by Calinda B
“Baby,” Jace said, pulling her out of her musing.
“What?”
“Look at me.”
She lifted to face him.
“It means a lot to me that you’re here, being my safe harbor.”
“Uh huh,” she said, her face somber.
“I’ve got a lot on my plate. Too much to share all at once. Let me tell you in my own time. I know I keep saying this, but you must believe me. I need you to be who you are and what you are to me right now. Please.”
“I don’t know, Jace. You’re asking a lot of me. You’re asking me to martyr myself for you, waiting at the sidelines for you to get the nerve to tell me something. What are we talking about here? Jail time? Trouble with the law? My mind’s whirling with possibilities.”
“No.” He let out an exasperated breath. “I’m not a criminal.”
“It’s a lot to deal with, a lot to take in, you know. On the one hand, I’m crazy about you. On the other, I still know very little about you.”
“Baby, please, please, please. I’m crazy for you, too. I just have to move in my own time. I’ll make the time worth your while, I promise,” he said in a deep, seductive voice. “Come on. Rest with me.” His hips began their hypnotic circles against her leg like he had a private channel to slow, sexy grooves.
He drew his hands lazily along her back. Her body liquefied from his touch like a junkie getting her fill of drugs, making her willing to wait for answer if he made her feel this fucking good.
Chapter 14
Jace
Jace rode the Deus off the ferry north of Seattle, a string of cars behind him. He stopped, waiting for the Amtrak train to pass.
“Come on, come on,” he muttered to the slowly moving train. He’d never get to Chica Ríos in time at this rate. The sky was a kaleidoscope of colors as the sun prepared for its exit. Jace framed it with his mind, imaging what a beautiful shot it would be.
At closing time, he’d grabbed his tools, thrown them in the back of his truck, gone home to quickly shower, ready to see Zoé and sink into her arms. He’d been able to budget only an hour to see her, then he had to get home in time to take care of Marni.
At last the Amtrak powered by, and the gate next to the tracks lifted.
“Goddamn it all to fucking hell,” he muttered, as he sped onto the road. “I can’t keep up this shit much longer.”
Where’s my fucking sister?
As he raced toward downtown, he spied a familiar vintage gray 1994 Porsche 911. Only one person could be driving that car —Billy. Keeping a car between them, he decided to follow the shithead to see what he was up to. As eager as he was to see Zoé, he didn’t trust the bastard. Maybe there was substance to his threat in the alley. What had he said? This hookup won’t go down the way you want?
Torn between wanting to rush to the restaurant to see Zoé, and keeping an eye on Billy, he decided to spare a few minutes. She wouldn’t be off work for at least ten minutes.
Billy’s turn signal flipped on at the same exit he’d take to get to Zoé’s. His stomach tightened. Is he going to Chica Ríos? I’ll kill him.
The Porsche passed the street to the bar, heading toward the water.
Jace followed.
At an abandoned cruise port south of downtown, Billy hooked a sharp right into the parking lot.
Jace parked the Deus and fished inside his backpack for binoculars used to scout possible shoot locales. Hid behind a building, he watched Billy and Jasmine emerge from the car. Billy stormed around to her side, waving his fists, and shouting. Jasmine did a little arm waving of her own, shoving Billy twice before he slapped her.
“Come on, Billy, domestic violence? You don’t treat women that way.” Jace shook his head.
She got back in the car as Billy slammed the door shut behind her.
Billy stalked to one of the warehouses next to what used to be a lively cruise embarkment building. He banged on the metal door with his palm.
“Temper, temper,” Jace said softly.
The door to the warehouse opened, and a man stuck his head out. Billy hustled inside.
Jace pulled out his phone to check the time. He had ten minutes before he needed to scoot to Zoé’s. He waited, anxious to get a move on, for Billy to emerge. Finally, the door swung open and Billy wheeled out a piece of luggage.
Going somewhere? Jace sneaked closer.
Billy reached the Porsche, pulled open the passenger door, yanked Jasmine out, and flipped the lever on the seat, causing it to spring forward. He grabbed the suitcase and finagled it in the narrow back seat.
Jasmine began stalking away.
Billy raced after her, seizing her arm and dragging her back to the car. After a brief argument, they both got in the vehicle and started it up.
Jace shrank into the shadows as they raced away, oblivious to anything but their own misery. He headed to Chica Ríos.
When he arrived, he stepped through the front door, scanning for Zoé. The place seemed unusually quiet. A few patrons sat at the bar, drinking quietly, while dining customers finished their meals.
Zoé emerged from the back, looked at him, and lifted her hand in greeting. She hustled toward him.
Jace forgot everything but her, all external problems blotted out of existence. Safe harbor. The phrase whirled through his brain, soothing him like a hit of primo weed. He enveloped her in his arms, dropping a passionate kiss on her beautiful lips. When he released her, her eyes glistened and her cheeks were the rosy red he liked so much.
“You’re blushing,” he said.
“People are watching.”
He lifted his head to see a few customers gawking. “Let them. I want them all to witness. I’m marking you lest any of the males had any ideas about you.”
“Claiming me, caveman?” she said, grinning.
“Damn straight. Ready to go? We’ve got to make the time count. I don’t have much of it tonight.”
She opened her mouth as if to say something, then shut it. “Let’s use the time, then.”
“Let’s.” A wicked smile formed on his face.
“What do you have in mind?”
“You’ll see.”
She lifted her hand to the bartender, who watched them from across the room.
Jace tugged her toward the door.
“He can’t have you,” he hissed in her ear.
Her eyebrows lifted. “He doesn’t want me. He has a girlfriend.”
“I’ll bet he’s thought about you,” Jace said, as they stepped into the night. “It’s a guy thing.”
“Are you jealous?” Zoé asked.
“Who do you belong to?”
She hesitated before answering.
“I’m yours,” she said, a little frown on her face.
Her frown made his chest tighten. His stomach began to churn. He swallowed. “Exclusively?”
“Only you.”
“Then, no, I’m not jealous.” He forced his heart to calm. All the new feelings Zoé stirred made him want to run.
They reached the Angel, donned helmets, and climbed on. The second she settled against him, his cock hardened like iron. He fired up the bike, clasped her with his free arm, and sped away.
They wove through the streets of Seattle until they reached one of the many bridges spanning the city. He pulled off the road before crossing the bridge, navigating a side street.
Darkness shrouded the established neighborhood. Somewhere in the distance, a dog barked. Car tires clattered and hummed along the bridge.
He parked the bike and waited for her to clamber off.
“What are we doing?” Zoé asked, as she shook out her hair.
“Naughty things.”
“Are we going to get into trouble?”
“Only the good kind.” He slung his knapsack over his shoulder, took her hand, and led her to a dirt path. “This is where the homeless walk.”
“We’re going to hang out with homeless people?” She cringed.
“No,
baby, we’re not going to hang out with homeless people. Come.”
They picked their way down an embankment until they stood at the edge of Lake Union. Overhead, cars made a tickety-tick noise as they drove over the steel and concrete bridge. “Hear that?”
“Uh huh.”
“That’s the blood of the city, pulsing through its veins.” He reached for her. “Come here. I need you.” He took her hand and placed it on his crotch. “Feel this, baby?”
“Yes,” she said, in that sweet voice of hers.
“This is what you do to me.” She pushed away from him slightly. “What are we going to do?”
“We’re going to fuck. After I kiss you long and hard.” He licked his lips. “Let’s try something new.”
“You don’t think I’m a good kisser?” she asked, insecurity making a sudden appearance.
“I sure didn’t say that. I think you’re a great kisser. We’re going to kick it up a notch. There’s some things I want to try.”
“Kick it up how?” Her body tensed.
“Shhh.” He put a fingertip on her lips.
“What if someone sees us? Fucking, I mean?”
“I don’t see anyone down here, do you?”
“No,” she said, craning her neck. “What if someone hears us?”
He pointed overhead to the headlights shining through the metal grill. “Steady stream of sound. I’ll be the only one hearing your moans of pleasure.” He massaged her neck.
“What if…?” she began.
He lowered his head, bringing his lips close, moving the tip of his nose back and forth along hers.
Her mouth parted.
He drew her bottom lip gently between his teeth, before softly sucking.
“Mmm,” she moaned.
His parted lips brushed back and forth against hers.
She moved her lips in a sensuous dance with his mouth.
“Perfect, baby,” he said, swallowing hard. He ran his tongue along her parted lips.
She pushed her hips toward his straining cock.
“Fuck,” he said. He connected softly with her lips, kissing her delicately, deliberately. His cock ached for release.
When he released her, he gazed into her eyes, black with desire. He studied her, a serious look crossing his face. “Like this, baby?”
“Jesus, Jace. You can be so tender.” Her eyelids were heavy with arousal.
“It’s you,” he breathed. “I can be tender with you.” He brought his lips down to hers again, shushing further conversation. He devoured her mouth with his, entering her with his tongue, pushing insistently, the way his cock wanted to do. Finally, he wrenched away from her, hearing the ticking clock in his head reminding him that time was short. “Let me look at you. Stand over there.”
“Where?” she said.
“Next to that concrete column. Pants off.”
She did as he bid, standing in the dim light, wearing tennis shoes and socks, leopard print panties and her black work shirt. His breath caught as he regarded her.
“You’re so fucking beautiful, Zoé.” He held up his hands, making a frame with his thumbs and fingers. “Wait right there. Hold that pose.”
“Come on, Jace, you’re too far away. I miss you.”
“Hold on, baby, this will only take a sec.” He grabbed his satchel off the ground where he’d dropped it, dug around for his camera, and pulled it free.
“What are you doing?”
“I’m taking pictures of you, that’s what.”
“I’m shy.” She brought her hands over her chest.
“Perfect.”
“No, Jace, I’m really shy about having my picture taken. I hate it.” Her hands fell, crossing in front of the space between her legs.
“Come on, baby, let me love you with my eyes.”
A curious look flashed across her face, followed with a small smile. “Love me with your eyes?”
“Yes,” he said, suddenly aware of what he’d said. Shit. His pulse raced. His stomach did that churning thing from a moment ago, warring with the excitement stirring inside.
“What do I have to do?”
“Allow it.”
She shook her head.
He sighed. “Baby, please. You’re so beautiful. I want something to look at when I’m away from you. I’m not going to sell these or show anyone else, I promise. They’re for my eyes only.”
She let out a long, deep breath. Then, she nodded, whispering, “Okay.”
He made a few adjustments on the camera, held it up, and looked through the viewfinder. “Fucking beautiful.”
He pressed the Nikon’s shutter. Click.
“Jace,” she said, leaning against the concrete.
Click, click.
“I miss you.”
“Just a sec, baby.”
Click. Click. Click.
“You’re about to burst out of your pants, you know,” she said, laughing.
“That’s for inspiration. You’ll get some.”
“When?” She pouted.
“Perfect! Hold that.” Click. Click. He moved in closer. “Arms up high.”
She lifted her arms along the column, her hand brushing against a big bolt protruding from the pillar. Her fingers curled around it. “I want to kiss you.”
Click. Click. Click.
“Unbutton your shirt.”
She complied. “Yeah. I’m so wet for you, Jace Savage.”
Click. Click. Click.
“I’ll take care of that juiciness in a minute,” he said.
“You’re torturing me.”
“I’m caressing you with my eyes.” Click.
She whimpered. “Skin. I need skin.”
His cock jerked.
“I saw that, you know. Give it to me.”
“This is the art of seduction, baby.”
“Fuck the art of seduction.”
“Jace, please,” she said.
He rested the camera on top of the backpack and made his way over to her. “Now I’ve got something to look at when I’m away from you.”
“Quit talking and start touching,” she said, reaching for his lapel. “Let’s get back to that amazing kissing.”
“Someone’s being bossy.” He smiled, as she unbuttoned his shirt. When his phone jangled, he cursed. The ring tone may have well have been a baby cry. “Fuck!”
Her head jerked up. “Do you have to answer that?”
“ ‘Fraid so.” He looked at the screen, his forehead creased, and tapped the connect button. “What?” he snapped. “Okay, I’m on my way.” He disconnected, wanting to hurl the phone. “Fuck, fuck, fuck! Sorry, baby.”
“What’s going on? You get me to surrender like that, you get me all hot and horny, and you leave? Come on, Jace! Where do you have to keep going?” She grabbed her pants from the ground.
“I’m sorry, baby. You have no idea how sorry I am.” He couldn’t afford to let Zoé in yet. He pictured Marni, getting attached and then Zoé leaving. He pictured himself, alone in his childhood home, getting punished for sharing his thoughts and feelings. No.
“What’s going on?”
He picked up his backpack, and then reached for her hand. “I can’t tell you,” he said. “I have to catch the fucking ferry.” He sighed. “My life is dictated by someone else’s schedule, it seems.”
“Sounds like what mothers have to do,” she said, yanking on her pants.
He stiffened. “What’s that mean?”
“Mothers have no life until their kid is, like, what? Twelve? Ten? Sixteen?”
“I wouldn’t know,” he said quickly, groaning inside.
“What did I say?” she asked. “Are you a mother?”
“No, not that I’m aware of. I saw Billy today doing something suspicious,” he said, changing the subject.
“Oh?” she said, taking his hand for assistance as she climbed onto the road.
“Yeah. He was in front of me on the freeway. He drove into that abandoned cruise port downtown. Fought w
ith his girlfriend. The guy’s a total dick when it comes to women. You’re lucky you got out unscathed.”
Her hand went to her arm and rubbed. “I wouldn’t say completely unscathed, but anyway —go on.” She glared at him.
“So, he went into this warehouse and came out with one of those rolly bag suitcases. Very odd. You’d think if it were drugs or weapons he’d come out with a duffle bag or a big box or something CSI. It’s a bit too obvious for travel, don’t you think? ‘Say, officer, don’t mind me wheeling this suitcase full of drugs and guns onto the plane. I won’t need them until I get to my destination, promise.’” He let out a snort.
“I don’t know anything about drug runners. Do you?” She slid her helmet on her head and fumbled with the chin strap.
“Not really,” he said. “Anyway, I’m going to keep an eye on him.”
“Maybe he’s up to something you can use against him?”
“Maybe. I can only watch from the sidelines. I’d love to mash his pretty face but his lawyers would have a cow.” He slung his leg over his ride. “Climb on, baby. I’ll drop you off at your car and then head home.”
“Back to your…”
“Don’t say it,” he snapped.
“I was going to say back to your home where you’ll miss me like crazy,” she said, dropping the visor on her helmet. “Jeez,” she said in a muffled voice.
He pivoted around, lifted her visor, and said, “I will miss you like crazy. I already do.” He kissed her nose. “Give me a chance, baby, please. I’ll get things sorted soon.” Either that or I’ll end up with someone else’s kid to raise and no clue how to do it.
Chapter 15
Zoé
The next day, Zoé drove the Jeep to the Arboretum near the bridge where Jace had photographed her. Her core throbbed and sizzled as she thought of him. She and Tanya were meeting to choose some starter plants for one of Tanya’s garden designs.
Zoé liked helping Tanya out. It gave her much needed practice for her chosen field of study. Plus, it gives me someone to sort out this whatever I’m doing with Jace.