The SEAL's Highest Bidder

by Tawny Weber

  What he hadn’t found out was why the hell she’d disappeared after the auction the previous night.

  And since her giddy blonde friend Bonnie had declared one ice cream sundae for breakfast enough, he didn’t figure he was going to get that information from her.

  So he’d go to the source.

  Since it’d be easier for her to disappear if there was a crowd around, he waited on a bench outside the day spa with one eye on the door and the other on his watch.

  At precisely eleven-oh-five she stepped out the gilt and glass doors with a harried look on her face. At the sight of him, she stopped so fast he was surprised she didn’t topple in her red-heeled stilettos.

  “Cameron.” Her greeting was just a little stiff. “What are you doing here?”

  “Where else would I be?” Cam frowned, getting to his feet. Even after her disappearing act, he was actually surprised that she was startled. “You paid a crap-ton of money for me.”

  “I donated a generous amount of money for a date with you,” Hope corrected carefully, her eyes sliding away from his when another woman stepped out of the spa.

  Cam reeled back as if she’d kicked him in the balls.

  She was ashamed of him.

  It was as if the last eight years simply faded away, leaving behind every miserable feeling Cam had experienced living in Diver’s Cover as the motherless son of a three-time felon.

  Cam had walked away from those feelings, had left everything to do with Diver’s Cove behind. Everything except Hope.

  Whose regret might as well been written on her face in bright red ink.

  “My mistake.” He turned to go.

  “No, wait.” She grabbed for his arm before he could walk away. “You came to see me, don’t leave until we talk this through.”

  “What’s to talk about?” Despite the tight pain knotted in his chest, he managed to ask the question as if he didn’t give a damn.

  “I need to explain. And I couldn’t explain until I figured it out for myself, could I?”

  Since she sounded as frustrated as he felt, Cam planted his feet and waited.

  “I think I’m embarrassed,” she admitted, throwing her hands in the air. The move gave him a great view of her body wrapped in another sexy little dress—this one the color of crushed grapes. But Cam was too focused on the worried look in Hope’s eyes to do justice to his body’s instant lust.

  “You’re embarrassed to date me?”

  “What?” Jaw low, her gaze met his, shock and horror both equally apparent in the big brown depths. “Why would you say that?”

  “Hey, you’re the one who just copped to being embarrassed.”

  “I was embarrassed to pay more than most people make in a month on a date with a man while I was wearing my do-me undies and mentally undressing him while he stood on stage.” She said this in such a rush that Cam barely took in one word before the next one hit him harder. “I was embarrassed that I had a dozen condoms in my purse, two of which fell out when I opened it to get my checkbook and pay for our date.”

  As chastised as he’d ever felt, Cam opened his mouth to apologize, but before he could say a word, she barreled on.

  “Mr. Glass, you remember the elderly man who runs the grocery store?” She didn’t slow down enough to wait for his nod. “He picked them up and, when handing them back, advised that the ribbed ones offer more pleasure.”

  The only thing that kept him from laughing at the image was the look on Hope’s face.

  Cam angled his head so he could see her better, then grinned. Her cheeks looked hot enough to fry an egg and the way she nibbled her bottom lip made him want to rub his thumb there to smooth away the marks left by her teeth.

  She really was embarrassed.

  Had he ever seen such sweetness?

  He reached out, sliding one finger along the warmth of her cheek before tucking his knuckle beneath her chin. He waited until her eyes met his before smiling.

  “Thank you.” Before she could ask, he added, “For bidding. For saving my virtue from Rae, the man-eater. For putting yourself in that position. And, I’m sure, for thanking Mr. Glass for his kind advice.”

  He waited a beat.

  “Want me to drop by the store for some ribbed condoms?”

  Hope’s laugh gurgled out, filling Cam with a weird emotion that took him a few moments to realize was happiness. Simple joy-filled happiness.

  “You thought I was ashamed?” she asked, shaking her head. “You really thought I stood up in front of most of the town and yelled out bids in the high four figures, yet am ashamed to be seen with you?”

  Cam had no trouble identifying shame when it hit him.

  Then she shocked him. Flat out, a slight breeze would have knocked him on his ass, shocked him.

  She stepped closer, so close that the ass-knocking breeze would have been challenged to slide between them. She cupped her soft hands over his cheeks, and eyes locked on his, stood on tiptoe and pressed her lips to his.

  Right there, in the middle of the sidewalk with people walking by and everything. When the catcalls started, Cam started to pull away, but Hope deepened the kiss. Her tongue traced the seam of his lips, her teeth nipped at the lower one with an erotic tug that ricocheted through Cam’s body with a vicious need. Forgetting they were in a public place, hell, they were blocking sidewalk traffic, Cam grabbed her by the forearms, lifting her off her feet and pulling her tight against his body.

  She fit perfectly.

  So damned perfectly.

  Since his body was urging him to make sure they fit as well naked, he eased back. And this time he didn’t give her a chance to lure him into another kiss. Instead, he set her down and immediately put a solid two-feet between them.

  Hope’s mouth was swollen, glistening. Her eyes slumberous with passion. She was irresistible.

  “Come for a ride with me.” His words were soft, his expression easy. But they both knew he was asking her to go for more than a ride on his Harley.

  She tucked her hand into his, blowing him away with the look of absolute trust in her eyes.

  “I’d like that.”

  Cam didn’t remember the ride to Hope’s house on the hill. All he was aware of was the feel of her body pressed against his back and the roar of the motorcycle. Her arms wrapped around his waist and her hands cupping his belt buckle. She’d kept them there after the first foray south had almost ran them off the road.

  Cam liked to think that he had style.

  He’d worked at it, but he was pretty sure he had class.

  Hell, if he put his mind to it, he was practically a Casanova.

  But the minute that front door slammed shut, he forgot everything. Style. Class. Manners and rules. They all fell by the wayside the second he got his hands on Hope.

  He trapped her between his body and the wall, his mouth taking hers in desperate, voracious bites. His hands were everywhere. Cupping, caressing, squeezing. With speed born of frantic need, he tore at anything and everything between his hands and her bare skin. He released her mouth only long enough for her to yank his shirt over his head, then took her lips again as if he’d suffocate without them.

  For a few moments, the air was filled with the sounds of ripping fabric, breathy moans and panting breath.

  Then as his hands cupped Hope’s full breasts, he knew he’d found heaven. While her fingers tugged and twisted to release his jeans, he feasted. Thumbs, tongue, teeth. He worked her nipples until her head fell back against the wall and her breath came in mewling groans of pleasure.

  He snagged a condom from the pocket of his jeans—yes, ribbed, thank you very much—and let the denim fall.

  Once sheathed, he grabbed her hips and lifted. Hope wrapped her legs around his, perfectly angling her body as if they’d done this a million times.

  Cam’s eyes locked on Hope’s as he slid into her welcoming warmth. As they moved together, the spiked heels of her shoes made an erotic counterpoint to each thrust.

  St
ill securing her with one hand, Cam reached between their bodies for her breast. As he teased the rigid tip, she went over with a keening cry. Her body gripped him so tight, he felt her orgasm. The contractions sent him over the edge of pleasure. Pounding, intense, addicting pleasure.

  Even as he exploded, Cam was desperately afraid he’d never have enough.

  CHAPTER SIX

  Some moments were too intense for words.

  Falling in love for the first time was one of them.

  So was the first time a woman had sex against a wall.

  Hope wasn’t sure which one shocked her more, but the fact that she was standing in her foyer, naked except for her high heels, with one leg still wrapped around Cameron Drake’s hip had the edge.

  Oh, God.

  Panic threatened to overtake the little ripples of pleasure still quaking through her body. Her throat tightened and there was a buzzing in her ears.

  She’d fallen in love with Cameron.

  Was she crazy?

  Not wanting to ruin the moment, and definitely not wanting him to see either, she rested her face against the rigid hardness of Cam’s chest. Soft hair that she’d gripped only moments before tickled her nose, making her smile.

  And that’s all it took to rein in the panic.

  So what if she’d fallen in love with a man who’d walk away as soon as his pants were zipped.

  So what if he’d ruined her for sex with anyone else, ever.

  If this was what she had, she was going to make the most of every second of it.

  So, even as emotions swirled through her with such intensity that Hope was surprised she didn’t explode, she kept her silence.

  She simply slid her foot down his hip, making him groan with pleasure as her heel scraped gently along his flesh. When both heels were planted firmly enough that she was sure she wouldn’t melt into a puddle without him holding her up, Hope lifted her head and gave Cam a gentle push.

  “More,” was all she said.

  Leaving their clothes strewn over the foyer, Hope only gave Cam long enough to kick off his boots and jeans. She took his hand in hers, their fingers entwined, and led him up the stairs to her bedroom.

  The room was awash in the gentle rays of the early afternoon sun, giving it surreal glow. The scent of winter roses filled the air with sweetness, echoing that glow.

  More self-conscious of her heels clacking on the hardwood floor than she was of her nudity, Hope kicked them off before crossing to her bed. Once there, though, she didn’t know what to do.

  She just knew she wanted more.

  Cameron, apparently, knew exactly what to do.

  His gaze intent, he stepped forward but before he could take her on that wild and intense orgasmic journey again, Hope held up one hand. If this was all she’d have of him, she wanted the visuals to go with the memory of how incredible she felt. She wanted it all.

  “Wait.” She gave him a teasing smile. “I didn’t get to look before.”

  “Look? At what?” His eyes widened. “You want to check me out?”

  Delighted at how disconcerted he sounded, Hope laughed and took his hands. She’d simply keep her eyes open this time and see everything that way.

  “I like that,” she said softly as she slid her hands up his arms, shivering a little at the delicious hardness of his biceps before her fingers trailed along his shoulders.

  “What do you like?”

  He cupped her breasts, making Hope’s entire body clench in anticipation. His hands teased and his fingers tormented, making her shiver with longing.

  They’d made love not ten minutes ago.

  How could she want him so much, need him so desperately? She had such a craving for him, deep and desperate. With every brush of his thumb, every flick of his finger over her aching nipples, that need tightened until she was wet and ready.

  “What do you like, Hope?”

  “This.” She lifted her fingers from his shoulder to gesture vaguely. “That. Everything.”

  “I’m going to do this, that and everything to you. I promise.” He sealed his promise by sliding his tongue over the nipple he’d pinched between his fingers. The need in Hope’s belly sharpened. Her breath came faster. She tried to press closer, to find some relief from the ache.

  But Cameron held her still.

  “You said you liked something. What?”

  He released her breasts, leaving them throbbing in time with the beat between Hope’s thighs.

  She liked so much, though. His touch, his voice. The pleasure he offered. Oh. She blinked, finally remembering the question through the fog of pleasure.

  “Your smile.” She traced his mouth gently before replacing her finger with her lips. “I like seeing you smile.”

  “You make me feel like smiling,” he admitted quietly as he took over the kiss. His tongue swept deep, mimicking the thrusts of his body. Making Hope wetter.

  As if knowing she was close to the edge of reason, Cam swept her into his arms and laid her gently on the bed. Before she could register that she was horizontal, he was pressed between her thighs.

  His hands caressed her legs, starting at the knee and moving toward her thighs, leaving a trail of pleasure in his wake. When he reached the hot, throbbing core of her desire, his fingers teased. Hope gasped as she came in a blinding rush of pleasure.

  Before the orgasm was finished, Cam was there.

  Sliding home.

  As he moved inside her, Hope cupped her hands over his cheeks. She knew he felt the same rigid tension and coiling need that was pulsing through her body. But his expression was serene. As if he’d found something, too.

  Their breath mingled, the sound of their soft murmurs and gentle moans echoing through the room. She couldn’t get enough of his body, her hands racing from the tempting expanse of his broad shoulders to the hair-dusted muscles of his rock-hard pecs. She flicked her fingers over his nipples and when he groaned, did it again.

  As he thrust deeper, Cameron lifted her hips high so he was on his knees pounding into her. When he slipped one hand between them to caress her wet, pulsing bud, everything tightened.

  Hope exploded seconds later. Stars lit behind her eyes, her body arched against Cameron’s as if to milk every single drop of gratification she could get. She rode the waves of pleasure as they crashed around her. Over her. Inside her.

  Even as her body quaked out of control, she held tight to Cameron, urging him toward his own climax.

  Their eyes locked as he exploded with a guttural moan. Hope knew she’d always remember the look of him there, rising over her body with an expression of pure gratification on that gorgeous face.

  He was her hero.

  Her lover.

  Her everything.

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  Cam woke with a feeling of contentment such as he’d never experienced before. As he rolled onto his back in the empty feather bed, he threw one arm over his eyes to block the morning sun and considered.

  In the Navy, he’d found his purpose. He’d learned to overcome his rebellious attitude, to control his wilder urges. He’d learned to show respect.

  In the SEALs, he’d found his place. He’d become one of the elite. He’d learned to trust—in the brotherhood and in himself. He’d learned to command and accept respect.

  But over the last few days with Hope, Cam felt as if he’d found himself.

  He’d found love.

  And he’d be damned if he was going to lose it once he left Diver’s Cove.

  He strode, naked, through the house, calling for Hope. As he moved from fussy room to frilly room, he realized that there was very little of Hope in this house. Oh, there were pictures. He stopped to grin at the wall of elaborately framed photos showing her growth from sweet-cheeked toddler to glowingly beautiful woman. But pictures didn’t make her a part of the house. Simply a part of the display.

  Cam frowned. As disparate as their lives had seemed, how alike were they actually? Did she fit in the town any better than
she did this house? He knew she’d stayed here to take care of her mom in the last years of leukemia. But what were her plans now that Grace Goodwin was gone?

  “Hope?”

  Cam opened the front door, peering through the drizzling rain to see that her car was missing. It wasn’t until his toe got wet, though, that he remembered that he was undressed.

  Dammit.

  It wasn’t like her to leave without a word. Granted, they’d started each morning with hot and wild sex immediately upon waking. But still…

  Trained to be thorough, Cam finished his tour of the house by way of the kitchen before getting his pants. There, on the kitchen table he found his explanation—and a plate of blueberry muffins.

  He shoved half of one into his mouth while reading.

  Good morning, handsome.

  I’ve been called to an emergency council meeting this morning and didn’t see why both of us should lose sleep. So rest, build up your strength and I’ll be back by noon to make use of your body.

  XOXO

  Cam puzzled over the x’s and o’s for a moment, then shrugged and grabbed three more muffins on his way to the shower. He’d rather be with Hope, but since he couldn’t he’d use this time to make a few plans, pull a few strings.

  One way or another when he left Diver’s Cove, he was taking Hope with him.

  He just had to figure out how.

  * * *

  How many mornings had she spent wearing a sedate outfit while sitting at the boardroom table of one of these interminable council meetings, trying to stay awake?

  Until she’d had something to compare it to, Hope’d had no idea how much she’d rather be naked in bed ramping up her heart rate with Cameron.

  Still, too used to the vagaries and foibles of the town council to wonder about the meeting, Hope simply took a blueberry muffin from the basket she’d brought in and found a seat. While she didn’t wonder, she was a smidge resentful that a silly meeting had torn her from her warm bed and, more specifically, Cameron’s naked body.

  The last few days had been like a dream. Filled with laughter and sex, talking and sex, emotionally connecting and, yes, sex.

  “Hope, are you paying attention?”