, “Tate, it’s like you said. I’m also older and wiser. I get that your job is in Maine, and as a nurse, I can get a job somewhere else. I certainly don’t think that Rawlins Medical Center is the only place to work. But before I make a move, I’d need to find a place near you and that would take time. I’d need to check openings at hospitals and doctor offices and that doesn’t happen overnight. There’s also the matter of your job.”

  He jerked slightly, his brow lowering. “My job? What are your concerns about my job, babe?”

  “Seriously, Tate? You once broke up with me because you felt like your job was too dangerous. I’m assuming with the missions you go on now that you sometimes face danger. How is that different? I lost you once and almost lost myself in the process. If we move forward, I need to know that you’re not going to get scared and leave me again.”

  “I can assure you that my job now is nothing like when I was a SEAL. That doesn’t mean that sometimes I’m not in a risky situation, but I’m trained so that those risks are minimal. Most of what LSI does is security in one form or another as well as investigations. My job is a hell of a lot safer than the average policeman, and while I do have to travel, I’m home a lot.”

  He scooted around on the cushions and gently pulled her over his lap, settling her in his embrace. She closed her eyes as she allowed the feel of his arms around her sink into her very core. God, this feels good. So, so right. Opening her eyes, she saw that he was staring as though he could see deep inside her.

  “Nora, you and I both know there are no guarantees in life. But I can promise you here and now that I will love you faithfully. The dreams we had when we were young about getting married, having a family, growing old together… those are still my dreams. I know they won’t take place here in Wyoming on the ranch, but they can still take place.”

  “I used to dream of leaving Wyoming and following you around the world.” Chuckling, she added, “After my parents passed, I guess I really hadn’t thought about settling anywhere but here. I don’t care where we are as long as we’re together.”

  His breath halted as he cupped her face, holding her steady in front of him. “Please, be clear with me, babe. What exactly are you saying?”

  Her top teeth hit her bottom lip for a few seconds, then she smiled. “I’m saying that I want to be with you, Tate. And if that’s in Maine, then that’s where we’ll be.” She saw his smile widen and she hurried to add, “But… it’s not going to happen instantly. I need time to make sure what we’re doing is right. Let’s be honest… you kind of swooped back into town and we’ve had an intense couple of days. It would be so easy to assume that our love is just going to explode so big that nothing else matters. I know you want me to say a big ‘yes’, but I need to make sure we’re doing this right and smart.”

  His lips curved and he kissed her soundly. “Sweetheart, everything you just said makes perfect sense. I want you, but I want you to be sure.”

  Sucking in her lips for a second, her brow crinkled. “So, how should we do this?”

  “Well, I’m leaving tomorrow to meet Clay in California. We have an easy job there for a couple of days. I’d already told LSI to route me back through here on my way to Maine because I wanted to check on Dad one last time. That’ll give you time to think about things. I want you with me, but I know it’s asking a lot. So, we can arrange for you to come to Maine, check out employment opportunities and all that.”

  Smiling, she pulled him back in for a kiss. “Thank you, Tate. Thank you for wanting me and thank you for not rushing me.”

  Their kisses started out gently but soon flamed hot. With one arm on her back and the other under her knees, he stood and carried her back into the bedroom. Making the most of their time, they made love long into the night before they fell asleep in each other’s arms.

  28

  Tate turned away from Clay to hide his grin. They had been in California for two days, reviewing the security system for an up-and-coming starlet who had just purchased and moved into a massive mansion. The original security system was older, not up to today’s standards. She had been plagued by a fan-turned-stalker, and while the police now had him in custody, her agent wanted her system to be the best. LSI did not install systems but could go in, analyze a customer’s potential weak spots, and design a security system. Then they could make recommendations as to the best company to install.

  The reason Tate was hiding his grin had just walked into the room where he and Clay were finishing their work. Young, tan, white veneer teeth, blonde hair with extensions to her waist, and thin, honed body with enhanced breasts. He had no doubt on the silver screen she was beautiful, but in person, her appearance was so plastic that she looked like a human Barbie. And she had the hots for Clay.

  After the initial few hours on the first day when her interest intensified the more Clay tried to separate, Tate promised that he would not leave the two of them alone. Not that Clay couldn’t handle himself, but for his protection and the protection of LSI, it was best to make sure that neither of them was alone with her.

  Having completed the analysis and security workup proposal, they were almost at the end of this mission. The starlet’s ever-present giggle was beginning to sound more like a snarl as she realized the two men were getting ready to leave and she had not obtained the prize she was so sure was hers.

  Clay offered an audible sigh of relief as her manager walked into the room. As they presented the paperwork to the manager for his review, she began a litany of complaints about the system and about them. With a practiced hand, the manager ignored her as he continued to deal with Tate and Clay.

  They were gratefully finished just as her voice reached a level of screeching, but her manager jerked his hand up with his palm in her face and her mouth snapped closed. Turning back to the Keepers, he thanked them and said that LSI’s office would have the signed papers for the system by the end of the day.

  With a nod, they walked out of her huge mansion in the suburbs of LA into the bright sunshine. Climbing into their rental, they drove back toward the hotel.

  Before Tate had a chance to say anything, Clay sighed heavily and said, “No drama.”

  Glancing to the side, Tate lifted his brow in question.

  Clay shook his head and continued, “That’s what I want. No drama. Sure as fuck not like her, but not even like the women you all end up with.”

  Considering wives and fiancées of the Keepers were all strong, intelligent, kindhearted women, Tate was uncertain what Clay was referencing. “What the fuck are you looking for?”

  “Simple. A
good woman who has no drama. And is pretty. And smart. Oh yeah, and can cook—”

  Barking out a laugh that interrupted Clay’s litany of female virtues, Tate shook his head. “So, you’re looking for a smart, pretty, good in the kitchen woman, and presumably good in the bedroom, who has no drama? Where the hell are you going to find this paragon of womanhood?”

  “Not on a mission, that’s for sure! Hell, every one of you had to rescue somebody. I want to find someone simple that I don’t have to worry myself sick about rescuing.”

  “Okay, that makes sense… most guys would want that. But you still haven’t answered where you’re going to find her,” Tate continued, trying to contain his laughter.

  “I don’t know. Somewhere everyday… like in the frozen food section of the grocery store or in a line at a bank. The kind of place where you just go in, you’re not expecting anything, and then you see her, and she immediately grabs your attention. You strike up a conversation, you trade phone numbers, and boom… you start dating.”

  “Just like that?”

  Clay huffed, scrubbing his hand over his face. “Yeah, just like that.”

  Pulling up to the hotel, Tate handed the rental off to the valet. “We got finished a little earlier today than we thought. Want me to see if Babs can get us an earlier flight?”

  “Yeah, see what she can do. I’m ready to hit the hotel’s gym and pool for some laps. Let me know if we’re going to leave early.”

  Tate entered his hotel room, appreciating the accommodations that LSI always acquired. Glancing at the king-sized bed he had all to himself, he thought of Nora. What would I give to have her with me right now? Glancing at his watch, he knew she was at the hospital. Flopping backward onto the bed, he closed his eyes, counting down the hours until she got off her shift and they could talk. Tomorrow… I’ll see her tomorrow.