Eyeing the clock, Tanner stared down at her. "It's still early."
"Yeah, but I need another shower. I'm sticky and stinky."
His lips curled up in a mischievous grin. An all-too-familiar twinkle flashed through his brown eyes. "So do I. I vote we take one together."
Oakley's breath caught. Bathing one another sounded so intimate, so primal, and sexy. Her belly flopped over. A definite first for her. More than anything she wanted to run her hands over every inch of his body, explore and caress, learn every nuance of Tanner that she hadn't been able to thus far. Before, he stopped her after only a mere touch or lick, citing his overpowering need and losing battle to maintain control. Since her discomfort below prevented another mutual bout of lovemaking, this afforded her the perfect opportunity to get her wish and fulfill Tanner at the same time.
A coy smile crossed her face as she peered up at him from under her lashes. "I would like that."
His eyebrow shot up as if her answer surprised him before his eyelids lowered to half-mast, a signal of his rapid rising desire. He reached out with his hand, latched onto hers, and led her out of the kitchen to the bathroom.
Once in the smaller room, they made short work of their clothes, shucking the items off speedily and leaving them in a heap on the floor while Oakley turned on the shower. She ran her fingers through the water to check the temperature. Satisfied, she looked over at Tanner, suddenly a bit uncertain about shower protocols.
"Ladies first." He gestured inside the small enclosed room.
His hand on her bottom set her into motion. She hurried inside the space and backed away from the spray, allowing ample room for Tanner.
Settling under the water, he faced her, sparks flashing in his eyes.
She grabbed the washcloth and squeezed a generous amount of shower gel onto its surface. Rubbing it together to create lather, she bit her lower lip, waiting for Tanner to take the lead.
He followed suit, stealing the bottle of soap from her slack fingers and spreading it over a darker colored terry cloth. "I'll wash you first." He purred above the sound of the water splashing against his wide shoulders.
"Okay. But I want to…" She paused, gathering courage to express her wishes. "Since we can't… you know… I thought I could touch you again." She blamed the heat flashing over her face on the rising steam.
Tanner groaned low in his throat. "Let me wash you first. Then, I'm all yours."
Oakley nudged closer, relaxing when Tanner began gentle strokes across her shoulders, gentling and reassuring. He took his time going over her face, carefully avoiding getting soap in her eyes.
What started out as a simple act of hygiene maintenance soon turned into a dance of passion. Tanner took extra time with her breasts, not moving onward until her nipples stood at attention. Only then did he dip lower, brushing over her flat stomach before pausing at her femininity. "Spread your legs for me." His voice alone sent chills of desire up her spine.
Following his command, Oakley shifted, allowing him access to her tender parts.
With extraordinary tenderness, Tanner cleaned the area using light sweeps of the rough material with just enough pressure to get the job done.
She bit back a moan at his teasing, disappointed when he bent down, leaving her core to wash her legs.
Tanner stood, wrapped his arms around her, and guided her into position. Taking a stance behind her, he spread her arms, allowing the spray to hit her squarely in the chest, trickling downward, taking soapsuds as it went. His hands captured clean water, using it to wipe her face before roaming lower, cupping her breasts with a gentle squeeze, and lifting them enough for a direct hit from the heated water.
Oakley threw her head back against Tanner's chest, sensations of pleasure raging through her blood with the simple act. In all the years of taking a shower, never did she feel anything remotely like what she did at that moment.
She panted, forcing herself to refocus; otherwise, Tanner would have her turned to a puddle of mush in a matter of seconds. All too easily, Tanner distracted her from her goal, something she longed to experience.
Gulping air, she grasped his wrists. "My turn. Before we run out of hot water, I want to get my hands on you. All of you."
He looked down at her, his lips curling upward. A challenge and look of eager expectation covered his face. "You sure? I haven't done your back."
She lifted her washrag, motioning for him to spin with her free hand. "I'm sure. Now turn around so I can start with your back. I'll leave the best for last." A smile covered her face in anticipation of how she would tease him, return all his mischievousness back to him. Turnabout is fair play, after all.
Plopping the sudsy cloth on Tanner's neck, she began scrubbing easily, working her way down his large frame, taking in each ripple and jerk as he reacted to her touch, massaging the thick mass as she went. Once she reached his lower back, she paused for a second before plunging lower, wiping across his rear, marveling at the solid muscles beneath her hand.
Skittishly, she veered away from the middle crack, choosing to delve farther down, cleaning his legs before standing once more. "Turn please."
If she thought washing his back was the sexiest thing she'd ever done, doing his front with his sultry eyes watching her every move proved her wrong.
He watched her intently, his gaze flicking from her face to her hand and back again. Her heart sped with the sheer intimacy of the moment.
Shakily, she reached out, grabbed the soap, and plunked more on her cloth. Only then did she touch his neck, avoiding his face altogether, smoothly rubbing her way down his body once more. Refusing to look down, she kept her eyes locked on her present location, brushing back and forth as if his chest were a canvas waiting for her to paint.
Each pec received special attention as she darted across his nipples, feeling his body's response as well as hearing his growl of appreciation. Gaining confidence, she dipped lower across his abdomen and his six pack. Skipping the blatant arousal, she leaned over, quickly finishing his legs.
With a deep breath, she stood, staring at the last place to wash. His erection poked out, hard and large, as if begging for her touch.
Tossing the washcloth aside, she rubbed her hands together, gathering lather. A quick glance found Tanner's eyes locked on her hand, watching as she reached out, wrapped her small hand around his cock, and felt him jerk with her first touch.
"Yes," Tanner groaned, but remained still, arms to his side, the shower pelting his back before slipping off to drip on the shower floor.
Using the soap as a lubricant, Oakley slowly and gently explored him, easing her fingers forward then backward, experimenting with various grips and tightness. His body shuddered even as his hips thrust. Releasing him for a moment, she moved lower, tenderly cupping his scrotum, rubbing her thumb over the skin, learning the weight and feel of a place she never dared touch before.
Tanner groaned loudly, his arms reaching up to bracket the shower stall. His slitted eyes bore down into hers.
After a short but thorough examination, Oakley returned her hand to his erection, grasping him once more. Patiently, she began to stroke, measuring his length from tip to base. Feeling more sure, she picked up the pace, searching for the right combination to send tides of ecstasy streaming through his system, building his desire and arousal to a fevered pitch.
"Damn, Oakley. You're going to make me come."
She continued her pumping action, her eyes rarely leaving his face, as she sought to bring him to climax.
He cracked his eyelids open, pinning her with his gaze. "That's what you want, isn't it?"
In almost disbelief, she realized he hit the nail on the head. She wanted to watch him lose control, see what her touch alone could do to such a strong man, know that he found release with her actions and attentions. "I want to… watch." She breathed almost as rapidly as he. The thoughts of sending him over the edge stoked her inner fire to frenzy.
He groaned low at her words, a curse
leaving his lips as his hips surged and retreated.
Oakley increased her speed and pressure, seeing his body tighten and his hands clench into tight balls still braced against the walls. His eyes snapped closed as his neck arched; veins and muscles stood out starkly against his tanned skin. Her hand glided over him once, twice, before he barked with pleasure, the physical release spewing over her hand and arm, only to be washed away seconds later by streaming water as he shifted his stance to lean heavily on the glass door for support.
"Can we do that again?"
Tanner chuckled tightly, his eyes opening to look at her as a grin appeared on his face. "Insatiable little minx. You liked that, didn't you?" The words came out breathlessly as he gasped to catch his breath.
"Oh, yes," she admitted.
He stood back on his feet, releasing a pent-up breath. "You may be the death of me, but I'll go happy."
Tanner turned, located the shampoo, dribbled some on Oakley's hand then his own. "I need some time to recover. And, we should hustle and finish before this water turns to ice."
She laughed and complied, scrubbing her long locks with enthusiasm. The sooner they got out of the shower, the sooner she could get her hands on his naked body again.
* * * *
Sunlight shining through the bedroom window woke Oakley. She glanced at the bedside clock, yawned, and then turned onto her side to gaze at the other occupant in the bed.
Tanner reclined on his back, sprawling out with arms and legs, maximizing his sleeping space. His mussed sandy hair pressed close to his scalp while a cowlick pulled his bangs to the side. Relaxed, his physical frame still impressed, full of muscles and strength, tight skin outlining dips and valleys of an athletic specimen. A handful of chest hairs twisted this way and that while a line of darker, coarser hairs began at his bellybutton then dropped lower, leading to what declared him male. Powerful legs covered with fine hairs, a touch darker than his head, completed the package. Flawless and handsome, Tanner put the fabled Adonis to shame.
Memories of the night before played through her mind. After their shower, both pulled on clothing and lazed the evening away playing with Hercules and snuggling on the couch watching television. A perfect day in her opinion.
As if he felt her stare, he woke, eyes blinking open. "Morning, minx."
She smiled. "Good morning to you, too."
Hercules appeared in the doorway, marching right over to Tanner's side of the bed. With stilts for legs, he simply stepped up on the bed, no jumping required. Carefully, the dog straddled Tanner's body, then plopped down, covering Tanner from chest to feet with his huge canine body.
Tanner grunted. "What in the world are you doing, dog?"
Hercules's tail thumped the mattress while his long pink tongue emerged from his mouth, licking Tanner across the face as if Tanner was a fast melting ice cream cone.
Oakley burst out laughing. "He likes you."
"He's dang heavy and ugh… stop that." Tanner groaned, using one hand to try to push Hercules's head to the side.
Not budging, Hercules continued to bathe Tanner.
With a muttered oath, Tanner shoved harder, sitting up in the process.
Hercules reluctantly moved, shifting to the end of the bed, his sad chocolate eyes staring back at Tanner the whole time.
"Not working, Herc." He shook his head then turned his attention back to Oakley. With a smile, he leaned in.
She stopped him with a hand to his lips. "Oh, I don't think so."
Tanner pulled back, tilting his head in question. "Why not?" Worry crossed his handsome face.
"I'm not kissing you while you're covered in doggie drool. Nope. No telling where his tongue has been." She waited a beat for the words to sink in. "He probably licked his butt right before coming in here."
"Gee, thanks." Tanner shot her a look of annoyance.
Oakley giggled. "Hey, I'm just looking out for you."
"Uh-huh." He climbed out of bed without bothering to cover his nudity.
Her eyes roamed his body once more, locking onto his rapidly enlarging erection.
"Looking at me too?" Tanner hinted in a low sultry voice.
"Oh, yeah." She didn't bother to deny the obvious. Besides, it had become her favorite new hobby. That along with bedroom playtime. She didn't bother to confess to Tanner. His ego seemed solid and more than adequate without additional ammunition.
The clock caught her attention. Nine-thirty. With a sigh, she sobered. "I have to get up. The final exam starts in half an hour and I have to be available from ten until two in case any of the students have questions or get locked up."
Tanner nodded. "Yeah, and I promised Dr Miller I would meet him for lunch."
His eyes raked her bare body.
Still not quite comfortable running around butt naked in front of Tanner, her face heated as if a torch waved in front of her. Sliding to the edge of the bed, she stood, heading for the dresser to start pulling out clothing. "Maybe later this afternoon we can do something."
"I'll head back here after lunch. We can figure it out then." He left the room, presumably to find his clothes from the night before.
Oakley quickly dressed, taking a minute to pull her tangled hair into a ponytail before stepping into the living room.
Tanner stood by the couch in his jeans. The remainder of his garments wadded up in one hand. With a smile of promise, he pulled her close and planted a hard kiss to her lips.
"See ya later." With that he strode out the back door.
She touched her lips. It took a moment for her sleepy brain to realize he shared Hercules's drool with her. Rolling her eyes, she grinned. Such a Neanderthal.
But he was her Neanderthal.
Chapter 19
Tanner slammed the door shut on his SUV, striding quickly around the condo to find the source of his anger sitting in a wicker chair on the back porch as her dog rested in the shade. He rounded on her quickly, clenching his hands in an attempt to leash his temper to no avail.
He'd met with Dr Miller earlier, considering the veteran a friend and someone that could help him adjust and learn to cope with his nightmares and other issues the war inflicted on him. That was all fine and good. Until he'd put two and two together and realized what his new friend really did. Dr Miller was a practicing psychologist. He'd confronted the man only to find his worst suspicions were true. Oakley had set him up, knowing how he felt about shrinks. She'd sucker-punched him in the gut, after deceiving him with her innocent act, and breaking his trust.
She glanced up from her computer at his approach, a grin immediately fading to an expression of concern. "Tanner?"
"You manipulated me." He forced out through clenched teeth.
"What in the world are you talking about?" She stood to face him, setting the laptop aside.
"Dr Miller. Your former boss. Who just happens to be a psychologist."
Her eyes widened as she clutched her chest. "I…"
"After I expressly told you how I felt, you damn well ignored my wishes. Introduced me to Miller, knowing he and I would click."
Water formed in those expressive green eyes. "I knew you wouldn't talk to anyone on your own. I hoped you would like Dr Miller, form a bond with someone you shared a common background with."
He threw up his hands in agitation, becoming louder with her admission. "What the fuck do you know?"
"I did it to help you." She defended herself sincerely as tears overflowed, trickling down her cheeks.
Hercules trotted over as if sensing his owner's distress. He placed himself between the two of them, leaning heavily against her legs. Oakley automatically reached down to touch his head.
"Last time I checked, I was an adult and didn't need someone else to make decisions for me, especially someone with the audacity to think she knows what's best when she has no damn clue about anything. Let me put this in words you can understand. I don't need help. I don't want help. Especially your kind of help."
His phone rang. Jerkin
g it out of his pocket, he glared down at her once more. "I can't stand manipulating women who betray you every chance they get." He flipped open the phone. "Owens." After listening a few seconds he answered. "Fifteen minutes."
"But, Tanner, I thought we…"
"No. There is no 'we', not after this stunt. You betrayed me, lied to me. So stay out of my fucking life. Shit, I wish you never were in it." That said, he turned on his heel and stormed inside to grab his duffel bag and a few essentials.
When he closed and locked the front door later, he didn't see Oakley. Probably threw herself on her bed to cry out her hurt feelings. She deserved it. He pictured those large emerald eyes overflowing with tears and his heart clenched.
This assignment came at a perfect time. Who knew when he would return or if. Hopefully, by the time he made it home, Oakley would have moved on and found some other simpleton to meddle with. Keep her out of his business. Hell, maybe if he was lucky, she would simply move out, finding another place to live. His gut twisted, a firm 'no' resounding in his head.
Ignoring both, he jumped into his vehicle, turned the engine over, and roared out of the parking lot.
* * * *
Six days later, Tanner lay in a shallow ditch, ducking gunfire from a compound full of deadly drug dealers with nasty attitudes and worse track records. Spoon tucked in directly to his right while Cale flanked him to the left.
The entire mission went FUBAR about six hours ago when an advanced security spotter caught their stealthy movements, sounded the alarm, and alerted the targets to their location. Since then, they'd been basically pinned down with not a lot of options. The weapons they carried on their backs would send up a massive explosion, leveling the drug factory to the ground. However, someone needed to get much closer for the charges to be placed and set before that could happen.
What he would do for a bombing raid at this moment. Sometimes working freelance in the private industry had its drawbacks.
A bullet whined nearby, slamming into the ground just in front of their trench. All three ducked.
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