by Dani Jace
The weathered officer waved off their attempted salutes. “I assume your friend is cleared for this area?” His casual tone reminded Jax of his commanding officer.
Unlike some other military officers, SEAL officers endured the same shit as enlisted. And from the CO’s appearance, he had been in the thick of things quite a bit. Jax stepped forward. “CPO Taylor, sir.”
He passed Jax a contemplative look. “The same Taylor on the recent injured report?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Glad to see you’re up and around. Your numbers are impressive, Chief.”
Although paperwork tracked his targets, his tally remained mental. Every sniper knew his total count, by mission and deployment. “Just doing my job, sir.”
“How’s the leg?”
“Better every day. Just taking some R & R until my team returns stateside in a couple of weeks.”
The man with distinguished gray temples raised his cleft chin and cleared his throat. “There is some talk about getting together a special team for something on the horizon.” He paused.
Code for your name is in the pot. Jax kept his face neutral while he stiffened. But how could he refuse being tapped to a group of the baddest motherfuckers?
“We’re going to need a man with your special skills when you’re a hundred percent.”
The higher ups kept tabs and stats, but something didn’t add up for Jax. Had TJ brought up his name? He chose his next words carefully. Many a sailor had killed his career by saying no. “I appreciate the consideration.”
“So you wouldn’t be opposed to transferring?”
“No, sir, just leaving my team hanging.” Even if he’d mentioned having a significant other in California, it wouldn’t have mattered. The Navy only cared if the teams formed a cohesive unit.
“Understood.” He nodded.
Jax left the office, doubting he’d heard the last of the matter. If they wanted him, it could become a rank pissing match. Once back in Coronado, he might be reassigned anyway. They’d already replaced him while he was on loan to the Marines. Absence didn’t always favor a sailor in his line of work.
Outside, he gave TJ an accusatory stare. “You have a hand in that?”
“We were asked for names a few weeks ago.” He slid on his sunglasses. “Yours came up. I only seconded it. I know you love your team, but you’re still drifting, man. You need to find something solid beyond being a SEAL, and so far, you haven’t found it in California. Maybe you should try a different locale. Like here.” He spread his hands wide.
Jax smirked. “Look who’s talking. Let me see your left hand. Yeah, no ring there.”
“You haven’t seen Amy’s. And I don’t believe it was an accident some beautiful woman took you home. I’m a firm believer in fate, and you’re here for a reason, my friend.” TJ’s brown gaze drilled into him.
Chapter 9
Peri stepped into the empty bar and grabbed an apron to cover the sundress she’d worn to the airport. The Trident had been her solace during the storm of divorce and child custody negotiations. Six years later, its walls still comforted her in times of stress.
But it couldn’t hold her at night. Being in Jax’s arms felt like a home she’d never known. Driving the memory away, she inventoried produce in the industrial fridge. Work gave the illusion of control—maintaining the menu, liquor, and staff. Her clientele offered fun and mystery on occasion.
Hunky Jax Taylor had proved to be the ultimate in both. Hell, she hadn’t worn a dress in years and yet here she was in a strappy, cleavage-enhancing thing she hoped would have his eyes rounding when she got home. Maybe they could have some fun by the pool, or in the pool.
Done with checking stock, she loaded the register with cash for the day, then double-checked the table condiments. She used the mindless task from her waitressing days to help her sort through life’s snags.
Last night, she’d missed lying next to him. This morning, she’d wished for his smoking hot body. In reality, she should be more concerned about Haley making it to Orlando? One night with the guy and she was up for a bad mom award. This thing would go nowhere and only add to her depression surrounding Haley growing up. She sniffed and blinked to clear her vision.
The buzz of her cell interrupted the start of her pity party.
What cha doing? Jax messaged.
At the Trident checking stock.
Seconds later a rap at the back door set her on her heels. Phil would have let himself in with his key. Too early for deliveries. Must be Jax. She wiped her cheeks, hoping her mascara hadn’t run. After stashing the apron, she checked the peephole before opening the lock with a click.
Jax surveyed her with a concerned tilt of his head as he stepped inside. “You okay?”
His woodsy scent surrounded her along with his muscular arms. She nodded yes, but he probably knew better.
He drew her tight and smoothed her hair as he dotted light kisses along her temple down to her ear. “She’ll text you when she’s there,” he assured her. “I’ll keep you occupied until then.”
Maybe she should fear him. He filled her senses, drove her to distraction. It felt like falling…in love. Shit.
She couldn’t go there. Not now. “Thought you’d be hanging with TJ for the day.”
He clenched his jaw. “I drove to the base and caught up with him.” He led her to a large corner booth and sat her on the table.
“You don’t sound enthused about your visit.”
“It’s not that. You’ve been on my mind.” He tipped her chin.
“Thanks. I’m fine.” Now that he was here, the warmth of his touch soothed her.
“You look beautiful.” He skimmed a finger under the shoulder strap of the white dress decorated with large red poppies. Leaning in, he caressed her jaw with soft lips before migrating to her mouth. His tender touch was at odds with his soldier persona. Stepping between her thighs, he caressed her back in lazy circles while his mouth played along hers.
Their kiss ended, but he continued to soothe her back.
“Are you guys going to get together again?”
“At some point.” He inched the skirt of her dress higher exposing her thighs. “But honestly, I’m enjoying spending time with you.”
As if she wasn’t. His wandering hand had her wondering what it would be like to be taken by a lover at her establishment. It had never been a conscious fantasy until now. “Me too.”
He glanced about the bar. “Do we have a few minutes to play? I missed you last night.”
“Sure, and then if you want, we could take a little trip while Haley’s gone.” Would he take the bait? She’d been contemplating a getaway since he’d changed the locks on the house.
Interest flickered in eyes and his lips quirked. “I’m game.”
“We can be there in a little over an hour.” She took his hand.
“Where?”
“The Outer Banks. Have you ever been?” She’d love to show him the sights and more.
He gave a slight tug on a lock of her hair. “There’s a first time for everything.”
His hardy tone danced along her spine at the suggestion. “A game of pool first?” She motioned towards the red felt table.
After a pause, he grinned and helped her down from the booth’s table. “Sure, the winner can choose: top or bottom.”
* * * *
Jax fought the urge to chuckle as her cheeks flushed, nearly matching the flowers on her dress. Expanding her sexual world seemed to be his mission for their time together.
“Care to break?” He passed her a cue.
She proved to be a pool shark, but he sank the eight ball after she missed, calling the shot.
The tip of her tongue slid suggestively along her painted lower lip.
An invitation that had him imagining the frilly skirt of her dress fanned over the table with her lean thighs welcoming him. The memory of being buried so deep inside of her nearly had
him forgetting his name. Something about Peri stoked his fires beyond the physical. She didn’t play games and appeared loyal, two traits he demanded before lowering his guard with anyone.
His occupation seemed inconsequential, as her job brought her into contact with high-caliber military every time she walked into the bar. His being a SEAL wasn’t anything unique to her.
Closing the shallow distance between them, he tested her interest and brushed his chest against hers. “Did I say I missed you last night?”
He loved the slight hitch in her breathing, the modest way she rolled her lips before answering. “You did, but I like hearing you say it again.”
With a quick move, he seated her on the pool table and stepped between her legs. Gradually, he roamed up her thighs, working the hem of her dress as he went. Her skimpy thong begged him to taste her sweetness beneath.
“Let me prove it to you.” He reclined her onto the red felt. While stringing kisses along her shoulder, he eased off the straps of her dress. Her creamy breasts greeted him. Dusky nipples hardened to points under his scrutiny. He latched onto one of the tempting nubs and the world fell away. So tender. So sweet.
After the encounter with TJ’s CO, he needed Peri. While losing himself in her, he’d quit asking why in the hell had his friend touted his sniping skills and risked playing havoc with his career. Jax didn’t want to change teams, but he also didn’t want to piss off the East Coast SEAL commander.
Letting go, he returned his attentions to the beautiful woman at his beckoning. He teased and feathered his tongue around her nipple and then switched to the other breast.
She gasped and seized the back of his head.
One night with Peri whet his appetite for more. He sensed, in some ways, she might be as lonely as he. Could he be the one to fulfill her dreams or chase away any bumps in the night, like her ex-husband?
He drew the thin strip of her thong to the side. A fine line of pale hair arrowed to her glistening folds. A natural blonde and wet for him. He lowered his head for a lick.
Her tangy, sweet flavor burst on his tongue. Anticipation had his dick pressing his zipper, begging for freedom.
She smoothed her fingertips through his hair, and tugged his head closer as she arched for more. Her desire stroked his ego and his cock.
Palming her smooth thighs, he skimmed down their long length. Runner’s legs, lean and toned, he imagined her riding him without tiring and he broke into a grin.
* * * *
Peri had lost her mind under Jax’s searching mouth that kept any coherent reasoning at bay. A fiery, heated tongue stroked and teased her pussy lips. Her cleft pulsed with need to feel his hard length stroking her until she exploded into an inferno of pleasure.
The unzipping of his jeans launched her to her elbows. A lusty stare set off his jet-colored hair. His chiseled jaw and hardened physique portrayed a total conquering male.
He leaned over her. “Angel?”
Was he asking? She stroked his face. His coarse stubble heightened her desire. “I bet you SEALs have a billiard babe list.” She palmed his chest.
He shook his head.
“A virgin then?”
He grinned. “I’m not saying that.”
“So you can show me a few tricks.”
His eyes widened.
Delighted, she shoved his jeans and boxers to his knees.
“W—wait.” He reached into his pocket while his stiff cock jutted from a nest of short black hair. He groaned as she offered a long, hungry lick to his length and swirled over the crown. He twisted her hair to the top of her head.
She sank deep.
“Damn, baby. This wasn’t my plan, but okay.” He pumped his hips in rhythm with her mouth.
He tasted clean, like he’d showered recently, but his male musk sent her to Naughtyville. She cupped his tight sac and rolled the heavy globes. She pumped his remaining length with her free hand. Maybe one day she’d learn the art of relaxing her throat. He made her want to try anything.
* * * *
Her mouth felt like a hot, wet fist encased in silk. Every time his cockhead hit the rear of her throat, he thought his balls would ignite. The predatory hunger in her gaze only made the scene below his waist more erotic.
Her mouth leaving his length slick and wet. Her half-closed eyes fluttering with each stroke. The vibration of her moans around his cock pushed him to the edge of insanity.
It was sick of him to doubt she’d ever sucked off her ex with such fervor. Jax’s competitive streak took over. He planned to make her forget everything during their short time together.
Slowly slipping from her greedy mouth, he bent and took her chin. Pressed his tongue into her open mouth and explored the same recesses. She tasted like him and it fucking turned him on. To him it was a branding, to make her want him and no other.
She broke the kiss with an odd expression. “You like kissing me after?”
“You kiss me after I savor you.” He stroked the soft skin of her throat.
“It’s just that…”
The lock on the back door clicked. Jax slid from the table and shot to his feet, yanking his jeans into place in one fluid motion. He had Peri on her feet behind him just as Phil rounded the bar.
“Your shot, Jax.” She stepped around him, already having snagged the cue from the table. “Oh, hey Phil.”
Damn she was good. Already had her dress straps already in place. Except for her slightly flushed face, no one would have guessed they were seconds from a mind-blowing orgasm. “Phil.” Jax stepped forward, extending a hand.
“Thought you were taking off the next couple of days, Peri.” He frowned.
Jax’s stomach clinched. From what he remembered from talking with Phil, the man was protective toward her, but he’d also said she needed some fun in her life. Maybe a SEAL wasn’t the type of fun her friend had in mind.
“After dropping Haley off at the airport, I needed some time…and Jax happened by.”
Phil glanced at Jax.
He started to speak, but she intervened. “Jax mentioned he could rebuild my pool pump. He said he’d drop by to get the parts list.” She smiled.
Nice cover. “Next thing I know she claims to be a pool shark.” Jax raised a brow. “You know a SEAL can’t resist a challenge.” He lined up his cue and took a shot.
He couldn’t afford to end up on the wrong side of her partner. Shit, the man would probably try to kick his ass if he knew he was about to take her on the table.
Peri twirled the stick between her fingers.
“Damn Peri.” Phil smirked. “I’d think he’d be good for more than fixing a pump or shooting pool.” He headed for the kitchen, and then shot over his shoulder, “You need to loosen up, lady. Time for you to play while Haley’s at Disney.”
She wiped a hand over her pinking cheeks.
Behind her, Jax chuckled, making her elbow him in the ribs. “Ouch. Might have to reconsider your angel status.”
Chapter 10
While packing for their OBX getaway, Jax messaged TJ and let him know he’d be gone for a day or two. When he considered things, he realized TJ was at least partially right. There was nothing wrong with spending his leave in the company of a woman who grounded him. Whether fate deemed him for the East Coast remained to be seen.
They exchanged his matchbox rental sedan for a four-door, four-wheel drive pick-up truck. From the rental place, Peri directed him south toward the Outer Banks of North Carolina. After near misses of IED bombs in Afghanistan, he hated driving anything small. He relaxed behind the wheel of the large truck. Having her beside him made the drive more pleasurable.
“Your fangs are showing.” She smirked.
“Nothing like a big block engine and some steel around you.” He admired her long legs. Her dress had been hot, but shorts gave him more to appreciate.
“Most women would say you’re compensating.” Her gaze fell to his crotch. “But I kno
w better.”
Good to know her mind was heading toward the naughty side of town. It’d be a distraction to keep her from constantly worrying about Haley and Sean’s lack of supervision.
Her cell phone rang. “Hey…you’re already there at the hotel?” She exhaled, sounding relieved. “Have fun. Text me when you go to bed, so I know you’re okay.”
He doubted Haley spoke the truth. She’d text her mother at a reasonable hour and run the park until it closed for the night. Still, he figured she was smart like her mother, so hopefully she’d be able to spot trouble.
After the call, Jax closed his hand around hers and caressed her palm. “Tell me your favorite place on the Outer Banks.”
“All of it. It’s so different than the commercial strip at Virginia Beach.”
He’d only driven along Atlantic Avenue from the base to get to Peri’s place. “Remote beaches are my specialty, but I’m usually toting a gun. It’ll be nice to be with a beautiful woman and enjoy a cocktail in a sandy paradise.”
“I’ve never done it on the beach.”
He glanced from the road for a second.
She gave a teasing eye roll.
“Hope you know that’s going to change. Then I plan on finding a remote pool table.”
“No, the Trident’s table is virgin.” She giggled. “It’s got to be there. And I know what you’re doing.”
“What?” He set the cruise control.
“Trying to distract me. I know I’m overprotective, but she’s my only baby.”
The expression on her face reminded him of his mother’s when he left for BUD/S training. He’d survived, but his father died of a heart attack during his last week. Never knew he’d made it. His mother delayed the funeral until he’d finished hell week. “I may not have any kids, but I can relate.”
“Thanks. And just so you know, this trip isn’t about me forgetting Haley or to distract you regarding your return to your team or California.” She adjusted her seatbelt.
“Did I spill my guts the night you found me behind the bar?” Christ, what else had he revealed?