Honor Love: Saints Protection & Investigations

by Maryann Jordan

  “So you didn’t become the lawyer, politician, or future judge that your parents wanted?”

  Wiping the counters between each batch, he shook his head. “Nope. And believe me, they’ve never let me or my sister forget it.”

  “What did they want from her?” Angel asked with curiosity.

  “She’s a teacher and had just gone back to work full time now that my niece is in kindergarten. But…well, she’s pregnant again so she’ll go back to part time for a few more years.”

  Seeing the curious expression on her face, he continued, “Mom and dad would gladly pay for a nanny, but Felicity wants to be a stay-at-home mom while the kids are little.”

  “Good for her,” Angel said. “I think that’s wonderful!”

  “Well, money is tight. Bob’s a high school teacher and coach. My parents would have preferred her to have married someone with more ambition. They’ve hinted that he should obtain his administrative degree, become a principal and then move up to a school board office position.”

  Stopping in the middle of a swirl, Angel turned toward him, watching as he leaned his hip against the counter, one leg crossed in front of the other. His slightly faded jeans were tight across his thighs, and delectably faded at his crotch. Lord, what that man can do to a pair of jeans! He looked great when he was dressed up—he looked amazing when comfortable. Jolting herself from her lustful stare, she said, “I take it that career path does not suit your brother-in-law?”

  Laughing, Monty shook his head. “Nope. Bob loves the classroom. He’s good at teaching and is a great coach. He’s not about to change that.”

  Continuing to decorate at record speed, she replied, “Good for him!”

  “So tell me about your family. I already know your dad was career Army and he taught you to shoot.” He caught her grin and continued, “And your Special Forces brother taught you self-defense moves. What else can I learn about Angel, the Cupcake Queen?”

  Throwing her head back in laughter, she said, “What do you want to know?”

  Everything, he found himself thinking. What you think? What you feel? How you take your coffee? What you do on your days off? Every-fuckin’-thing. “Um, anything you want me to know,” he answered, afraid to give voice to his musings.

  “Well, you know about my dad and brother. My mom is really great, too. They always wanted my brother and me to be whatever we wanted to be. I went to college to get a marketing and business degree but took culinary baking classes on the side at a community college. I knew I wanted to be a baker since I was a little girl.” She turned to him and asked, “Do you remember the first time you wanted to be in law enforcement?”

  He thought for a moment and said, “I can’t really give you a definitive answer. I knew I didn’t want to be a lawyer. It was more catching the criminals than prosecuting or defending them that appealed to me. Why?”

  “Because I can remember the very first time I wanted to bake.” She finished the last cupcake in the last batch and had Monty move the heavy tray to the refrigerator. Wiping her hands, she sat on a stool as he leaned his hip back against the counter again.

  “I was about ten years old and my family was traveling from Arlington to Richland and we stopped at the town of Fairfield. Driving through the quaint downtown area, we saw a bakery with a pink and white awning outside. Hungry, we stopped. It was Bernie’s Bakery and the inside was just as charming. And the pastries? Oh, my God, they were good. Bernadine McDonald was the owner and she came out to talk to us. She took me in the back to show me where she created her magic.”

  Monty watched as Angel related the tale of the bakery, her hands waving as she talked, her pink lips smiling at the memories. He could easily imagine her enthusiasm in discovering the establishment, much like the little girls who were now feeling the same about Angel’s Cupcake Heaven.

  “Anyway, years later, I went back to Fairfield and Bernie was kind enough to give me tips about ingredients, suppliers, ways to keep track of everything. She was amazing. I still keep up with her, and when she’s in town or I’m passing through Fairfield, we always manage to chat for a while.”

  Monty pushed off the counter and walked slowly toward her stool until he stopped. Right in front of her. He watched as her chest heaved and her tongue darted out to lick her already moist lips. He lifted his hand to cup her cheek, his thumb caressing her petal-soft skin.

  She leaned her head into his hand, closing her eyes as she allowed his caress to soothe her. Opening her eyes, she saw he had leaned down and was a whisper away from her lips. His breath brushed warm against her face as he hesitated long enough for her to decide. She smiled her decision.

  Chapter 10

  Seeing her acquiescence, he captured her lips with his, drowning in their taste. Moist sweetness coated his lips and tongue as he plundered her mouth. Tracing the ridges and tangling his tongue with hers, he moved closer, wrapping his arms around, pulling her body until it was pressed tightly to his. Angling his head for better access, he melded his mouth with hers.

  She heard a moan, unsure which of them it came from, but regardless it sent a jolt to her core. With one of his thighs pressed between her legs, she moved closer wanting the rough denim to rub against her. Jesus, how long has it been? I could come, dry-humping his leg. Another moan was heard and, this time, she knew it had escaped from her. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she lifted herself from the chair, pressing her breasts against his broad chest.

  Taking over, Monty stood holding her up with one muscular arm banded around her waist. He walked her backward until her back was pressed against the wall of the kitchen. He used the restraint of the wall to help hold her up while he kept one arm next to her head and the other on her ass.

  She wrapped her legs around his trim waist, pulling his erection directly to her crotch. Angel moved on instinct, the rational voices in her head reminding her she did not do one-night stands drowned out by the sounds of her own moans. Feeling the pressure of his jean clad dick pushing against her aching core, she rubbed on him as her body screamed for friction.

  His hand slid behind her, giving the strings to the apron a tug, loosening them. With a quick pull, the apron flew over her head and onto the floor.

  She was dimly aware of her t-shirt being lifted and her bra cups pulled down, freeing her full breasts. Her dusty-colored nipples were hard, but whether it was from the cool air of the kitchen or the heat from their bodies, she did not know. She did not care.

  Monty kissed his way down from her mouth to suck on the wildly beating pulse at the base of her neck. She arched her back wanting her nipples to come in contact with his shirt, but then decided she wanted his shirt off. Reaching down to grab the bottom, she jerked until it cleared his head and joined the apron on the floor.

  Needing no other invitation, he lifted one breast to his mouth and, pulling one nipple in deeply, sucked hard, first nipping with his teeth and then soothing with his tongue. Raising his eyes, he saw her head thrown back against the wall, eyes closed tightly, her kiss-swollen, bubblegum lips curving into a smile. Moving to the other breast, he gave it equal attention, not remembering the last time he suckled a woman for the pure pleasure it gave her. Or him, for that matter. Sex had almost become perfunctory—God, when did that happen? All he knew was he was unable to remember the last time he was lost in a woman.

  Angel, the euphoria of the feelings washing over her, gave in entirely. Her hands grasped his hair as she pulled him in closer. With his mouth finding hers again, she was barely aware of being lowered to the ground until she felt her yoga pants being jerked down along with her panties, before being lifted back up. Now there was nothing between his jeans and her pussy. The sensation was sweet agony. She began grinding her clit on his jeans again and knew she was close to the goal. Dimly aware of his movements, she realized, I’m going to come just dry humping, as she heard the sound of his zipper. Then it stopped.

  Monty pushed away from her, pausing as he breathed deeply. Seeing her questioni
ng gaze, he said, “I want this, Cupcake. You gotta believe I want this. But not here. Not rushed.”

  “There are the back stairs to my apartment,” she said, her words an invitation.

  Smiling, he swung her around and stalked to the bottom of the stairs. Mounting them quickly, he dipped to open the door at the top, leading into the living room.

  “I thought this door was a closet,” he confessed.

  “It’s a great way to get to my bakery without having to use the outside door.”

  “Very convenient,” he said, wiggling his eyebrows. “Bed?”

  “No. Here. Now.” Grasping his face, she pulled him back in, latching onto his lips, desperate for his touch…his taste.

  Whirling, he pressed her up against the wall next to the brightly colored curtains. Their tongues tangled once again, stealing his breath. Reaching down he moved his fingers through her slick folds, pressing his thumb against her clit.

  Already on the precipice, his touch on her sensitive flesh plunged her over the edge. Slamming her head against the wall, she screamed.

  “Are you okay?” he asked, not sure if her exclamation was from excitement or pain. Or maybe both.

  “Yes, yes, yes,” she panted, as her orgasm washed over her. Lowering her head so that they were eye to eye, she moaned, “Now. I need you inside me now!”

  He reached between them to finish unzipping his jeans, releasing his swollen cock. “Oh, fuck, I gotta get a condom,” he swore. Smooth, real smooth. Usually suave, he could not remember ever losing control like this. With one hand on her ass and his body pressing hers against the wall, he reached down and jerked out his wallet.

  She took it from his hands and with a quick search, the condom was pulled out before the wallet was tossed to the floor. He was able to free his hands to roll the condom on quickly.

  Lifting her in his strong arms, he seated her right at the tip of his cock. Pulling away from her kiss swollen lips, he pierced her with his look. “Last chance, Angel.”

  The roar of passion in her ears, drowning out all other thoughts, had her pulling his head back down to hers. Whatever comes, I need this now!

  No more hesitation, he plunged his dick to the hilt in her wet pussy, the tightness of it almost making his knees buckle. Jesus, she’s tight…and perfect.

  He watched her beautiful face as her eyes hooded with passion while her pussy grabbed his dick in its vice. Her inner muscles clenched around him and he began thrusting in and out, his control slipping. He wanted her to come again with him but was afraid he could not last. Once more moving his hand between their bodies, he found her swollen nub. Giving it a pinch while sucking on her nipples, he felt her fingernails dig into his shoulders as she cried out her release. With only a few more thrusts, his neck strained as he threw his head back, the veins standing out, and he roared.

  She watched as he leaned his head back as his orgasm ripped through him, before pressing it against the wall next to her. She could not decide if she wanted to lick his neck, nibble on his jawline, or kiss the shoulders she bruised with her fingers.

  Monty kept his head against the wall until he could catch his breath. Fuck, she’s killin’ me. Never. It’s never felt like that before. Fucking her against the wall had not been his intention…at least not the first time, but when she begged, all he wanted to do was give. Never before has it felt this good. This right. I haven’t let go…really let go…with a woman in…never.

  Bodies dripping in mingled sweat, breathing ragged, the two of them clung to each other in the aftermath until slowly the cool air around them began to seep into their consciousness.

  Lifting his head to hers, he placed a gentle kiss on her forehead, next to the bandage. “Fuck, Cupcake. I didn’t hurt you, did I?”

  Moving her lips softly over his, she murmured, “Uh um, Monty. The only way you could hurt me now would be to walk away.”

  He smiled, loving the way she played no games. No pretense. Just the real Angel. “Not leaving unless you kick me out.” He pulled out and set her feet on the floor. “Let me go take care of this,” he nodded downward, indicating the condom.

  “I’ll run down and grab our clothes,” she said.

  “No way,” he admonished. “I’ll go get them.”

  Within a few minutes, he was back in her apartment, watching as she slid his t-shirt over her head. His dick jumped again at the sight of her. Seeing her full breasts filling his shirt and the way it draped over her delectable ass, he knew he would never look at his t-shirts the same again. Stalking over, he smiled as they moved into the kitchen.

  Eyeing his naked chest, barely hiding her smirk, she said, “You definitely became the King of Cupcakes.”

  Laughing, he planted a kiss on her sweet lips. “What’re you doing now?” he asked, seeing her pull out a frying pan.

  “I thought I’d scramble some eggs if that’s okay,” she replied.

  Realizing he had not eaten since earlier in the day, he nodded. “Sounds great.”

  Within a few minutes, she plated scrambled eggs, bacon, and toasted bagels. She tried to eat but kept stealing glances at the man sitting across from her. He now looked comfortable in her apartment surround by the colors that made her so happy. Occasionally catching him staring at her as well, she grinned. By the time they finished eating, she began to feel sleepy. He watched as her mouth opened wide, the yawn impossible to extinguish.

  “I guess I’d better let you get to bed,” he said, regret filling his voice. “I can’t remember the last time I had such an enjoyable evening, Angel.”

  Suddenly unsure, she stood fingering the ends of his t-shirt. “You know you can always spend the night here if you want.”

  “It wouldn’t be the first time,” he joked.

  “But, this time, you can sleep in my bed from the start,” she smiled, turning with the empty plates in her hand as she flounced toward the kitchen, shaking her ass as she walked.

  He followed, capturing her around her waist and twirling her back toward his rock hard body. Leaning down, he whispered in her ear, “There’s nowhere else I’d rather be.”

  *

  Waking from a sound sleep, Angel knew the engulfing warmth was from Monty’s body curved around hers. Not wanting to turn and possibly disturb him, she lay for a few minutes relishing in the feel of his arm around her waist, his hand curled near her breast. Not one to fall into bed with someone she just met, this felt right. Slow down, girl. Just because he’s handsome, has a rockin’ body, is fabulous at sex, is honorable, trustworthy, caring, and helps with making cupcakes, there’s no reason to think he wants anything more than this. Her mind wandered to the last time she felt this way…and came up empty.

  Opening her own business consumed all of her time and energy. Working from about four a.m. until late at night left little time for a relationship. Or casual dating. Or going out. Or even sweaty sex against the wall. A smile crept across her face as she remembered last night. He felt different—was different. But whether or not he felt the same stole the smile from her face. Maybe I’m only part of this case.

  A tight squeeze from the arm banding around her body startled her from her musings. His nose nuzzled her ear and whispered, “Morning, Cupcake. I can hear your mind whirling from here. What’s got you thinking so hard this morning?”

  She twisted around in his arms, seeing his sleep-tousled hair, stubble on his jaw, and piercing grey-blue eyes focused directly on her. “Um…just business. I always wake up with the business on my mind. You know…um…what needs to be done today, that sort of thing.”

  Offering a smile, she instinctively moved her hand up to cup his jaw, loving the feel of his rough beard beneath her fingers.

  His sharp gaze was taking her in as well. The colors in her hair glistened in the morning sun. The bruising was much less, mostly covered by the small bandage. Her sky-blue eyes were roaming over his face and her smile gave evidence she liked what she saw. “While I have no doubt that you wake up thinking about your busine
ss most mornings, Angel, I gotta believe that your mind was on something else today.”

  She started to deny his observation but found she had no desire to lie. Huffing slightly, she lowered her gaze. “You’re right. I was thinking about last night.” Once more peering into his eyes, she admitted, “Monty, I wanted what we did last night and the fact that you wanted to stay was perfect. I just don’t do…you know…casual. But I know we didn’t talk about it beforehand, so um…if I’m only part of the case, then I don’t think I—”

  With a growl, Monty rolled both of them quickly, pinning her body underneath his. Propping himself on his elbows, he held her gaze. “You’re not just part of the case. Getting to know you, Cupcake, has brought a breath of fresh air into my life.”

  Her smile grew until it rivaled the sun peeking in the windows. “So,” she said, once more tracing his jaw with her finger, “I’ve added some color to your life?”

  Chuckling, he moved his nose along hers. “Oh, yeah. You’ve definitely added color to my rather boring life.”

  Sobering, she asked, “I’ve got to get Helen to ensure our delivery is made to the party today before we leave to see Theresa’s parents.”

  “Yeah. I know seeing them is going to be hard on you.”

  “Can you tell me what you’re looking for? Just so I’ll understand.”

  Moving so that he was now leaning back against the headboard, he pulled her so she was tucked into his embrace. “Right now, Angel, it’s just a fishing expedition. There may be absolutely no connection between the two deaths. But if there’s the possibility there is one, then we need to know that.”

  Nodding, she wrapped her arms tighter around Monty’s waist, giving a squeeze. Looking up into his face, she turned and rolled out of bed. “All righty then, I guess we’d better get ready!”