Another time? Will there be another time? Paige wanted to ask.
“Oh, dear,” Paige said with exaggerated regret. “No condom.”
Before she could slide down the mattress, Nate pushed her onto her back.
“What part of another time don’t you understand?” Grinning, Nate kissed her hard and fast. “Stay. I’ll be right back.”
With a sigh, Paige watched Nate get out of bed. When he picked up Beauty, she gasped. Poor puppy.
“I forgot she was there.”
“Me too,” Nate admitted ruefully. “Sorry, baby girl. We got carried away.”
Paige waited while Nate put the dog in the bathroom, shutting the door.
“Will she be okay in there?”
“She has water and a soft place to curl up.” Opening the top dresser drawer, he took out several foil packets.
“Someone is feeling ambitious.”
Nate tossed the extra condoms on the end table. “Better safe than sorry. I would rather not have to get up again.”
“Let me?” When Nate hesitated, Paige teased, “All the nights we’ve slept together, you’ve managed to keep your hands to yourself. Where’s that self-control now?”
“All those nights you kept your mouth off my dick.”
“True.” Paige gave him a self-satisfied smile. “I guess I was the one with the self-control.”
“Here.” Nate handed Paige the condom. “Have you done this before?”
“Mmm.” Paige contemplated Nate’s erection like an artist presented with a blank canvas. Beautiful in its simplicity and so many possibilities for someone with the right kind of imagination.
Paige ran a finger over the taut, heated skin. She knew exactly what she wanted to do with it.
“Tear open the packet, Paige.”
“It seems a shame to cover it.”
“Do you want to get pregnant?”
“No.” Paige shook her head. Someday. With Nate as the father, she could easily picture it. But not now.
“Then get the condom on me or I’ll do it myself.”
Not wanting to miss her chance, Paige quickly ripped the foil, removing the condom.
“I could try putting it on using my mouth.”
“YouTube?”
“Yes.”
“Let’s save that for another time.”
“Your loss,” Paige said with a flutter of her lashes.
“Have you ever had your ass spanked?” Nate ground out the words through clenched teeth.
“No. I was a perfectly behaved child.”
“Sure you were.” When Paige rolled the condom onto his cock, Nate’s head fell back, his eyes closing. “That’s right. Slowly.”
“Shouldn’t you watch to make sure I’m doing it right?”
“I’ll check it when you’re done. Right now, it’s better if I don’t look.”
Paige understood his dilemma. Putting a condom on a man was extremely intimate — and erotic. She felt flushed and unbearably aroused. By the feel of him. The heat. The pulsing veins. Nate was ready to burst. Hands down, he won the self-control prize.
“Done,” Paige said with a sense of pride. She sat back to admire her work, a teasing light in her eyes. “Not bad for my first time. Maybe I should take a picture and post it on Instagram. Your fans would go wild.”
Without a word, Nate checked the condom. The look he gave her told Paige playtime was over. He was suited up and ready for business.
Paige scrambled to the center of the bed, thrilled when he followed. Big and dangerous, Nate took the hem of her nightshirt, pulling it off in one fluid motion.
“You aren’t wearing panties.”
“I never wear them to bed.”
“Why didn’t I know that?” With one hand, he anchored her wrist above her head.
“Because you’ve been so good.” Paige took a deep breath when he lightly bit her neck. “No touching below the waist.”
“Paige.”
“Mmm?”
“Look at me.” Languidly, she raised her lids. The sharp blue intensity in his eyes made her gasp. “No more good guy.”
Nate lowered himself over her until his body covered hers. Heated flesh to heated flesh. Paige sighed. Finally. She wrapped her legs around his waist, urging him closer.
“I think I’m going to like Bad Nate,” Paige said. She felt an intense thrill rush through her at his next words.
“I know you are.”
From there it was like being on a long, winding rollercoaster. Nate took over, dictating where the ride took her. One moment fast and breathtaking, then he would execute a gentle turn only to shoot her back up.
Paige gripped his shoulders as he spun her around until she was on top, yet even then, he was in control. Nate took her hips, guiding her — showing her the pace he wanted. Easy, like a gentle wave taking her along. He kept her close to ecstasy, but wouldn’t let her reach the peak.
“Faster,” she begged.
“Not yet.” Nate kissed her breasts, taking the hard, aching point between his teeth. The bite was just right, bringing pleasure and pain in equal measure. “Don’t you want the ride to last?”
Nate bit her again, and then gently bathed the spot with his tongue. God, what was he doing to her? She didn’t care. She wanted this. All of it. More and more. And then she wanted it again.
“Never let it end, Nate. Promise me it will never end.”
“Forever, Paige.” Nate threaded his hands into her hair, cupping her head. His lips were a breath away from hers. “Forever.”
It was a promise that went straight to her heart. Paige returned Nate’s kiss. Love blended with passion. Intense. Impossibly beautiful. When the orgasm hit, she tumbled over and over, reveling in the moment. She let herself fall, unconcerned about hitting the earth. She knew Nate’s arms would keep her safe.
When her head stopped spinning, Paige opened her eyes. She smiled when she found Nate looking satisfied and pleased with himself.
“Bad Nate,” she laughed. Wondering where she found the strength, raised her hand, patting the side of his face. “Bad, bad Nate.”
Nate captured her hand. He kissed the palm before holding it on his chest. She wondered if he realized their hands were clasped over his heart.
Say it, she silently urged him. She took his free hand, laying it over her heart. Say you love me.
All she heard was his breathing. Bucking up her courage, Paige formed the words. I love you.
“Your parents are leaving after breakfast?” Coward!
“On to New Orleans.”
“You’re leaving too.”
“Jack is flying in to pick me up.”
“I see.” Paige flopped onto her back. “I guess that’s that.”
“Paige,” Nate leaned over her. “I’m coming back.”
“When?”
Nate hesitated. “I can’t say for certain.”
Paige didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. Was she supposed to wait around on the off chance he decided to honor her with his presence?
“Great. You’re good in bed. Stop by when you’re in the neighborhood and we’ll do it again.”
“Hey.” Paige slapped at him when he stopped her from leaving. “Paige. Don’t fight. I’m afraid I’ll hurt you.”
“You already have!” She shouted. She wasn’t going to laugh or cry. She was too angry. “Let go of me, Nathaniel. You had your fuck. I’m going back to my own bed.”
“Jesus.” Nate held her down, waiting for her to stop struggling. It took longer than he expected, but finally, she quieted. “Finished?”
“Are you?” She tried to move her arm. Frustrated, she growled, “You’re a big bully, you know that?”
“Bully? Fuck that.” Nate rolled away.
Seizing her opportunity, Paige headed for the door, only pausing to pick up her nightshirt.
“I’m coming back.”
Struggling to untangle the garment, Paige snorted, “Right. I won’t hold my breath.”
“I’m com
ing back because I love you.”
“Well, why didn’t you say so?”
Paige blindly tossed her nightshirt across the room and jumped into Nate’s waiting arms. His kiss felt different. Deeper. Richer. Sweeter. Or maybe it was her. Love, when freely expressed, did make a difference. All the difference in the world.
“Isn’t there something you would like to say?”
Paige floated. Every part of her felt lighter than air. She wanted Nate with her. Taking his face between her hands, she met his gaze. Blue as the Montana sky.
“I love you.”
“That’s good.” He turned his head, kissing one hand, then the other. “These now hold my heart. It’s only fair that you give me yours in exchange.”
“I promise to keep your heart safe, Nate.”
“Forever?”
“That’s a good place to start.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
“NOW THAT WE’VE had a wonderful breakfast and everyone is feeling relaxed, why don’t you tell us your plan.”
Surprised, Nate’s gaze shot to his father.
“Plan?” It was an inane response, but when his father looked at him like that, he felt like he was twelve. He and his brothers called it the magic stare. Something about it had them spilling their guts no matter how hard they tried not to.
“You think I don’t know what you’re up to?”
“No,” Nate muttered. “But a man can dream.”
“You have a threat hanging over your head. If it were me, I would go on the offensive,” Caleb shrugged. However, there was nothing casual in his tone. “I assume Jack is taking you somewhere so you can flush this person out.”
Nate’s smile was ironic. They were alike in so many ways. It made sense his father would glean his plan.
“What?” Paige exclaimed. “I thought you had business to take care of.” As soon as the words left her mouth, she realized catching his would-be killer was his business.
“I don’t like it.” Callie put her mug down with a thud. “And I don’t like that you kept this to yourself.”
Caleb rubbed her shoulder. “I didn’t think of it until last night after you had fallen asleep. There was no point in saying anything this morning until Nate confirmed my suspicions.”
Chuck circled the table, refilling cups with the pot of coffee he carried.
“None for me, Dad.” Paige’s stomach couldn’t take anything acidic when it was slowly turning into a knotted mess.
“After last night, you were going to leave without telling me any of this?”
“Paige…”
“What happened last night?” Callie asked Nate.
“Are there no secrets in this family?”
“Secrets erode, Nathaniel,” Callie stated. “However, if this is something private between you and Paige, I won’t pry.”
“Not private.” Nate smiled at Paige. “New. I told her I loved her.”
“Oh, Nate.” Callie’s famous eyes filled with tears. The color was a misty gray when they turned to Paige. “And you?”
Paige took Nate’s hand. “I love him with all my heart.”
“I have to end this.” Everyone heard the words but he said them to Paige. “We can’t live with bodyguards and who knows how many layers of security. As long as a threat looms, we can’t move ahead.”
Nate outlined the plan. There was nothing complicated. Jack supplied the house and the security.
“And you play sitting duck.” The knots in Paige’s stomach tightened by the second. “How is that a good plan?”
“It’s a great plan,” Caleb said. “If it didn’t involve my son.”
“You’re certain this is the only way?” Callie surprised Nate with her even, resigned tone. He nodded and she surprised him even more. “Then you have to do it.”
“You could use a decoy,” Caleb said. “But you would never do that. Not if it meant putting someone else in danger.”
“I am your son.”
Caleb’s eyes misted. “Keep that in mind. I will be royally pissed if you don’t take care of yourself.”
Less than an hour later, Callie and Caleb were packed and ready to be on their way.
“I’ll call you next week,” Caleb told Chuck as they shook hands.
“We’ll come again soon.” Callie kissed Chuck’s cheek, whispering, “I think Paige would like to be married here, don’t you?”
“Yes.” Chuck knew Erin would be watching. “Before that, Christmas is beautiful here. You could bring the whole family.”
“Christmas.” Callie’s face lit up at the thought. “That sounds lovely.”
“Nate.” Caleb hugged his son. “Keep in touch.”
“I will.”
“Keep my baby safe.” Callie held back the tears. This wasn’t the time. She would save them for when this was over. Then she would weep with relief while Caleb held her close.
“And you.” Callie opened her arms to Paige. “Welcome, sweet girl. I’m so happy to know my son’s heart is in good hands.”
“TAKE ME WITH you.”
Paige kept her hands tightly clasped behind her back as Nate loaded his bags into the van. Most of the security crew had already left. It was amazing how quickly they shut things down and packed everything up. They were on their way to the airport. The plane that Jack Winston piloted would carry them as well as Nate to Harper Falls. From there, Nate would travel to an undisclosed location.
It didn’t matter how many times Nate reassured her, Paige could not stop worrying. However, if she were with him, she would see for herself that he was safe.
“You know that isn’t going to happen.”
“I could hide on the plane.”
“No, you couldn’t. Besides, who would take care of Beauty if you’re with me?”
“Dad could—”
“Please.” That was all Nate said. In the end, it was all that was necessary. Paige walked into his arms.
“I’ll never forgive you if you don’t come back.”
“I could promise there won’t be a scratch on me. However…”
“As long as you’re breathing, I’ll take you any way I can get you.”
Nate lowered his mouth to hers, needing another taste. She was always with him, no matter where he went. The feel of her skin. The touch of her hands. Her scent. Her laugh. In his mind. In his heart. His Paige.
“EVERYTHING IS SET up. I want to go over the plan. Nothing will be left to chance. You can spend the night then leave in the morning. The cabin is about an hour’s drive from Harper Falls.”
“I’m counting on you and your people, Jack. I have someone waiting for me and I can’t let her down.”
“The lovely blonde?” Jack asked with a grin. “Paige, right?”
“Good memory.”
“I remember the way you looked at her. I guess you spent the last few weeks doing more than making a movie.”
He handed Nate a headset before putting on his own. They were in the cockpit, making the final checks before takeoff. Nate watched, mentally running through the familiar routine. He was about to ask Jack if he would mind turning over the controls for takeoff when his phone rang. A second later, Jack pulled his phone from his pocket.
“I’ll take my call outside.”
Nate looked at his screen. Alan Strand. He had known the man for several years and used him regularly on his stunt crew.
“Alan. Good to hear from you. How is the job in Singapore going?” Nate made sure everyone on his crew had jobs while he was out of commission. Alan and several others worked on the latest Tom Cruise film.
“Nate. I have to tell you. I did it.”
“Hey. Have you been drinking?” Nate frowned. He had a strict rule. No alcohol during a shoot. Technically, Alan didn’t answer to him this time, but he didn’t like to think Alan broke that rule even if he wasn’t there to enforce it.
“I had a few. Dutch courage.” Nate could hear Alan take a deep breath. “I need you to know. I should have told you right aw
ay.”
“Told me what?”
“I fucked up the stunt. I almost killed you. It was an accident. When you walked away, I figured I dodged a bullet. Then I heard someone confessed. It was me, Nate. I need you to forgive me.”
Nate reeled, trying to figure out the implications. The botched stunt had been an accident. No one tried to kill him. Then what about the explosion? The two weren’t connected. Did that mean he wasn’t the target? Paige’s truck. Paige. Son of a bitch.
“Nate?” Alan called out. “Are you still there?”
“Sober up, asshole.” Nate tore off his seat belt. “And stay away from me.”
“Nate.” Jack came barreling into the cockpit, barely missing knocking his head into Nate’s.
“Call Travis.” Nate was trying to shove past. “There’s something wrong.”
“No shit.” Jack followed on his heels. “That was Alex on the phone. It took some digging, but the money trail leads from Bernie Renshaw to a dummy company.”
Nate jumped from the plane. Next came Jack and the security crew. They checked their guns.
“Who is it?”
“Lyle Wilson.”
“Fuck! Goddamn it.” Nate scrolled through the numbers on his phone. “I’m calling Paige. What about Travis?”
“He isn’t answering.”
“Paige’s phone went straight to voicemail.”
“Calm down. No.” Jack pushed Nate toward the passenger side of the van. “I’ll drive. Call her father. Then her friends. Try not to panic anyone.”
“How the hell am I supposed to do that?”
Jack waited until the back of the van was filled with men, and then hit the gas.
“Breathe. You’ve only been gone an hour, Nate. I’m sure Paige is fine.”
It was bullshit and they both knew it. Disaster could strike in a heartbeat. An hour was a lifetime. Nate had one hope. Whatever Lyle Wilson wanted, it involved keeping Paige alive. He needed to get to her before Wilson changed his mind.
PAIGE DECIDED TO take Beauty for a walk.
The puppy was happy to romp across the fields and she felt like being alone with her thoughts. Or as alone as a woman could be who had a very large bodyguard trailing behind her.
“I know you won’t stay home.”
Dreaming With My Eyes Wide Open (Hollywood Legends #2) Page 30