The bag fell from her hands, and she went up on her toes as his mouth claimed hers, hard and insistent. He tore off her jacket, taking the kiss impossibly deeper, harder, obliterating everything in its wake. Her body quivered and shook as he lifted off her shirt and quickly removed her bra. His rough hands were all over her at once, cupping her ass, palming her breasts, pushing into her hair. Oh, how she loved his greed! He fisted his hand in her hair, holding tight, sending shocks of the exquisite pain and pleasure she thought she’d imagined all those years ago racing through her body. Now she knew. It had been as real as the rush of desire every time she saw him.
He brushed his thumb over her breast, and she heard herself whimper again. She’d never been a noisy lover—except with Jed. When he pinched her nipple between his finger and thumb, she didn’t even try to hold back. She cried out his name and he lowered his mouth to her breast, sucking it rough and hard, sending rivers of the most delicious sensations slithering through her. She grabbed his head, holding his mouth to her breast as he sucked and nipped, driving her to the brink of madness. A stream of indiscernible noises flew from her lungs, making her feel free and alive, and so damn good she could barely remain standing.
He drew back, rising to his full height with a predatory gleam in his eyes that made her crave him even more.
“Tell me to stop,” he panted out, “because I can’t do it on my own.”
He felt so good, so hard, there was no stopping her greedy hands from pushing his towel off and circling his thick cock. She felt it pulse in her hand as she said, “Don’t stop, Moon.”
“God, I’ve missed you,” he growled.
His mouth crashed over hers, devouring her roughly and noisily. He ripped open the button on her jeans and made quick work of stripping them, along with her panties, down. His fingers played over her sex as he feasted on her mouth. She rocked against his hand as his thick digits slipped between her sensitive lips and pushed inside. She dug her fingernails into his arms, using him to stabilize her weakening legs as he stroked over the magical spot that brought her up on her toes. Her head fell back as he took her up, up, up toward the clouds. He sank his teeth into her neck and ground his thumb over the cleft of her sex.
“Oh God. Don’t stop,” she pleaded.
He sucked harder, moved his fingers quicker, and when he palmed her ass with his other hand, slipping his fingers between her cheeks, as he had so long ago, she thought she would pass out from sheer pleasure. She couldn’t think as he masterfully took her right up to the edge. He smelled so good, felt so right, she was utterly and completely lost in him. She filled with a sense of urgency and helplessness at once, like she was standing in a ravine and needed to get to the top. Every stroke of his fingers brought her closer. And then his mouth was on hers again, his tongue thrusting in time to his fingers down below, catapulting her into a world of sheer, mind-blowing ecstasy.
JED HAD DIED and gone to heaven. That was the only explanation for the way he felt as Josie’s forehead fell against his chest. He lifted her into his arms and carried her to the bed. He removed her shoes, stripped off the rest of her clothes, and climbed in beside her. It seemed unreal to him that this beautiful creature, whom he’d dreamed about for so many years, could be lying naked in his bed. She reached for him, and he moved over her, kissing her deeply as he aligned their bodies. She was so small and delicate, and yet so strong. The head of his cock touched her wetness, sending desire roaring through him and reminding him to be responsible. He drew back from her incredible mouth and brushed his lips over her cheek. “Are you on birth control?”
“Yes,” she said eagerly. “Wait. Are you clean?”
“With one exception, I’ve always worn a condom.” He pressed a kiss to her lips as memories rolled in of their night together all those years ago, when she’d kissed him until he was hard as stone and she’d touched him like she knew just what to do. He hadn’t known she was a virgin when he’d gone down on her. She’d tasted so sweet, and she had pulled his hair, bucking wildly against his mouth like she’d done it before. It was only as he’d entered her tight, wet heat that he’d nearly lost his mind. It had taken him a moment to realize he felt every hot, wet second of being inside her. It was then she’d told him it was her first time, and she’d asked him to forgo the condom and just pull out. He’d never done that before. But once he knew she was a virgin, he’d wanted to give her the most passionate, unforgettable experience of her life. He’d come on her belly, and to this day it felt like one of the most intimate things he’d ever done.
“Are you sure that was the only time?” she said with a teasing arc to her voice.
“I would never lie to you, Jojo. Not about this or anything else.” He kissed her again.
“Good, because I want to feel all of you.”
He lowered his mouth to hers, and as their bodies came together, the intensity of their connection made his head swim. When he was buried to the hilt she wrapped her legs around his hips, angling up, taking him impossibly deeper. A surge of emotions consumed him, and everything else fell away. He became fully aware of the grind of her hips, the taste of her mouth, and the pressure of her thighs as she squeezed her legs and center so tight it took everything he had to remain in control. Raw passion carried them to a rhythm all their own. He’d never felt so present. Every thrust earned a pump of her hips, a sinful, seductive sound, or a cut of her fingernails into his skin.
“Oh, God, Moon—” she panted out between fervent kisses.
They took and gave with reckless abandon, rolling on the bed as their bodies—their needs—took over. Just like the first time, they both went wild, groping and moaning, demanding and pleading. They were animalistic. He grabbed her ass with both hands, driving into her hard and fast, and felt her entire body tense. Her head fell back as tremors engulfed her, and his name flew from her lips—“Moon!”
He gritted his teeth against his own climax, pounding into her as she bucked and moaned. He was on the cusp of release, but he’d dreamed of this for so many years, he wanted to live in this moment—buried deep inside her, bringing her pleasure—forever.
“Come, Moon,” she pleaded. “Come with me.”
The sound of the hauntingly sexy voice he’d heard in his dreams for years dragged him over the edge, and he abandoned all control like a prisoner set free. He ground out her name, reveling in a world he’d dreamed of, fantasized about, and longed for—Josie was here, in his arms, in his life.
As he came down from the clouds and gathered her in his arms, all the pieces of his chaotic, crazy youth came back together, adhering to the stability of the life he’d created, to this very moment, and he finally felt complete.
THEY LAY TOGETHER with Josie’s head resting on his chest, her leg over his, and her arm draped over his stomach. If the world were to end today, Jed would die a happy man. He pressed a kiss to her head, holding her tighter.
“I didn’t come over to have sex,” she said softly.
He kissed her again. “I know.”
“It’s been more than two years since I’ve done that.”
“Really? It’s been roughly six or so for me.”
She tilted her beautiful, confused face up to see him. Her cheeks were flushed, her hair a tangled mess from his hands, and her lips were still pink from their frantic kisses.
“I mean since it’s been like that,” he clarified. “It’s never like that, Jojo. Something happens when we’re together. I wasn’t too rough, was I?”
She shook her head. “I thought I’d imagined how we were together. It’s never been like that for me, either. And it’s not Brian’s fault. I haven’t ever been like that. It’s you, Moon. You bring something out in me that I’ve never felt before, and it’s not just with sex. It was the same way the first night we met. I don’t have the right words to explain it, but I’ve always felt like I could be myself with you, even back then. That probably sounds unoriginal, but for someone who was basically hiding in plain sight, it was everything to me. And now i
t’s like that, only bigger. I think we’ve both been through so much, we get each other in a way other people might not. You don’t make me dwell on the past or pump me for information. You don’t treat me like a victim or like I need saving. As much as I loved Brian, it was different, because he did save me. And that was always there between us. Not like a bad thing, just something I think we were both aware of.”
She lay on her back and sighed. “Now I feel guilty.”
He shifted onto his side and gazed into her eyes, pulling her body against his. “Why, babe? You loved him. Nothing will take away from that.”
“I did. I do. I always will. But what does it say about me that I could never let go with him, the way I do with you?”
“It says you loved him with your whole heart, but that your connection with him was different. He was your safety net. But with me you don’t need a safety net. You’re strong, capable, and smart. You don’t need me. You want me. That makes everything different. It’s not better or worse. And I’m not rescuing you by introducing you to Penny or buying you a phone. I’m doing what any good friend would do. Now, that doesn’t mean I’d stand by and let you flounder. If you fall, I’m going to catch you.”
“That’s the very definition of a safety net,” she said with a hint of humor.
“Nah. A safety net is set up with expectations, knowing there’s a good chance you’ll fall. Brian had to do that. You were thirteen years old. You’re an adult now. I don’t expect you to fall. I’m the guy who lets you walk your own path and runs in if I see you teetering. That’s caring about you and Hail. And I’m not replacing Brian in yours or Hail’s life, because your life is no longer what it was with him.”
She seemed to think about that for a moment, her gaze roaming over his face. She reached up and touched his cheek. “Thank you for not trying to devalue what he and I had.”
“Devalue it? If it hadn’t been for Brian, who knows where you would have ended up. He gave you a life and a son. He loved you. That’s all good in my book.”
He kissed her softly and her stomach growled. They both smiled into the kiss.
“Hm, I always seem to make you hungry.”
“Put your ego away,” she teased. “I was too nervous about seeing Scotty to eat breakfast. I came over to surprise you with lunch and tell you about our visit, but then you distracted me with your nakedness.”
He laughed and nuzzled against her neck. “I’d say sorry but I’m not. I’d like to distract you again, and then I’d like to distract you a third time in the shower. How much time do we have? Because there are lots of other places I want to distract you, too.”
After several mind-blowing distractions and a long, sensual shower, Josie told him about her visit with Scotty as they dressed. He pulled on his briefs, feeling himself get hard as she bent over wearing nothing but a sexy pair of blue panties and a matching bra as she picked up her shirt.
“I can feel your eyes on me, so put those fangs away, big bad wolf,” she said with her back to him as she slipped her shirt over her head. “Since I’m starting work tomorrow, we’re moving in Saturday, and then Sarah, Bones, and the kids are coming for dinner. Can you come, or do you have to work?”
He moved behind her, pressed a kiss to her neck, and wrapped his arms around her middle. “I’m working in the morning at the shop, but I can come over after and we’ll load up my truck, move you in, and have the rest of the night together.”
She leaned back against his chest. “See? This feels natural with you. Shouldn’t I be nervous or something?”
“You weren’t very nervous the first time we were together in the field. If ever you were going to be, it should have been then.” He turned her in his arms and kissed her. “We’re meant to be, Little Red. What about Hail’s school? Are you going to try to keep him in Parkvale or move him to Peaceful Harbor?”
“Parkvale for now, until we’re sure about staying at Scotty’s.”
“Are you worried about it?”
“No.” Her fingers played over his chest. “But I can’t stay there forever. Scotty isn’t charging me rent, so I can save money. I’ll need to see where I can find a place I can afford. I have some long-term things to figure out. Until then I think it’s best that he has the stability of staying in the same school.”
“Makes sense.” He pressed his lips to hers and said, “You better put pants on if you ever want to get out of this bedroom.”
She stepped into her jeans and said, “Oh my God, is that what I think it is?”
He pulled a pair of jeans from the shelf in his closet and said, “Jeans?”
“No.” She reached into the closet and pulled out his old brown leather jacket. “Chocolate brown. I love this so much. I can’t believe you still have it. You’re so much bigger now.”
She’d commented on his chocolate-brown jacket the night they’d met. Hearing it again made him even happier that he’d held on to it. “That’s why it’s hanging in the closet. It’s too tight across the chest.” He held it up and said, “Put it on.”
He helped her put it on, and the sleeves hung well past her hands. She strutted a few steps like she was on a catwalk and twirled, fluttering her lashes.
“You’re sexy as hell. I love seeing that on you.”
“We call this winter-boyfriend fashion.” She shoved her hands in the pockets. “Oh my God. Did you…?” She pulled from the pocket the heart-shaped rock they’d found in the field and ran her fingers over their etched names. “I can’t believe you kept it for all this time.”
He shrugged, a little embarrassed by his sentimentality. “You should keep the jacket. Get it tailored to fit.”
“What? No. It’s yours.”
“So are you,” he said, and they both stilled. “I mean…Hell, Jojo. That’s how I think of you, as my girlfriend. Is it too soon?”
“No,” she said softly, but there was something unsettled in her eyes. “I’ve never really been someone’s girlfriend before. I went from being single to married almost overnight. But now there’s Hail to consider, and his well-being has to come first. He’s been through so much these last couple of years. I don’t know how to act with you around him, or if we’ll confuse him or make him upset because of losing his dad. I have to be careful not to screw him up, you know?”
“We seem to be doing okay with him so far. He seems happy, and he likes me, right?”
“He adores you,” she said. “My gut says to just let things develop naturally around him, but with us that’s full speed ahead, and I have no idea if that’ll be okay for him. Maybe Sarah has some pointers.”
“I can talk to Bones, too, if you want me to.”
“No. I’ll figure it out.”
He gathered her in his arms and said, “I’ll follow your lead. All I know is that I want to be with you and Hail in any way you’ll let me. If that means I can’t hold your hand or kiss you in front of him for some period of time, I’ll respect that.”
She wound her arms around his neck and pressed a kiss to his chest. “I know you will. I’m just wondering if I’m strong enough to resist.”
“Don’t worry, babe. I’ll be strong enough for the both of us.”
As he lowered his lips to hers, she said, “Now I know we’re in big trouble.”
He drew back and felt his expression, like his emotions, turn serious as he said, “We’re not. I promise you that. I will never do anything to hurt Hail, and that includes moving too fast with you in front of him. I know what it’s like to lose a parent and to grow up with instability. Whatever it takes to make sure he’s safe and comfortable, I’ll make it happen, not just for him, but for you. Got it?”
She nodded, emotion welling in her eyes. “You say and do all the right things. It’s hard to believe you haven’t always been with us.”
“I have, Jojo. I was always with you, just like you were always with me.” He extended his arm, showing her the tattoo of a wolf in sheep’s clothing and, above it, Little Red with delicate features, ha
zel eyes, a full, luscious mouth, and a beauty mark just below the left corner of her mouth.
Chapter Eleven
FOR A GIRL who’d never had many friends, Josie suddenly had more than she’d ever dreamed possible. She’d started work with Penny on Thursday, and it seemed like everyone stopped by the ice cream shop. Penny had introduced her to Isla, who ran the flower shop, and to Cassie, who owned the bakery around the corner. Biggs and Red had brought Bradley and Lila in on Friday afternoon when they were babysitting, and Quincy came Thursday and Friday mornings to flirt with Penny. Between her new job and preparing to move, she’d hardly had time to slow down—and she already had future plans. Finlay and Crystal had both texted to make sure she would come to Red’s house the weekend after next to help plan Sarah’s baby shower. Josie never knew communities could be this close-knit. It felt great to be part of something bigger than a unit of two or three.
It was Saturday, and as promised, Jed came over after work to help them move. It was hard saying goodbye to Tracey even though she knew they’d still see each other. Sarah, Bones, and the kids were at Scotty’s when they arrived, and now, just hours later, it already started to feel like home.
As she helped Hail unpack, she heard Jed debating what to have for dinner with Sarah and Scotty in the kitchen. Bradley and Bones chimed in with suggestions of pizza and spaghetti. She couldn’t even think about eating. Scotty had gone to Cassie’s bakery first thing that morning and picked up muffins, doughnuts, and other treats, which had been waiting for them when they’d arrived. Hail had been on a sugar high all day—and she’d been on an emotional roller coaster. She’d spent the first nearly fourteen years of her life in one house and almost a decade in the house with Brian. But in the past few months, Hail had lived in an apartment over a bar, a seedy hotel, a shelter, and now in his uncle’s house. That made her feel all sorts of awful, but at the same time, they were with family now, and that felt good enough to almost override the negative feelings. Almost, because she vowed to herself that when they moved again, it would be the last time until Hail turned eighteen and went off to college.
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