by Rosalie Redd
Shaun reached toward her and wiped away the moisture with the back of his finger, his gentle touch lingering. Awareness of him, his strength, his scent, his sheer masculine nature, washed over her. She met his gaze, and the dark pools of his eyes reflected his desire. He trailed his fingers to her nape, cradling her head in his palm. As he leaned toward her, she didn’t resist.
Gurgling noises erupted into a soft hiss. In the outermost circle, holes in the concrete blocks bubbled with water, as if from a drinking fountain.
“No!” she shrieked. The fountain erupted, dousing them in spray. Shaun slipped his hand into hers and drew her from the powerful jets. They ran until they reached the railing overlooking the Willamette River.
“That was fun, wasn’t it?” Shaun’s eyes twinkled.
She giggled. It was fun.
His soft chuckle joined hers, turning into a full-blown laugh. As it subsided, his features softened. “You are so beautiful, lovelier than I remember, and being with you is so natural.”
Her breath bottled up inside. “I was hurt when you didn’t call.”
His brow furrowed, and he stared across the river. A loud exhale escaped his lips. “When I met you that night, the connection I felt was so strong. I wanted to see you again, so much, but since I was leaving the next day, I just couldn’t do that to you. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you.”
She sidled up next to him, placing her arms on the railing. His clenched jaw indicated his inner turmoil, mirroring the physical pain in her chest. She couldn’t stop herself as she touched his eyebrow and the scar underneath. Her fingers tingled at the contact.
“What happened to you, in the war?”
He grasped her fingers, rubbing his thumb over each digit. He didn’t speak for several long seconds, then with a loud exhale, he met her gaze. “I was an IT Systems Engineer, monitoring servers, networks, system infrastructure for the Feds while I was in Afghanistan. One day, our base was attacked. I’d had boot camp and basic training like everyone else, but I’d never been on the front line before.”
“You were injured.”
He nodded. “Jason, one of my buddies, took a direct hit.” He stared across the water, and his audible swallow sent his Adam’s apple bobbing.
The experience must’ve been traumatizing. No matter what happened to Jason, there was no reason for Shaun to relive that nightmare right here, right now.
“Shaun…” She bit her lip, empathy squeezing her insides.
His gaze returned to her, and his features softened. “I thought of you every day.”
As natural as could be, he wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her close. She couldn’t help but lean in. Her long bangs, wet from the fountain, fell into her eyes. Her clip was gone, lost somewhere along the way.
He trailed a finger down the side of her face, tucking a damp strand of hair behind her ear. A soft chuckle eased from him, and he smiled. “You’ve got some untamed hairs to match your wild nature.”
Her cheeks heated and she pulled away. With a quick jerk, she yanked her purse strap from her shoulder and opened her handbag. “I have an extra clip in here somewhere.”
Reaching inside, her fingers grazed over something hard and cold. The vial. As she drew the small bottle from her bag, the blue-black surface glinted in the sunlight. On a soft whoosh, the lid opened on its own.
A flush of adrenaline raced through her body and her fingers shook. Liquid splashed from the container, landing on Shaun’s chin and the back of her hand. The slippery vial slid from her grasp, falling over the railing and into the river.
An awareness of the tall, muscular man next to her made her pulse rise. His unique scent infiltrated her senses, sending a warm tingle all the way to her core. He ran his hand down her jacket sleeve and underneath the edge, until his fingers rested on the bare skin of her waist. With a quick tug, he pulled her to him.
“Jen…” The deep timbre of his voice rattled in her chest. Her nipples peaked in response, pressing against the material of her bra, teasing her.
“S…Shaun…” Her response was raspy, heavy with her desire.
With his free hand, he trailed his fingers over her bangs, securing them behind her ear once again. He cradled her chin in his palm and rubbed his thumb across her bottom lip, tugging on the tender flesh. She couldn’t stop herself as her tongue followed in his path, moistening her lips, encouraging him. On a soft sigh, two words tumbled from her. “Kiss me.”
CHAPTER 5
J ennifer held her breath, her hands resting on Shaun’s soft leather jacket. His pecs tightened, and even under the material, the firmness of his muscles sent a wave of desire deep inside. Her heart pounded. His gaze riveted on her mouth, and as he cradled her head in his palm, he tilted her chin, preparing her for his kiss.
She closed her eyes. His lips met hers, and the physical need between them sparked into a shower of sensations. Her lips tingled, and her pulse pounded in tune with her heartbeat. His kiss was gentle, exploratory, as if savoring their first caress. When he released her for a breath of air, he trailed his lips along her jaw until he found the sensitive spot at the base of her neck. A low moan eased from her, and she held on to him as if he were her lifeline.
He chuckled, and the sound reverberated in her ear, sending a tickle all the way to her bottom. She laced her hands around his neck and entwined her fingers in his short hair. “Shaun…”
He pulled back to look at her, his hand still cradling her head. His thumb caressed her cheek, and the softness of his touch was a gentle balm to her racing heart. “You drive me insane. How did I survive a whole year away from you?”
“You’re here now.” Her words were hoarse, raspy with her need.
“I won’t leave you again. I promise.” He kissed her with a heat and tenderness that left no doubt of his conviction.
She wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling herself closer to him. His erection pressed against her hip and she inhaled, not expecting the large length and breadth of him. Warmth built inside, dampening her panties. He lowered the hand that was on her waist until he gripped her bottom through her jeans. With a firm tug, he pulled her tighter. Her sheath tightened, wanting him, needing him.
“I want you, but I won’t rush you.” His husky words were full of sincerity.
She stilled. Troy…
Safe and reliable Troy. As much as she liked him, he didn’t spark in her the sense of joy, wonder, and excitement she had with Shaun. She’d always been staunch and reserved, never taking chances. Now was her opportunity.
As she looked into Shaun’s chocolate eyes, she lost herself…or…maybe, just maybe, she found herself. Emboldened by her decision, she lifted her foot and ran her calf up the side of Shaun’s leg. The bottom of her jeans lifted and her bare skin rested against…something hard and cold.
She tensed.
His eyebrows furrowed as he studied her.
She pulled away, her stomach fluttering, surprise warring with her desire.
“What happened to your leg?” She inhaled and placed her hand over her mouth. “The war…”
“Does this change things for you? About me?”
Words teetered on Jenifer’s lips, but she was distracted by the clicking of high-heeled shoes.
“Well, my, my, what do we have here?” A tall, beautiful woman with shoulder-length blonde hair and a short skirt strutted toward them. She swiveled her hips, flaunting her long, elegant legs. With a quick swipe of her hand, she trailed her finger down Shaun’s arm. “If you’re having trouble with this young girl,” she raked her gaze over Jennifer, “then maybe we could go a round.”
Shaun took a step back, his brow furrowing. “What on Earth…”
Heat rose in Jennifer’s cheeks. As her anger bubbled over, she spit the words. “Who are you?”
The woman tittered then her features hardened. “I’m no one you want to mess with.”
Shaun stepped forward and wrapped his arm around Jennifer’s waist. The simple, possessive gestu
re warmed her heart. He narrowed his gaze on the strange woman. “I think it’s best if you leave me and my woman alone.”
Despite the unease running through her veins, Shaun’s words lifted Jennifer’s spirit.
The woman’s blue eyes flecked with gold, and her mouth pinched, twisting her beauty into something bizarre. Her gaze swept over Jennifer before flicking to Shaun. “You couldn’t have kept up with me anyway…human, but you can assist me. I’m looking for this place called ‘Nordstrom.’ Any idea where it might be?”
“Mauree, this way.” A man with sunglasses, a baseball cap, and a jacket with its collar flipped up approached. Menace oozed from him, and he gripped the woman’s arm.
She curled her lip, wrenching away from his grasp. “Don’t touch me, Jakar.”
Goosebumps rose along Jennifer’s arms.
He exhaled and placed his palm over his mouth. His muffled words were still audible despite the barrier. “It’s not like your kind to interact with the humans. Let’s go.”
Humans? Confusion warred with Jennifer’s fear.
“Fine.” The strange woman’s gaze raked over Shaun once more then with a quick turn, she sauntered down the waterfront with her cohort.
“Are you okay?” Shaun’s gentle tone smoothed the jitters in Jennifer’s gut.
“Y…Yeah. That was odd. What do you think that was about?”
“Beats me, but I’m glad they’re gone.” His grip on her waist tightened. “Jen, about my leg…”
She glanced at him, and his furrowed brow accentuated the pained look in his eyes. An ache built in the back of her throat.
“The second blast that night…shrapnel shredded my calf. The doctors had to amputate below my knee.”
“You lost your leg saving your friend, didn’t you?” She could barely whisper the words her chest was so tight.
His mouth drew into a thin line.
“That’s very honorable.” She stroked his scar and gave him a tender kiss.
He placed his palms on either side of her cheeks, and pressed his forehead against hers. “You’re strong and independent, so mature. I love that about you.”
She flinched and tried to pull away, but he held her still.
“That bothers you. Why?”
With a quick swallow, she let the words tumble. “I’ve worked so hard to prove to everyone that I’m not a child…”
“But?”
She bit her lip and let loose a short huff. “I can’t help but wonder if I’ve missed out.”
A slow smile curled his lip, the glint in his eyes sparking anew. “My grandma used to tell me—don’t rush old age, it will come soon enough.”
She stared into his eyes. “But, I look so young. I want to be respected.”
“Jen, I respect you and from what I saw of your friends that night, they do, too. You can still act silly, have some fun.” He chuckled softly. “I’ll show you how. Will you take a chance on me? See me again?”
Take a chance… That’s what Aunt Judy had said.
She stepped back and focused on the promise ring. So unlike Troy, Shaun had a spontaneous, fun streak, opening up a need in her she hadn’t known she’d had. I want to be with him. Jennifer’s chest swelled as her decision solidified. She tugged at the ring until she’d freed it from her finger. Troy was a good man, and she had no doubt he’d find his true love. Pocketing the small trinket, she met Shaun’s gaze and smiled. “Yes, Shaun. I’ll see you again.”
Shaun gripped her under the shoulders and spun her around. Her feet left the ground, and a small shriek erupted from her throat. His loud, boisterous chuckle filled the air, and as he brought her down to Earth, her laughter joined his. Deep in her heart, no matter what happened, they’d be together. With a quick glance, she peered into the river below. Thank you little bottle, your job is done.
BONUS CHAPTER
SHAUN’S CALL FROM MONTY
Shaun braced his elbow against his thigh and lifted the dumbbell. His bicep flexed, tearing down and rebuilding his muscles. A shaft of sunlight filtered through the full-length window panes, lighting up the row of elliptical machines against the gym’s south wall. Grunts and groans filled the air, dispersed by the occasional clank of heavy weights.
Pete, one of the local guys he’d met at the fitness center, walked by. He raised an eyebrow, but his dark eyes reflected his concern. “Hey, man, how’s the leg?”
Shaun glanced at his prosthetic limb. In the gym, he didn’t bother to cover the evidence of his time spent in Afghanistan. Like him, other fallen soldiers came here to rehabilitate after returning home. He was just one of the many. “Better every day.”
Yes, the leg was better, but he struggled with accepting his new situation. Jen… Would she respect him? Accept him as a man? He shook his head. Ever since he’d met Jen at Tasty & Alder over a year ago, he couldn’t get her out of his mind. Her gentle laugh, the sparkle in her eyes, her love of DC Comics and graphic novels. Just thinking about her caused the muscles in his arms to bunch.
His phone buzzed, vibrating in his athletic shorts pocket. He grabbed it and swiped the screen. “Hello.”
“Shaun Fitzgerald?”
“Yeah, that’s me.”
“This is Monty Pierce from KBNK radio. You called about our show, the ‘Second Date Update.’ We’ve selected you, if you’re still interested.”
A rush of adrenaline surged through Shaun’s veins. “You did? That’s great.”
“Perfect. Here’s the process. We interview you first, then give the girl a call, find out the scoop for you. We’ll air it on a show later in the week. You ready to give it a go?”
His heart raced as a tendril of fear weaseled its way in. He gave Pete a nod and headed into the locker room. Fortunately, no one else was around. “S…sure. No time like the present.”
“Okay, let’s do it.” He cleared his throat. “Hey, we’ve got Shaun on the line who wants us to contact Jennifer, a girl he hasn’t seen in over a year. Give us the scoop. How did you meet and why haven’t you contacted her?”
“Well, we met in a bar downtown last spring. Hit it off right away. I’ve never felt so comfortable with someone so easily. She seemed to ‘get me.’” He leaned against one of the lockers, the cold metal cooling the overheated skin on the back of his arms and shoulders.
“Did you get her number?” Monty’s voice held a trace of amusement.
“Yeah, I did, but I never called her.”
“Oh, dude, bad decision.”
“Wasn’t my choice, I couldn’t call. My mission was top secret. Left the country the next day…deployed to Afghanistan, but couldn’t get her out of my mind. Just returned a couple of weeks ago. Didn’t feel right reaching out to her after so long, that’s why I contacted you.”
Monty sighed. “You’re worried she’s involved with someone else.”
“It crossed my mind many times. I don’t want to interfere in her life, but I have to know if she felt that same connection, if she is still willing to see me.” He glanced at his leg. Would she accept him? Accept his difference? Fear twisted in his gut, tightening to the point of pain.
Monty chuckled. “Ah, so you want me to call her, find out if she’s dating anyone. See if she remembers you.”
“Yes. That’s the idea.”
“All right. Give me her number, and we’ll give her a call. Don’t say anything until I tell you to, okay?”
Shaun rattled off her phone number and a moment later, the buzz of the phone rang through the line. He held his breath.
UNTOUCHABLE LOVER EXCERPT
N ote to readers: In this chapter Alora’s love potion falls through her visus bacin on the planet Lemuria and lands on Earth.
* * *
Alora glanced out the window. Bright purple and green beams reflected on the silver clouds—the first rays of dawn in the early Lemurian sky. She placed her hand against a strong branch, and whispered a melancholy song. A vine with bright yellow leaves coiled around her wrist, the fronds swaying to h
er tune.
A vibration hummed through her body. Her heart lightened, and she clapped her hands together in excitement. The plant retreated, returning to the branch.
A slight, translucent form solidified and Veromé’s tall figure blocked out the faint sunrise from her view, his features dark against the brightening sky. He brought the smell of the ocean with him, salty and fresh.
She couldn’t wait any longer and ran into his embrace. He lifted her off her feet, twirling her around like a top. Her laughter filled the small room, bouncing off the carved walls and out into the morning air. He placed her on the floor with utmost care.
“I’ve missed you. Our time together is always so fleeting.” He wrinkled his nose and glanced behind her to the table near the room’s entrance. “What is that smell?”
“Oh, just a little ‘love in a bottle’.”
Alora moved to the carved wooden table, an intricate part of the living tree trunk. She picked up a handful of small twigs from the Timoten bush and rubbed the shoots between her fingers. The dried outer coating split apart, dropping the bark into the cool pitcher of water. The liquid swirled in the crystal goblet and turned from an opaque white to a deep green.
“I hope that’s not for us.” A sly smile crossed Veromé’s face. “I don’t think we need it.”
Alora gave him a playful punch in the arm. “No, my love, this isn’t for us. The potion is for Noeh.”
Veromé hit his hand against his forehead. “Not that, again.”
“What? Noeh needs a push.” Alora clasped a small vial and filled it with a bit of the concoction. The smooth black finish reflected deep blue in the light. She twisted the top and placed the small tube on the edge of the visus bacin.
Veromé huffed. “Do you wish to bring the tribunal council down on us again?”
“Bah. Have you no faith? What makes you think I’ll get caught?” She raised an eyebrow.
“Don’t give me that look.” Veromé shook his head, his mouth firm. “Zedron is waiting for you to do something like this. He would like nothing better than to get you under his thumb—and his body.”