"Oh, please. You knew it was coming. You're the one who told your college buddy about me and got me a job interview at the homeless shelter."
"I just told him about your work with at risk kids."
Logan could almost hear Ava's eyes roll.
"Let's get you home so you can get the R and R you need."
Muffled chuckles wafted down the stairs.
"Stop hugging me," Ava said.
"I've earned at least a hug."
"For what?"
"Are you kidding? I've spent the better part of a week with you in that little car, driving your ass down here so you can start your new life. I have been without a woman's touch for over a week."
"Oh, poor baby."
Relief poured into Logan as he remembered Ava had a friend named Nick.
"I wanted to drive straight through, but you insisted on stopping every night and getting a hotel." Ava's annoyed voice became louder.
"Well, excuse me for not wanting to sleep while folded like a pretzel, shorty," Nick said
"Oh, shut up!" Ava opened the door wider. "Let's go."
Logan was too busy chuckling at the exchange to brace himself. Ava came barreling down the stairs.
"Umph!" All the air left his lungs as she bumped into his muscled chest. He wrapped his arms around Ava's small waist, pulled her to him, and inhaled her sent.
Finally, he had Ava in his arms, right where he needed her. His blood fired, fraying his already raw emotions.
She smiled up at him. "I'm so sorry. I wasn't paying attention." Her body flashed hot against his. He watched Nick come up behind them. The array of emotions playing over the other man's face was comical. Nick went from a look of aggravation, to protectiveness, to weariness, and finally acceptance all in a blink of an eye.
"It looks like I'm finding a cab," Nick said.
Ava stepped out of his arms and turned. "No, I'll drive you."
Logan cleared his throat and sent the other man an imploring look.
Nick held out his hand and smiled. "You must be Logan."
"I am." Logan shook his hand.
"Nick, nice to meet you."
In that one handshake both men conveyed what they wanted. Nick's hard shake said, "take care of her, and if you hurt her, I'll kill you" and Logan's firm grip said, "I understand and get the hell out of here".
Nick released Logan's hand and tugged Ava into a friendly hug. "You have things you need to deal with here. I'll find a cab."
"But—"
Logan pulled Ava into his arms. "Let the man find a cab."
Nick squeezed around them and opened the door. "I'll call you when I'm home."
"Okay. If you're sure," she said. "Oh, Nick." Ava leaned into Logan, her nipples puckering into hard nubs and pressing into his chest.
Nick stopped and turned. "What?"
"Don't forget you suitcase is in my car."
Logan wanted to smack the smile off Nick's pretty boy face.
"I won't. I'll see you in a few weeks, honey."
She ran her small hands up Logan's back. "Okay."
Logan drank in the feel of Ava against him. He cupped her chin, turning it up to look at him. "Well, aren't you a sight for sore eyes. What are you doing here?"
She flushed and maneuvered out of his arms. "I've decided to move to Miami."
Happiness engulfed him. Logan shifted onto the balls of his feet, and shoved his hands in his pockets. Every muscle in his body wanted to hold her again and keep Ava with him, where she belonged.
Over the last three months he'd come to realize she was the only woman for him. They were destined to be together. Logan had spent his life unknowingly searching for a place to call home.
It took him a long time to figure out that it wasn't a place, but a person. He loved Julie like a sister, but Ava was his home and he wanted her in his life forever. He hoped she felt the same way.
"Where do you belong?" He braced himself for the worst and hoped for the best.
She crossed her arms over her chest. "How long will you be home?"
Shit this isn't good. Whatever the answer was, he needed to hear it. "A few weeks at the very least."
Her arms fell to her sides and Ava's eyes brightened. She made a noncommittal sound.
Fuck. She's not going to tell him what he longed to hear. He scrubbed his hands over his face and noticed what Ava wore for the first time.
"Wow! You look different." His hands itched to rip off the jean shorts and tank top hugging every sexy curve. He ran a hand through her hair. "You never answered my question. Where do you belong?"
Ava let out a breath. "I've spent the last three months figuring out what I wanted out of life and I needed to learn about the psychology of the club. So I came down to see if Julie and Maggie could show me the ropes."
The thought of someone besides him tying Ava in hemp rope drove him crazy. "What did you say?"
"Oh, crap." She swiped a tear from her eye. "What I'm trying to say is. I belong here, with you."
"I was hoping you'd say that." He took her into his arms and lifted her. Logan walked up the remaining stairs into the apartment. "Where's Julie?"
Confusion strained her beautiful features. "She has an appointment and said she won't be back until this evening."
Logan made his way to the bedroom. Her scent wrapped around him, hugging him. "You've been staying in my bed?"
"Aunt Julie said it would be okay." She nuzzled his neck. "I missed you."
Ava in his bed, night after night, had fresh desire pulsing to his dick. He placed her on the bed. "You were all I thought about while I was gone." It was true. For the first time since he enlisted in the Navy, a woman occupied every thought. It almost got him killed.
Fresh tears welled in her beautiful eyes. She wrung her hands. "You awakened needs in me I didn't know existed."
Logan gripped her hands and looked down at her. "I'm sorry."
She smiled. "When I told Aunt Julie about our time together, she gave me the support I required. She told me about the first time you two met."
He couldn't keep the grin from spreading over his face. "Julie told you about the BDSM classes we took?" He wished he had been a fly on the wall for that conversation. Logan would've loved to see Julie explain the more aggressive parts of the lifestyle to Ava.
"Yes. She also told me, even though you like to be in charge, you don't enjoy the hard core Dom or submissive roles. You want a partner both in and out of bed that would be your true equal."
"I'm glad you had Julie." He tucked a stray hair behind Ava's ear. "So, I hear you have a job."
She beamed. "I finally put my education to use. I got a job as a social worker at a homeless shelter working with teens, and when I can, I'll work in the club helping Maggie at the bar."
Logan pushed Ava back on the bed. If Julie truly told her all she needed to know about him. She would understand his next move.
"I have needs." He stretched over her pressing her into the mattress. "I can be demanding and rough."
"I know." She moved her hips under him. "I can't wait."
God. Logan's dick was going to break. "I want you—now. Take off those sexy shorts and that fucking hot shirt." He rolled to the side of the bed, opened the nightstand drawer and found a condom. He hoped she was as hot for him as he was for her. Logan didn't think he had enough restraint for foreplay.
She shimmied out of her clothes. "What do you want me to do?"
Lust filled him from head to toe. He ripped off his t-shirt and jeans. "Get on your hands and knees."
* * * *
Hot, wet heat coiled in her core. She thrust her bottom up in invitation. The desire to please Logan pulled at her heart. "Am I doing this right?"
"You're amazing." He grabbed her hips and ran a hand over her pussy. "You're soaked."
Logan's words seemed to cascade over Ava, leaving her with a warm feeling. "I've been waiting for this," she said.
She glanced over her shoulder and smiled at him. Every day since Logan l
eft, she had fantasized about this moment. Ava didn't want soft kisses and nice words, she wanted Logan to be himself with her. If she had anything to say about it, they would have plenty of time for romance later.
Logan rolled the condom over his fat shaft.
A ripple of unease skidded down her spine. "I think you got bigger." She hoped her untrained body could accommodate his size. "Honey, I've been waiting for you for a long time." His chest heaved and he thrust into her.
One long exquisite sensation started at Ava's toes, spreading throughout her, before settling where their bodies met. He overfilled her. Joy and love overwhelmed Ava's senses. Her pussy burned with his invasion and she loved it. No other man could fill her so completely.
Logan stopped. "Fuck, you're tight."
Her tender tissues stretched, trying to accommodate his size. She wiggled, inviting him to move and soothe the ache inside her. Logan pushed all the way in, a scream of ecstasy and pain tore from Ava's throat, setting her spirit free. She forced herself to take all of him.
Ava's heart swelled with emotion and drummed hard in her chest. She loved this man, and when their bodies were one, she felt complete. Her pussy clenched. "Please," she begged and pushed back, impaling herself on him.
* * * *
He groaned and thrust into her. Ava's sounds of rapture drove him to the brink. "Come for me, honey," he demanded. Logan swiveled his hips to make sure he hit her G-spot.
She moaned and her pussy spasmed hard around his cock.
"That's it." He wouldn't last long. White heat pulled at his balls. Logan drove hard one last time before he exploded. His chest burned as a guttural cry erupted from him.
He pulled Ava close and they both tumbled onto the bed. "Did I hurt you, honey."
She snuggled into him. "Some—but I liked it."
Logan studied her and saw his future in the depths of her emerald colored eyes. He settled next to Ava and pulled her to his side.
She yawned and nestled into him. "That was amazing." Ava yawned again. "Oh, sorry."
Logan wasn't tired in the least. Already he wanted Ava again, but by the sleepy tilt to her eyes, it was too much, too soon. Logan slid the condom from his still stiff cock and dropped it in the trashcan next to the bed. Running a hand through Ava's hair, he smoothed down those wild curls he loved so much. "Go to sleep."
He pressed his lips to hers. Logan packed the kiss with all the desire and love he felt.
Logan yearned for her to know he loved her, but he didn't know how to say it. He had never loved a woman like he loved the one falling asleep in his arms.
An hour later, Logan heard the front door open. Julie must be home. He had some things he wanted to talk to Julie about before Ava woke. He slid out of bed, and carefully pulled on his jeans.
The sound of his zipper seemed to reverberate throughout the space. He watched Ava's eyelids flutter and she tugged on the sheet. Logan cringed, and quickly slipped out of the room.
He moved down the hall. "Hey," he said in a whisper.
Julie slammed the refrigerator door. "Jesus Christ. You scared the shit out of me."
"Shh, Ava's sleeping." He took a few steps toward her.
"Sorry." She walked over and hugged him. "I'm so glad you're back."
"Me too." Logan grabbed Julie's hand and led her to the sofa. "Do you have time to talk?"
She glanced at her watch and sat. "Yeah, I have a little while before I have to be downstairs."
Logan tamped down the unexpected unease washing over him and took a seat on the large overstuffed chair across from Julie. "I want to know how you feel about Ava and me?"
"Well, that depends." She smiled. "What are your long term plans?"
Logan chuckled. When it came to the people Julie loved, she was like a pit bull. It felt weird being on the receiving end of her inquiry. "Are you asking me what my intentions are with your niece?"
She folded her arms over her chest. "I guess. I don't think Ava can handle you being gone all the time."
The desire to go back into the bedroom with Ava and tuck her little body against his, had him standing and pacing. Logan wanted to make promises he knew he couldn't keep. No soldier could guarantee he would come home from war, especially a SEAL.
Julie must have read his mind. She slid off her flip-flops and sat on her feet. "I know you left because you had to—so does Ava."
Logan sat. "I'm thinking of leaving the Navy." The words were out of his mouth before he could stop them. The thought didn't terrify him like it had in the past.
Julie jumped up and flung herself onto Logan's lap. "That's great." She planted a kiss on his cheek. "Why now? What about the two years until you are eligible for retirement?"
Logan hugged Julie. He wanted to tell her about the terror he and his men had faced in the harsh desert, but instead he let her go. "It's time."
She settled back in her seat. "Why don't you ask to be reassigned to intel?" She made air quotes with her fingers. "Then the chances of you being called out into the field are less."
Logan thought for a few moments. He could ask to be reassigned. His new rank gave him more opportunities. If he wanted, he could be part of the intelligence team and do special training. "I could do that, I guess. I'm going to take heat from my men."
She grinned. "You like heat."
Julie always had a way of making him feel lighter and freer.
"Julie." He cleared his throat. "I'm in love with Ava."
"I know. She's in love with you too."
Logan focused on Julie's beautiful face. So much like Ava's. "Do you think she can handle what I'm into?" He would walk away from the club and the lifestyle if Ava wanted him to.
"Have you asked her?"
"No, I wanted to get your take first."
"I think you two are a good match, but…"
He grabbed her hand. "But what?"
"But, I don't think she would want to be shared, and I'm pretty sure she wouldn't want to have sex of any kind in public."
"What about the other stuff?"
She squeezed his palm. "If I were you, I would introduce it to her in a playful way."
An idea started to form in his head. "Can we have the place to ourselves tonight?"
Julie shrugged. "I have clients most of the evening. I can make myself scarce for the rest of the night." She pushed herself off the couch.
Logan stood and pulled her into his arms. "I love you."
"I know. I'm happy for you and Ava. I have been waiting for you to find someone."
"I had someone," he said. "I had you."
She punched him on the shoulder. "And I had you."
He pressed a kiss to her cheek. "You always will."
She glanced at her watch. "I have to get my ass in the shower."
"How long will you be around?"
"An hour or so."
"Can you stay? If Ava wakes up, tell her I'll be back?"
"Sure."
Chapter Nine
Ava rolled over, but didn't bump into Logan. She opened her eyes. Panic threatened to overtake her. God, please, don't take him away. She shot out of bed, shimmied back into her shorts and T-shirt, and rushed out of the bedroom.
Julie sat on the couch, knitting. "Where are you off to in such a hurry?"
Ava willed the terror away. "Where's Logan?"
"He had some things to do. He'll be back soon."
She sat next to Julie, relaxing some. "Are you sure?"
Julie set her knitting back in its basket and grinned. "He went to pick up some things for tonight."
"Tonight?"
Julie's lips spread into a knowing smile. "I think Logan has plans for you."
Anticipation built in Ava's belly and won the war against the fear. "We're not going to the club tonight?"
"I don't think so."
Mortified, her cheeks flushed. "Do you think he has feelings for me?"
Julie gave Ava an exasperated look. "Are you seriously asking me that question?"
&n
bsp; What did Julie expect? Logan was so hard to read. "What? He's never told me he has feelings."
"You have a lot to learn about men." Julie sighed. "In the time you've spent with Logan, has he ever done anything to suggest he didn't care?"
Ava stood to pace. "No, but he hasn't said he cared."
"Men don't say they love you. They show you." Julie grabbed Ava's hand on her way back by the couch and gave it a reassuring squeeze. "So, enjoy what Logan has to show you."
The apartment door opened, and Logan walked in, his arms overflowing with bags. "Good, you're awake."
It felt like butterflies swarmed in her stomach. "Do you need any help?"
"Nope, I got this."
Julie rose. "I have to get going, you two have fun." She hugged Ava and whispered, "Relax. If you need me, I'll be downstairs."
"Thanks."
"Any time, have fun."
"I'll try."
Julie picked up her bag. "Try harder." She kissed Ava's cheek, then walked over to Logan and kissed his cheek as well. "Be good," she told him.
"Always," Logan said. "Now go away."
She grinned. "I'm out of here."
* * * *
Ava set down the magazine Logan had handed her an hour earlier. "Are you sure I can't help you?"
He rushed into the kitchen. "No, just sit and relax." Logan opened the freezer door and placed a cheerful yellow box inside.
"Logan, I feel stupid just sitting here." She stood and started toward him. "Please, let me do something."
He moved to her and held out his hand. "Come with me."
"Finally." Every molecule in her body went on full alert.
Logan's lips twitched and he tugged her to his chest. Ava buried her face into his neck and inhaled his masculine scent.
Her heart picked up pace. All she wanted was for Logan to carry her to bed. She needed to feel his powerful body in hers again.
He lifted and cradled her against his chest. "Do you trust me?"
She leaned away and looked into his earnest features. "Yes."
Logan carried her down the hall. "I will require your complete trust."
She nuzzled her face into his neck. "You have it."
He stopped at the bathroom door. "If you don't like something I'm doing, I want you to say candlestick."
Ava's Pleasure (Welcome to Paradise) Page 6