“G’day, Yank.” The smile wasn’t returned. His tired eyes regarded her as he took the glass. “Thanks.”
“Is the shoulder paining you terribly?”
“Nope.” A long swallow worked its way down his throat.
“That’s good to hear.” Nervously, she folded her arms. She was about to put herself out there for him once more. What if Maree was wrong? He could have come after her out of guilt… No. He’d come after her out of love and nothing less. “I was thinking…” On a breath, she started over. “It was so nice up north. So peaceful. I’d like to see it again.”
“Whatever you want.” Using the glass, he pushed his hat back. “I’ll take you back up there.”
Whatever you want…
Toes curled in delight, she bounced a space. That wasn’t the first time he’d used those exact words. While they’d been up north, he’d said the same thing. And since they’d gotten to the station…
Whatever you want…
For some men words didn’t come easy. Men handled emotions differently than how women dealt with theirs. And Miller was a man of fewer words than most.
He had given her so many great memories. And had she asked, he’d have given her others.
Whatever you want.
Even now she knew the exact moment she’d gone from sheila to luv in his eyes. If she’d asked him to stay with her back in Alice he would have. Without a doubt she knew that.
Miller had loved her for a long time. Had been in love with her. He just hadn’t said the words aloud yet. But they were no longer important. Because actions spoke louder than words.
Gently, she took the almost empty glass from him, so she could hold his hand. “I have lots of wants, Miller. Lots and lots of wants.” She urged him to walk along with her. “The first want I have is…” Walking backward, she grinned. “I want you to take a nap with me.”
“Why’d we come in through the back?” Miller looked puzzled after they entered his room from the glass doors.
“Because I wanted to.” She hadn’t wanted Maree to know she was about to seduce her son. “And you said whatever I want.”
“Eh, I did.”
“Here, finish this drink and sit on the bed so I can take your boots off.”
He took the glass with an unsteady hand. “Luv, what’s going on?”
“Hm, are you asking for details?” She led him to the bed where he sat. “Are you interested in a little conversation?” Through her eye lashes, she peeked up at him as she removed his first boot and sock. He’d been quiet even for him since the day at the hospital. He’d been avoiding her while he blamed himself.
No more.
“Kaycee…”
“How about I do the talking?” The second boot and sock quickly joined the first. She smiled. “I’ve always got lots to say. But first we need to get you into bed.”
“Kaycee, I….”
“Hush.” From the position on her knees, she set about unbuttoning his shirt. “You’re not being a good patient arguing with your nurse this way.”
He swallowed.
Done with the task, she eased the shirt from his shoulders and arms. “I’m so, so sorry you were hurt.” Her lips trembled at the sight of the two wounds. Already they were drying out. She couldn’t look at his back where the exit wounds would be.
“No, there’s…” He struggled to get his shirt up, but she hurried to straddle his lap.
“Hush.” She cupped his face in her hands. “I’ve got a lot to say.”
“I’m the one who has a lot that should be said.” His big, delicious body trembled.
“I’ve got a lot of wants I need you to fulfill.”
Blue eyes as true as the Australian sky darkened.
“Now, be a good patient and let me tuck you in.”
His temple brushed hers before he straightened. She slid off to allow him to stand so she could help him remove his jeans. To her delight, his cock sprang free.
“I can’t stop what you do to me.” His voice was rough, his accent heavy. The admission had a wealth of meaning. Did he mean his body’s reaction to her? Or did he mean he wouldn’t stop her if she wanted to leave? Leaving him would cause him pain, but he wouldn’t prevent her from going.
Whatever you want.
Sidestepping around him, she lowered the sheet and light blanket on his bed. “I want you to wear the sling.” From now on she’d make sure he took care of himself. She moved away to get it from the dresser. Miller sat still as she put it on his hurt shoulder. “I want you to lie down now.”
His broad chest hummed with a groan, but he did as she wished. He settled into the middle of the bed where he preferred to sleep. Her arousal heightened by admiring his big muscular body. She loved the broad expanse of his chest. The hair across it that tapered down along with his hips. And his cock…it was yummy the way it shot up from his body.
Slowly, she stripped from her own boots and clothing. All the while, she kept her gaze locked with his.
“I want to be loved.” Breasts dangling, she crawled up his body to straddle his hips.
“Kaycee, I…”
Quickly, she pressed her finger tips to his mouth.
His thick cock lay rigid between them.
“I want to be in love. A ridiculously, consuming, I-can’t-live-without-you kind of love.” She leaned over, doing her best not to press on his injuries. “Think you can give me that want?” She smiled. “A one word answer will be fine.”
“Eh, I can.”
She watched his throat work. “I have other wants. I wonder if you’d be interested in giving them to me.” Ever so slowly, she rocked the slick folds of her pussy along his rigid length.
Miller sat up, causing her to gasp. “Any way I can.” His teeth clenched. “Anything at all.”
“I want to have a little girl…”
His groan was one of longing.
“I want to name her Ginger Maree. I think it’s a pretty name.” She cradled his face. “But you should know, I’d planned to name…”
“I know all about what happened.” With a shift of his head, he kissed her hand. “I’m so bloody sorry…”
“Hush. You’ve nothing to be sorry for.” Kaycee pressed her lips to his as she took his lower lip into her mouth and kissed it. “Nothing at all.”
“Ginger Maree is a good name.” Again, his throat worked. “Kaycee, I’ll give anything you want. Anything I can. I swear it.”
“Thank you, but first I’ve more wants that you should hear.” She rocked her pussy to rub her clit along his hot cock. “I want to take a year or two to get to know everything about you. I want to have lots and lots of time to make love with you.”
He gulped for air. His jaw clenched. Emotion showed in every line of his face. In his darkened gaze.
“And I want you to marry me. I want you to make an honest woman of me.” She smiled, before kissing him once more. “I want to stay here with you.”
“Eh, I can do all that.” His eyes closed on a shudder. His hips arched. “Anything you want, Kaycee. I swear I’ll give it to you. I’ll never hurt you again.”
“I know.” Her lips hovered over his. “I know. Now, I want to make slow love to you. Like this.” Over and over, she slid back and forth along his throbbing muscle. “I’ll be gentle so your shoulder and arm don’t get jarred.”
“Oh, fuck, Kaycee.” He grabbed her left hip. “I…”
“I know you love me.” Pleasure swirling in her depths, she clasped his face.
“Eh, fiercely I do.”
“That’s all I really want.”
Davenport, Iowa
Seven months later
“I need your bloody shirt.” Miller growled at whichever brother would stop snickering long enough to pay attention.
Ethan and Cohen looked at one another.
Cohen patted his own chest. “Uh, M, you think you’d fit in one of our shirts?”
“Now Co can borrow one of my shirts.” Ethan shrugged. “But you? Remember Dad’s buil
d that neither of us got?”
Miller pinched his nose. Bloody fuck. He’d never been this nervous in his life. “Find Ace. We’re about the same size.” They were. It was queer how only Ace and he had gotten their fathers’ broad, shithouse-like builds. “Or Paul.” Eh, Paul might be a good match in size.
Wearing a grin, Co wandered off.
“You’re holding up better than I thought you would.” Ethan clasped his shoulder good-naturedly.
“I think I’m going to have a bloody heart attack.” He wiped the sweat from his forehead once more. “I really need to see Kaycee.”
“Listen, how many times do I have to tell you? She’s just down the hall as nervous as you are. De says the Yank keeps needing to piss.”
Miller chuckled, only to sober. “I need to see her, mate.” He needed to be sure she’d… He forced out a breath. Kaycee loved him. He just didn’t think he’d ever get used to it.
“I’ll try to smuggle you in to see her.”
Ace intruded. “What’s this about a shirt?”
“I need your bloody shirt.” He set about removing his tux jacket and the shirt underneath. The dress shirt had become soaked with sweat as had the T-shirt beneath it. He striped to his bare chest.
“Huh?”
“Trade me shirts.”
“Are you shitting me?”
“No.” Miller gave his cousin a hard look. “We’re the same size, and I’m sweating bullets.”
Ace took the shirts Miller passed him at arm’s length. “Do you think I’m going to be able to pick up a Yank wearing these?” He arched a brow.
“This is bloody excellent.” Cohen chuckled.
“All of Kaycee’s family and friends are here.” Miller growled. “Stay away from the sheilas.” He could imagine the tales the mate would spin to get one of them into bed.
“There are some real lookers out there.”
“Mate, have a heart.” Ethan rocked back on his heels. “Remember, when it’s your turn to claim a missus, we’ll be there to support you.”
“As if I’d ever…” Ace looked offended. “Hell, I can’t believe I’m doing this.” He passed over his coat and removed his tie. “Another mate’s shirt.”
“Thanks a heap.” Miller held on to the new dress shirt and hung the dry T-shirt over a shoulder. It wouldn’t hurt to wait a few before putting them on. Maybe he’d stop sweating.
There was a soft knock at the door. “Miller?”
He barged through his family to get to the door.
“Wait.” Ethan stopped him. “Kaycee’s on the other side.”
“I know.” Did his brother think he’d turned into an idiot?
“Well, don’t open the door.” Ethan waved to Co and Ace. “Come on, let’s give them a minute.” All three squeezed out.
“Kaycee?”
“Yes.” She reached a hand in the crack of the door and handed him what looked to be a piece of cloth. “Put this on. So, you can’t see me.”
Hands shaking, he laid the shirt down and did as she wanted. “All right, my eyes are covered.” In the dark, he waited.
The door opened and closed. “Abbey’s keeping watch for five minutes.”
He grunted.
“That girl’s a thief.” Amusement rang clear in her voice. “She charged me ten bucks. I needed to see you.” She stopped in front of him. The soft scent she wore teased him. Arousal stirred hot in his groin. “Why’s your shirt off? Why was Ace’s undone?”
“I’m bloody nervous.” He balled his hands. “I’m sweating bullets. Christ, I’m glad I only have to marry once.”
“I’m nervous too.” Kaycee wrapped her arms around his middle. “I worry I’ll break a heel. I’m worried my hair won’t stay up during the reception.”
“I’m worried I’ll forget my bloody vows.” With shaking hands, he grasped onto her shoulders. The soft dress caught on the calluses on his hands.
Her laugh came gentle and quick. “You won’t forget them. They’re so beautiful.”
“Like a birdie needs the sky.” With a thumb, he traced the outline of her mouth. “I need you.”
“Oh, God don’t make me cry right now.” Her voice wavered. “I’ll have to touch up my make-up.”
“All right.” He grinned. “I’ll shut up. No crying today.”
Warm lips brushed his mouth. “I’m so glad your family all decided to attend.”
They’d all showed up in Iowa except his cousins Lee and Sly. Lee hadn’t wanted to cause any tension during the activities. No amount of talking had changed Lee’s mind. Still, some of the family was under strain from having Lee back on his feet and doing his share of the work on the station. Uncle Aaron was never going to forgive Lee. And Sly had refused, stating someone needed to stay behind and watch over the animals. It’d been BS, but he’d gotten tired of trying to change the mate’s mind.
“I guess I’d better get back before Mom goes in search of me.” She sighed. Her hands clung to his shoulders.
“Eh, I guess you’d better.”
“I just wanted to give you a last…”
“None of that, Yank.” He thrust his needy prick against her. “Or, you’ll spend our honeymoon tied down because of insubordination.”
“Oh, that sounds so, so tempting.” Her nails racked over his nipples as she stepped back.
“Kaycee?” He stopped her. He could tell by the sound of her heels.
“Hmm.” As if reading his mind, she puckered her lips up and blew him a noisy kiss. “I love you.”
The door opened and closed.
I love you too.
About the Author
To learn more about Melissa Lopez, please visit www.melissa-lopez.com. Send an email to Mel at [email protected] or join her Yahoo! group to join in the fun with other readers as well as Mel! http://groups.yahoo.com/group/From_Alpha_To_Omega
Look for these titles by Melissa Lopez
Now Available:
The Thorns
Boomerang Love
Riptide Love
Netherworld
Dark Sentinel
Dark Chance
Caught in love’s undertow…
Riptide Love
© 2008 Melissa Lopez
The Thorns, Book 2
Rescue swimmer Ethan Thorn is used to pulling people from the swirl of the ocean, but he never expected to pull a woman straight out of his past. Denae Button was the first woman who meant more to him than great sex, until he realized she was his brother’s fiancée. Now the one woman he hoped never to see again is back—with the three-year-old son he never knew he had.
Denae knows she’s made her share of mistakes, especially when it comes to the Thorn brothers. Royally screwed up by her religious-zealot parents, now she just wants to be a good mother. She doesn’t want anything to do with Ethan—and she knows the feeling is mutual—but she can’t deny him a chance to know his son. Even if facing the Thorn family means confronting a past she’d rather leave behind.
A resurging riptide of love drags Ethan and Denae back into each other’s arms. But exposing the secrets that nearly destroyed the Thorn family could tear them apart for good.
Enjoy the following excerpt for Riptide Love:
Nate grew quiet, but every once in a while he opened his eyes, peeking. A few minutes later, De surprised them both by joining them.
With her sexy legs bare, she stepped over his outstretched legs and climbed into the small bed with Nate. The boy rolled over to press his face into De’s body.
They made a nice picture.
It was a few minutes before De lifted up partway. “He’s asleep.” She eased over her son to stretch a foot to the floor. When her second foot touched down, he caught her hand in his. Though he acted to help her over him, he wanted to drag her down to the floor with him.
A thrill rolled though his bloodstream as the touch lingered. His prick hardened. Pressed against the confines of his pants.
“Oh.” She let out a gasp alerting him to the f
act she felt the heat between them.
He had trouble catching his own breath. It’d been like this for them before… Instant combustion.
Steady once more, De jerked back. “Sorry about that.” She wiped her hand on the long T-shirt she wore. “Well, he’s asleep for the night.”
“Yeah.” Enjoying the quick rise and fall of her breasts, he pushed to his feet.
“Well, I guess we’ll see you tomorrow then?”
“Eh, you bet.”
De’s arms folded under her breasts. Watching her nipples pebble caused arousal to tingle in his balls. Sweat coated his palms. It’d been a while since he’d fucked. Maybe that was the deal with his increased reactions to her. It had to be.
Still he wanted to know. Needed to know. And no time like the present to find out. Using two fingers, he reached out and caressed the pulse in her graceful neck and slowly ran them down along the vee in her night shirt.
His fingers slid across to drag over a single nipple.
On a moan, her hips arched, her breasts thrust forward.
He stepped into her space to press his stiff prick into her.
De whimpered.
He inhaled roughly, enjoying the feel of her along his body.
Christ, she smelled good. Damn good. He inhaled again. Nuzzling her temple, his mouth buzzed a kiss. He shifted impossibly closer. Lips trailed a line of kisses to her mouth. Greedily he played over her lips. He groaned at the feel of her mouth under his as she opened for him. Her sweetness made him drink. His thirst for her shuddered through him.
It’s been too damn long.
The fire for her that’d stayed kindled nearly brought him to his knees at the feel of her hands on his chest.
The craving, the yearning he’d always had for her erupted on a groan. He deepened the kiss. His tongue and lips explored, teased hers. His rigid prick throbbed in need.
It’s been too damn long.
“I missed you, De.” He relished her sweet taste.
The soft sounds she made caught in his mouth. His balls drew up in warning.
“I missed you so damn bad.” No one had ever compared to her. Not ever. He wanted her back. What she’d done to him. The way she’d made him feel.
True Blue Love: The Thorns, Book 3 Page 24