by Dani Jace
His Adam’s apple bobbed as she flicked through the line of warm brass. His stoic, unfocused expression reminded her of a recruit during inspection.
Forcing her mouth to remain neutral, she finished undoing the double-breasted jacket and loosened the tie, then pulled it free of his white collared shirt. His silence intrigued her. “What’s on your mind, sailor?”
“Nothing, ma’am.”
“Are you sure?” She scraped down the center of his chest using her fingernail.
“Absolutely. There’s no blood left in my brain.” He smirked.
As soon as the jacket sleeves freed his arms, he ripped off the shirt, his undershirt, leaving his chest and washboard abs for her viewing pleasure.
She skimmed along the dark, sexy hair that arrowed down to his navel and below. Then she unbuckled his belt and drew off his trousers.
He could be a model for boxer briefs. She reached to peel them from his lean hips when he hooked his thumbs in the waistband and stripped.
Bare, just the way she liked him.
His masculine energy enveloped her like a gentle beach breeze.
In a slow suggestive manner, he slid down the zipper of her dress, and stepped away. It slid from her body and puddled at her feet.
Standing in only her bra and panties, she shivered as he hungrily appraised her, starting at her head and finishing at her curling toes.
Jax’s raw, gritty tone hinted at his thirst. “God, you’re beautiful.”
Peri didn’t trust her voice. Instead, she closed in on him, palming his chest with splayed fingers. Claimed him. It was instinctual. A moment of decision. Commit to this―to him―or hop on a jet and be left with only memories of what might have been. Their shower could wait.
“I have a confession.” He took her hands.
She trembled as her intuition warned her. Had he’d fucked another woman? “It doesn’t matter. Only this minute. Us.”
The turbulence in his gaze and a taut jaw gave evidence to his torment. “After hearing about Sam, I…”
She didn’t want to hear about him finding comfort with another woman. Her eyes burned with tears.
He took her in his arms. “I’d had a lot to drink. I called someone I used to see occasionally.”
It pissed her off he’d use alcohol as an excuse. She choked back a sob. “You don’t need to explain. We left things open.”
He corralled her against his hard body. “I didn’t sleep with her, Peri. I realized you’re the only woman I want.”
First relief flooded through her. His words sunk in. The only woman for him. Her heart swelled with joy. Her tears ran down his shoulder as he moved them to lie on his bed, where he held her.
“Angel.” He stroked her hair. “Shh, it’s okay.”
She curled into him. “Shit, I’m sorry. You’ve been mourning a friend and needed someone. I’m acting like a jealous bitch. Then you say I’m only woman for you.”
“No.” Jax rolled, bringing her beneath him. “Why do you always dismiss your feelings as invalid? You put everyone before yourself.”
Did she? So used to making sure everyone got what they wanted, she’d overlooked her own happiness. For what, a husband who strayed and a selfish daughter?
She snuggled against his neck. “It’s a hard habit to break.”
He moved over top of her, staring deeply into her eyes. “I have ways.”
And how she loved them, like how he saw into her soul without her saying a word. She could spend the rest of her days loving those ways.
In a slow glide, he caressed her mouth, building tension as his tongue begged entry.
His unique taste and demanding kiss heightened her awareness of his need. Peri gave freely, falling for his charms.
After settling on his knees between her thighs, he flicked loose her bra. Taking his time, he slid the straps down, removed the sheer black garment He cupped each breast and smoothed his thumbs over her sensitive nipples.
His massage brought them to crested peaks that begged him to taste.
She lowered his head to her chest and guided his mouth to where she wanted.
He swirled his tongue around a stiffened nub, and lightly clamped his teeth.
She nearly came off the bed.
“I know everything you need, Angel.”
Then he should know she wanted him sucking her tits and burying himself inside of her. He probably did, but anticipation is part of the allure. She was close to losing all patience.
He finally claimed her breast, sucking and tasting like he’d never had her before.
Her pussy throbbed in need. She ran her hands along his ribs and shifted her hips in invitation.
Indecision crossed his face with a slight frown as he withdrew from her breast.
“I need to get a condom.”
Before he claimed one from the nightstand, she caught him by the shoulder. “You don’t need one unless you want to. I’m clean and you know I’m on birth control.”
He smiled. “I’ve never gone bare.”
“A virgin of sorts.” She winked.
He squinted. “Yes, ma’am. You gonna change that?”
His lustful tone thrilled Peri as he parted her thighs and settled against her entrance. Solid and warm, his broad head parted her folds and pressed deeper.
Moisture pooled in greeting as he slid home. He filled her more than physically. He infused her with his fearless nature and selflessness. His sculpted body moved over her in slow, deliberate strokes, spreading pleasure through her entire being.
“Angel, you are my heaven.” He whispered against her cheek. “Today was…thank you.”
The agony in his last statement made her ache for him. She clasped his face, making him meet her eye to eye. “Tell me what you need, Jax.”
Chapter 17
He wanted her now and forever. In every manner. Damn, she felt good. He sank his bare cock into her hot pussy. So warm and tight.
She grabbed his ass and he thought he’d come right then. He maintained his rhythm. “Easy, Angel.”
Her sea-green gaze darkened as her pupils dilated. She pressed her lips to his. Hot and searching, she glided her tongue along his teeth, giving him a taste.
She met his quickening thrusts. He couldn’t get any harder or his balls any tighter, yet he wanted more.
Panting, she pulled her mouth away from his. “I know what you need.”
He stopped.
A devilish smile played at her lips as she separated from him. After rolling to her belly, she came up on to her knees and presented her sweet ass. He’d give her cheeks the much needed attention they deserved. She was so fucking right. She knew what he needed. God help him.
Taking a handful of her hair, he wrapped the long strands around a fist and playfully smacked her ass with his other hand. His shaft prodded her slick and inviting pussy. He could lose himself forever. He kept his tone even. “You sure?”
With a moan, she pushed back, causing his tip to breach her. “Fuck me, Jax.”
His head dropped back as he slammed into her hotness. Using her hair, he kept her in time as he aimed for her sensitive spot that would send her over.
Peri lowered her chest to the bed, taking him even deeper. Her cheeks jiggled as he speared her. Whimpering, she clawed at the sheets. Her muscles drew him deeper until his balls slapped her folds.
The naughty noise of sex pushed him to the ragged edge.
“Harder! Faster!” she begged.
He smacked her buttocks again and grabbed her hips, pistoning into her liquid heat.
Her walls clenched. “Jax!”
One last time he drove deep and let go. His cock throbbed and pumped hot streams. The room blurred and he fell into an altered state of consciousness. When he slipped from her body another wave of lust hit him as his cum slowly leaked from her slit. So fucking hot. “God, Angel, you are gorgeous.”
* * * *
Hazy purple shaded the wester
n sky as Jax drove them to Sam’s house. The sun had set while they tore up the sheets. Peri had mended his heart for the moment. Now it was time to face reality. He debated if he should tell her about his possible reassignment.
He found a space among a long line of vehicles along the street and led her to a split-level country estate house in a cul-de-sac. The hillsides in the distance were opposite of the flat East Coast. No shake and bake, though, just an occasional hurricane.
“You okay?” Peri squeezed his hand.
Joining the present, he draped an arm over her shoulder and tugged her against his hip. He could still feel her body drawing him deep. He’d never come so hard. “With you I am, Angel.”
As soon as they stepped inside, he whisked her through the crowd into the kitchen where they found Sam’s wife. Her wanted her to meet Peri and knew she would want to offer her condolences.
Christy saw him coming and immediately passed him a beer from the cooler. “Jackson.” The petite redhead never used his nickname.
“Sorry we’re late.”
Her sad smile tore at his heart.
“Is this the beautiful lady you’ve been pining for since you got home?”
“Christy, this is Peri.”
Peri touched Christy’s shoulder. “I wish we could have met under difference circumstances. I’m so sorry. Wish there was something I could do for you."
Sam’s widow cut a glance to him and said to Peri, “How about make this self-proclaimed bachelor eat his words?”
He never realized Christy wanted him to settle down. Peri had already shown she could cure his wanderlust, but marriage? Heat rushed to Jax’s cheeks.
Peri let out an amused-sounding sigh. “You know a SEAL’s iron will.”
She nodded. “Well, at least you’re going in with your eyes open.”
As other guests approached, he introduced Peri. She seemed at ease with his peers and their families, probably drawing on her social bartending skills and genuine, easygoing personality. Another way she brought peace into his life.
They’d moved outside to the deck for some fresh air when she struck up a conversation with his former chief’s wife by complimenting the woman’s sandals.
His former CO pulled Jax to the side as he lit a cigar. The man reminded him of a buffalo. Tall but thick, with dark wavy hair and kind brown eyes.
“Wow, she’s a doll. Have you talked to the CO in Little Creek yet?”
“Not yet. She surprised me by flying out here.” His beautiful lady had nearly everyone’s attention.
“Has her visit sealed the deal on what you want?” His chief puffed a long trail of smoke.
That and how he still hungered for her after making love to her three times in the last couple of hours. Jax smoothed his hand along the railing. “Pretty much.”
“Then call them in the morning. We’d hate to lose you, but I’d hate for you lose such a lovely lady.” He nodded toward Peri and pounded Jax’s shoulder.
His superior’s deep laugh vibrated through him.
From his shirt pocket, he produced another stogie and raised his beer. “Let’s toast to Sam and the possibility of you becoming an East Coaster.”
Jax toasted his lost friend, and lit his cigar. Smoke drifted on his exhale. He’d felt like he’d been drifting since his dad died. Now, he envisioned the road ahead and he wanted Peri with him.
* * * *
During the ride back to Jax’s place, Peri mulled over bits of conversation she’d overheard between him and his commanding officer. “So, will you return to your team?”
“Not likely.” He sighed like a man with a problem as he parked. “Let’s go for a walk.”
The sand warmed her bare feet, but she broke out in chill bumps, awaiting another confession from him. With her luck, he’d already been reassigned and had orders to ship out tomorrow. Was she a covetous witch to hope for a long weekend with him? She already ached for him again remembering their afternoon, which had started with a hard, lusty fuck and ended with making love, slow and easy.
“Thanks for going with me to Sam’s.” He soothed the chill from her arm as they walked along the foamy shoreline.
After meeting his friends and brothers, she dared to dream of becoming more involved with him. “I’ve enjoyed glimpsing into your life. Just wish it could have been during happier times.”
“It means a lot to me that you came, Peri.” His raspy voice suggested he was digging to keep emotion in check. He stopped and faced her. “I know you hated leaving Haley and the Trident. I don’t know what’s around the corner for me.”
“I knew that going in, Jax.”
His tone lightened. “Who knows, I might wind up on your coast.”
Peri smiled and willed her heart to maintain an even rhythm. She stroked his cheek, meeting light stubble. “Is that something you’d want?”
In the near darkness, his pearly grin reminded her of the first night they’d met and she’d broken through his tough exterior.
“I can work from either coast, but you, Angel, are only on one of them.” He drew her tight.
She went slack against his chest. Inside, she was a giddy as a teen after a first kiss.
* * * *
The next morning, Jax slid from the sheets without a sound and made his way to the kitchen. He dialed the number he had for TJ at Little Creek and slid open the door to the balcony. His friend didn’t answer, but the call rang back to the main line.
After identifying himself, he asked to speak to Commander Balton and stepped outside. Predawn light filtered over the ocean in hues of pink and purple as the sun rose over the land behind him. If he were on the other side of the country, he’d be treated to sunrises over the ocean.
“CPO Taylor,” the officer greeted him. “How’s life as a trainer?”
So he’d been keeping tabs on him. Jax liked the sound of that. He briefly explained his current situation. “Training is something I might enjoy when my knees or some other body part gives it up. Are you’re still looking for a sniper?”
“Unfortunately…”
Jax’s stomach sank. He envied the early morning surfers, seeming carefree during their rides.
“We had to fill the position quickly. Sorry.”
Damn. It meant the team was already on a mission. “Understood.”
“Now that I know you’re definitely interested, would you accept taking on another specialty?”
“Of course, sir.”
“I’ll call you.”
“Thank you, Commander.” After the call, Jax hung his head and stared at the phone like it would change things. He slid the glass door shut and headed for the kitchen. As he put on the coffee, he considered the slight difference in his and Peri’s age. It didn’t bother him she was older. The fact she’d already raised a child complicated matters. Eventually, he wanted children, but would Peri want another child? Did he love her enough to forego having kids?
Hell, neither of them had mentioned the “L” word yet. He would have chalked their wanton behavior to lust if he hadn't come to terms with how he didn’t want to be with another woman. Besides his frisky neighbor, he’d had ample opportunities to hook up on numerous occasions.
Images of the dream he’d had about being stuck at the top of Corolla Lighthouse while Peri floated away in a boat returned to him. He’d always believed in making his own fate, until now. Maybe this was a sign they shouldn’t be together. He’d probably only hurt her like his mother did his father.
Or come home in a box.
He should have kept his mouth shut about a possibility of transferring until it was a done deal. Her eyes had sparkled in the darkness. He’d let her down again.
After pouring a cup of coffee, he trudged to the living room and slouched on the sofa. The Pacific outside his window, where he’d swum countless miles, never really felt like home. The Atlantic might be warmer in summer, but it was even colder mistress in winter. The Gulf was his
favorite, since he'd basically grown up there.
He’d like to go back one day and visit his uncle who still shrimped. Would he feel close to his dad like his Uncle Mike said when he was casting the nets? Sam’s death certainly had him contemplating life and his future.
After a long draw on his coffee, he scrubbed his face in frustration.
“You’re doing some pretty heavy thinking for this early in the morning.” Looking fine in one of his T-shirts, Peri slid next to him. Her sun-kissed curls haloed around her head and shoulders.
She looked well laid, a fulfillment he cockily claimed after their multi-session morning romp. Even now, his body reacted to her soft, feminine curves tucked next to him. “So how long can you stay?”
“For a few days. Haley is happier at her dad’s these days, and Phil said he’d take care of things at the bar.” She rubbed his bare knee.
He pulled her onto his lap and dotted her neck with light kisses. “How about until they decide what to do with me?” It’d probably be his last time with her unless his fate changed.
“A little longer than I’d planned.” She tugged at the hem of her shirt. “Besides, I don’t have enough clothes.”
“You don’t need any clothes, Angel.”
She squirmed under his tickling fingers. “What about your roommate?”
“I’ve already made sure he’ll be scarce while you’re here.” He nibbled her ear.
“Seriously.” She caught his hands with a strong grip.
He set her on the coffee table facing him. “Yeah, you’re right. I have to be honest. I love being with you, but my future is sketchy at best and you need security I can’t offer right now.”
Chapter 18
Until now, he’d left their relationship open as a possibility. He’d seemed happy to see her at the funeral. Appreciative she’d come. She held no expectations, but something had changed.
“I didn’t have security before, but I understand where you are right now. Plus, I’m sure you probably want to be a dad at some point." She tugged his shirt down to cover her knees.
He shrugged. “At some point.”
“I’m past prime on that, sailor.” She gave him the out freely.