Forever Alexa (Book Four In The Bodyguards Of L.A. County Series)

by Beauman, Cate

  “You go ahead. I plan to inch my way in.”

  “Ah, now where’s the fun in that?”

  Before Alexa could respond, he shoved at her lower back, propelling her into the water. She let out a shriek, then remembered to suck in a breath just before she met the cool dark blue. Seconds later, she surfaced, sputtering. “You are so lucky this water isn’t half bad, Mr. Matthews.” She wiped at her stinging eyes. “I can’t believe you just did that.”

  “I can’t believe you didn’t expect me to,” he said, grinning. “You were so close to the edge. Some people never learn.” He tsk, tsk’d her while he shook his head.

  Jack had a point—she should have learned. He’d shoved her in each and every time they’d gone out boating over the years. “Why don’t you come in here and say that?”

  “Are you gonna punish me?” He wiggled his brows, and she laughed.

  More than willing to play, she swam to the edge and hoisted herself up enough so she could reach his leg. “Do you want me to punish you?” she asked in a sultry voice.

  “If you’re going to look at me and talk to me like that, you’re damn straight I do.”

  “Do you like to be disciplined?” she purred as she stroked her fingers up the firm muscle of his calf.

  “What do you think?”

  “I think you should probably hop on in, Handsome Jack, but not before I do this.” She grabbed a patch of his leg hair and yanked.

  “Ow!” He jerked back. “Son of a bitch.”

  She fell into the water on a loud peal of laughter as Jack leaned down to rub the sore spot.

  “Goddamn, Alex.”

  She laughed harder. “Maybe you’ll think about that the next time you want to play dirty. We’ll consider this your first round of conditioning.”

  He stopped massaging his calf. “Huh?”

  “You know, like Pavlov’s dogs—the bell rings and they drool. Now your brain will forever be reminded that if you push me into the water, I’ll pull your leg hair. You push, I pull. You push, I pull. Sounds pretty fair to me.”

  He grinned. “Is that your attempt at being funny, Alex?”

  She smiled back. “Yes, it is.”

  “We’ll have to work on that.” He jumped in and surfaced seconds later. “This is paradise.” He yanked her against him. “You pulled my hair for this?”

  She wrapped her arms around the back of his neck as he treaded water, keeping them afloat. “You better believe it.”

  “But the water’s not even cold.”

  “It’s the principle of the matter.”

  “Ah, I see.” He pressed his warm, slippery lips to hers. “I think I’ll go grab one of those floats.”

  “You wanna grab the other for me?” She smiled sweetly and batted her lashes.

  “I probably could.” A mischievous light lit his eyes. “For a price.”

  “Nothing’s free with you.”

  “I’m an enterprising kind of guy.”

  “What’s it going to cost me?” She gripped him closer, enjoying the mood the afternoon was taking on.

  “I’ll probably need another kiss.”

  “I think I can handle that.” She met his mouth with a short smacking kiss, knowing that wasn’t what he had in mind.

  “Nice, but I’m going to need something more. It’s a long trip there and back with two floats.”

  She grinned. They were less than ten feet from the ladder. “Let’s see what I can do.” She grazed his chin, tasting the salty droplets clinging to his skin. Her lips teased the corner of his mouth. “How’s this?”

  “Getting better,” he murmured as he pulled her with him to the ladder. “But you’re holding back. I have to feel like you really want the inner tube.” He skimmed his hands down her waist.

  She shivered despite the sun boring down on her shoulders. “Oh, I want it.” She captured his mouth, and the searing kiss spun out as tongue teased tongue. He gripped her ass, bringing her against him, heat to heat. Jack groaned, and she whimpered, as the kiss grew hotter. Growing bold, Alexa walked her fingers down his chest, his stomach, stopping at the waistband of his swim trunks. She slipped her hand into his shorts and grabbed hold, freezing mid-stroke as something bumped her foot in the depths of murky blue.

  “Don’t stop, Alex.” He left kisses along her shoulder. “Keep going. You’re making me crazy.”

  Whatever touched her foot brushed it again. She jerked it away and her eyes flew wide as the creature came back and nipped at her big toe. “Get out!”

  Jack stopped dead and frowned. “What?”

  “Get me out of the water, now.” She practically crawled over him to get up the ladder. “Something tried to eat my toe.”

  He boosted her up to the small deck and followed. “It was probably just a fish.”

  She swallowed hard as she studied her foot, relieved that all five of her toes appeared as they had before she was pushed in the water.

  “It was just a fish,” Jack repeated as he crouched in front of her.

  She shuddered as she thought of the sharks Livy was going to see today. “Or maybe it was Jaws moving in for a sample.”

  “Baby, he would’ve taken more than a tiny nibble, I can promise you that.”

  “You’re such a comfort.” She peered into the waves, searching for whatever had tried to eat her. “I don’t want to go back in.”

  He smiled as he studied her. “Are you sure? We never got to the tubes.” He put his hands on her shoulders. “I’ll protect you from toe-eating fish if you want to try again.”

  “I would put my life in your hands any day—on land. The water, however, is a different story.”

  “Well, now you’ve gone and hurt my feelings.” He sunk his teeth into her chin with a playful bite. “Since you don’t want to swim anymore, how do you feel about lunch?”

  She chuckled. “You and your stomach.”

  “So does that mean you feel good about eating?”

  “Yes.” She grinned. “I feel fine about it.”

  “Thank God.” He stood and held out his hand.

  She took it, and they went below deck.

  Jack scooped up the last bite of rich chocolate cake and creamy chocolate frosting. “You want?” He held the fork out to her.

  She shook her head. “No thanks. I’m stuffed.”

  “Half a piece of ham and a few bites of fruit… I’d starve to death if I ate like you.”

  “It’s too hot to eat much.” She raised her brow as he shoveled the cake in his mouth. “For some of us.”

  “What can I say, I’m a growing boy.” He set down the fork. “Mmm, that was good.” He picked up his wine and sipped. “You didn’t drink any of yours. I thought you liked Chardonnay.”

  “I do.” She shrugged. “But I thought I should play it safe, since we didn’t.”

  He snagged her glass of golden liquid before it toppled as the boat dipped deeply, then he met her eyes. “Waves are getting a little rough. I thought we were okay.”

  “I’m sure we are, but like I said, I want to play it safe.”

  The empty cake container fell to the floor as the boat plunged again.

  Jack stood and handed off the glasses. “Hold that thought. I’m going to pop my head above deck and see what’s up.”

  “Okay.” She clutched the small table as the boat swayed.

  “Alex, I’m going to face us into the wind,” he yelled down from above.

  She set the glasses in the miniature sink and picked up the Tupperware, then she climbed the steps and blinked against the strong, cool winds rushing up to meet her. Her damp hair blew around her face, and she grabbed at the dark, loose strands as she stared at the wall of black clouds in the distance. “That doesn’t look good.” />
  “It’s not great. We’re about to get creamed,” he said as the weather radio belched its warnings.

  She moved closer to Jack, gripping the railings, struggling to stay upright. “We should head home. I’m worried about Livy. She’s afraid of storms.”

  “Olivia’s fine. My parents are taking good care of her.”

  “Still, we should go. I’m sure we can beat the front.”

  “That’s what everyone will be thinking. The last thing we want is to lose visibility in the inlets with a bunch of morons racing for shore. Sit down for a minute.” Jack circled the boat, catching a large swell of seawater, and they lurched forward. He drove a good two hundred yards farther away from the island and dropped anchor again. “This storm might get a little hairy before it’s over, but it’s moving fairly quickly. I checked the radar on my phone.” Lightning flashed in the distance, and thunder followed. “Let’s get below deck.” He took her hand, and they gripped the railings as they maneuvered forward.

  Jack closed the hatch, and the howl of wind ceased. The boat soared up on a wave and dipped low, sending them both hurtling toward the small bed. “Shit,” he said as he grabbed her and turned, taking the brunt of their fall forward.

  The boat creaked and popped, and Alexa clutched at Jack’s arm as her heart pounded. “Is this thing going to break in half?”

  “Nah. We’re just gonna get tossed around a bit. I think the worst we’ll have to worry about is a bruise or two and seasickness. Do you want some pressure bands for your wrists? Mom keeps them handy.” The boat lurched again, and he snagged her around the waist before her hip connected with the table.

  “No, I’m good.”

  “Come here. Let’s lie down until this passes. We can watch from the windows.”

  She stared at him, searching his eyes. He didn’t seem overly concerned.

  “Relax, Alex. Dad and I were in a hell of a storm a couple years back that had us both on our knees praying when we weren’t puking our guts out. This will be over before you know it. It’s a pop-up that’ll cool things off a few degrees.” He crawled on the small bed and rested his head on a pillow. “Come watch with me.”

  The boat rocked violently. With few alternatives, Alexa gripped Jack’s leg like a lifeline and started toward him.

  “Don’t even think about pulling my hair again.”

  She smiled. “You’re safe for now.”

  He outstretched his arm, inviting her to lay with him.

  She rested her head on his solid shoulder as her heart thundered along with the deafening booms beyond. A huge bolt of lightning splintered across the sky, and rain pelted against the circles of glass as the boat continued to sway. The purple hue tinting the portholes lent a magical feel to the violence just on the other side.

  “Not so bad after all, huh?”

  “No, not so bad.” She glanced up at him. “But I hope Livy’s okay. She’s terrified of thunder. Maybe I should grab my phone—” She looked toward the small table, realizing her phone no longer rested on the wooden top. “Where’s my cellphone?” She shot up to sitting, trying to scramble away to go in search of her lifeline to her little girl. “Livy might need me. Or Abby.”

  Jack pulled on her arm, bringing her back to him. “Alex, it’s in here somewhere. If they need you, the phone will still ring. We’ll find it then. Relax.”

  He made perfect sense. The phone would be easier to locate among the shambles of plastic dishes and odds and ends littering the floor if it was ringing. She took a settling breath and leaned back against him. “Sorry.”

  “Don’t apologize for thinking of our daughter and your sister.”

  That settled her further. She looked to the storm-darkened trees billowing wildly in the wind on the small island as she breathed in Jack. “Thanks for bringing me to our place.”

  “This wasn’t exactly what I had in mind.” A deafening blast of thunder shook the cabin.

  “Severe weather and shark bites—”

  “Shark bites?” He interrupted. “It was a fish, Alex. Probably a minnow.” He chuckled and pressed a kiss to her forehead.

  She sat up on her elbow. “Are you making light of my brush with death?”

  “You’re brush with…” He laughed. “Hell, yes. I’m definitely making light of your brush with death.”

  She loved the sound of his deep-in-the-gut laugh. “The years have made you hard and insensitive.” She grinned as she squeezed his chin, looming close to his face.

  Another rumble of thunder echoed through the cabin. A huge bolt of lightning spider-webbed across the sky.

  “I think it’s safe to say the years have embellished your imagination.” He grabbed her chin much the way she still held his and pulled her closer. “The next thing you know—”

  The boat dipped dangerously low, sending Alexa into a half-roll over Jack, and something fell to the floor with a crash. They stared at each other, wide-eyed, while Jack held her firm on top of him. Their hearts slammed in the same rapid rhythm. “Whoa,” they said in unison.

  “Are you sure we aren’t going to break in half or capsize?”

  “Yup. The storm’s dying down already. The thunder isn’t as close.”

  “Then why do I feel like I’m still on a rollercoaster?”

  “The water will take some time to settle yet.” He slid his fingers through her long hair. “We just have to wait it out.”

  Her heart rate started to pound even faster, but it was no longer from fear. She licked her lips, suddenly nervous as she recognized the hungry look in Jack’s eyes. “I should probably see what broke.”

  He tightened his grip around her, and her breasts pressed more firmly to his chest. “I think you should stay right here. The mess isn’t going anywhere.”

  “But it was glass.”

  “Mmhm.” He cupped her face. “We don’t want to add stitches to your list of today’s traumatic events. We’re safer staying put.”

  Why was she unsure about that? Her fingers clutched against the smooth, firm skin of his shoulders as desire churned in her belly. Here they were, out in the depths of the bay, alone, in a storm. The man she loved lay under her, gorgeous and waiting for her to decide how the next few minutes were going to play out. She wouldn’t make the same mistake she did earlier when she denied them both what they wanted. Alexa traced his lips with her fingertip. “What should we do while we wait?” Her voice thickened with desire. “There must be a game around here somewhere.”

  “I think we could come up with something.”

  “Like what? Uno? Cribbage?” She nipped his bottom lip and skimmed her tongue across his tensed jaw.

  He trailed his palms along her waist. “This works.” He lifted his head from the pillow and captured her mouth. What started off playful turned desperate in an instant.

  Alexa moved her legs, straddling him and he cupped her ass, bringing her against him. He was already hard. Whimpering, she sat up and ground them heat to heat, making him moan.

  His fingers clutched her hips as she continued to move in her teasing rhythm, torturing them both. It had been so long since she’d felt the heady power of taking Jack to the brink. The last time they were together, he had been in charge.

  Jack reached for the ties of her bikini and she took his hands in hers. If he touched her, she would lose her advantage. She leaned forward and pressed his hands above his head. “Stay.” She followed her demand with a deep kiss. Within seconds, Jack’s fingers were in her hair.

  She tore her mouth from his and went to work on his ear, his neck, his muscled shoulder. Jack started a teasing journey of his own and she stopped on a ragged breath, taking his hands and putting them back where she’d pressed them before.

  “Stay,” she repeated as her eyes burned into his. “It’s my turn.”


  “Bossy.”

  She smiled. “That’s right. Make sure you listen.”

  He smiled back. “You have my full attention.”

  “I noticed.” She wiggled her hips, and he hissed out a breath. Grinning her triumph, she went back to his shoulder where she’d left off and wandered to his pecs, savoring the flavor of salt mixed with Jack. She nipped at mounds of muscle and left open-mouthed kisses in their wake, reveling in Jack’s deep breaths and sharp exhales.

  She glanced up and met his eyes as she continued her work. Her tongue left a damp trail, stopping at his chiseled abs. She let the anticipation build for both of them as she traced blocks of taut muscle and smooth skin to the waistband of his swim trunks, watching his stomach jump with her caressing touch. Then she pressed her palm against him through his shorts and rubbed teasingly until he moaned and his thighs flexed.

  “Alex.”

  She tugged his trunks down and off before her fingers skimmed him—just barely.

  Jack clutched at the pillows, and his head tipped back as he expelled each unsteady breath. It had been a long time since she’d pleasured a man. She clearly hadn’t lost her touch.

  “Alex, come on.”

  She continued her feathered caresses and leaned in to tease him further with the heat of her breath.

  Jack let loose another grumble in his throat as he looked down at her and twisted his fingers in her hair. “Come on, Alex.”

  She increased the pressure of her grip and started a rhythm, only drawing out her torturous teasing further. “How’s that?” she asked, full well knowing this wasn’t what he wanted.

  “Alex.” His hips jerked, rocking on their own accord.

  Her tongue flicked out, and his head fell back.

  “God.”

  She finally gave in, going deep, giving him what he needed. His fingers tensed and flexed in her hair with her movements as they had a hundred times before. The years had passed, but so much stayed the same. She continued to work him, remembering the little things she knew made him crazy—lips here, fingers there. She wrapped her hand tighter, and he gasped as his toes curled and his leg muscles tensed. “Enough,” he said as he tried to sit up.