Her Forbidden Marine (Hearts Ablaze: Men in Uniform Book 2)

by Jameison, Makenna

  After collecting her things, Becky caught a cab back to her apartment off-campus. Her roommate had gone home for the winter break, so Becky had the entire place to herself. She dragged her suitcase to her bedroom, collapsing onto her bed. She needed to take a long, hot, shower and then grab Mexican from her favorite place around the corner. It wouldn’t exactly solve her problems, but a couple of margaritas and some chips and salsa wouldn’t hurt, either. Not after the hell of a day that she’d had. After she’d cleaned up and gotten some decent food in her, she’d call her sister and parents. Although they wouldn’t be happy she’d flown home early, they’d understand her reasons.

  Her cell phone rang, and Becky glanced down to see her sister’s number. Deciding to face the music sooner rather than later, she picked it up.

  “Hey Melissa. I just got back to my apartment. Did you get my text?”

  “Yes, I got your text! And the note you left on my kitchen table. What’s gotten into you? You disappear with Matt last night, never come home, and then he shows up this morning looking for you. I was worried sick!”

  “I’m sorry. Wait—he came over? Didn’t he tell you I was at his place last night?”

  “Yes, only after I threatened him with bodily harm.”

  Becky smiled, despite herself, imagining Melissa ranting and raving at Matt. It was hard to imagine Matt being intimidated by anyone, and she wondered how that argument had fared. “I just needed to get out of there. Coming home this year was a mistake.”

  “God, Becky, don’t be so melodramatic. So you got in a fight with a guy—big deal. Does that really require flying back across the country? My ex-fiancé dumped me, and I didn’t leave. We still live in the same damn town!”

  “Right, and you’ve handled that so well,” Becky said sarcastically.

  “Look, I don’t know what exactly happened between you and Matt this morning, but he was pretty worried about you.”

  “We slept together, okay? I haven’t been with anyone since Brody—no, scratch that. Brody is the only guy I’ve ever been with, and what do I do to move on? Have sex with his best friend.”

  “Well, it’s not like Brody would expect you to be alone for the rest of your life. You’re twenty-five for God’s sake!”

  “Don’t yell at me!”

  “For heaven’s sake Becky, you deserve to be happy. Whether that’s with Matt or any other man, don’t keep dwelling in the past. I know you’re scared of getting hurt again, but you can’t live your life alone.”

  “I’m not living it alone,” Becky protested. “I have plenty of friends.”

  “What did Matt do to piss you off so much anyway?”

  “Nothing. He wanted to keep seeing each other, and I said that we couldn’t.”

  “You don’t like him?”

  “Well of course I like him. I wouldn’t have gone home with him last night otherwise.”

  “So let me get this straight—you’re mad that a guy you like wants to date you? Yeah, that sounds really awful Becky. I’d pack my bags and run, too.”

  “I didn’t run,” Becky protested. “I flew home.”

  Melissa laughed, her initial giggles soon turning into hysterics. “You ran so fast you practically left tire tracks smoking in my driveway. Is that how it’s going to be from now on? A guy shows interest in you, and you bolt?”

  “It wouldn’t have worked,” Becky replied, hesitation growing within her. All right, maybe she had overreacted just a little. She could have just calmly told Matt she didn’t want to date anyone right now. Or ever again. Anyone would agree that she’d dealt with enough heartache to last her a lifetime. Why couldn’t Matt see that, too? She couldn’t risk giving someone her heart again, leaving it open to fate to determine her future.

  “You keep telling yourself that. I’ll call Mom and Dad to let them know you’re okay.”

  “Thanks. Sorry to have freaked you out this morning.”

  “Yeah, you owe me for that. Big time.”

  Becky laughed. “What’d you have in mind?”

  “I have two nonrefundable tickets to Hawaii. And I just decided that you’re going with me.”

  “That’s my punishment? Taking a vacation?”

  “Uh-huh. Michael gave me the honeymoon tickets when we cancelled the wedding, but I can’t go alone. That’s just too damn sad. So you’re coming with me.”

  “All right, email me the details. We can probably work something out. I’ve never been to Hawaii.”

  “Love you, Becky.”

  “Love you, too. Bye.”

  Chapter 15

  Matt ordered a Corona with lime from the attractive young bartender, sinking down onto one of the barstools. Man, what a day. The pretty blonde leaned over the bar as she brought over his beer, flashing her ample cleavage at him, but he only nodded and turned away, taking in the festive atmosphere of the restaurant. The cheerful colors and mariachi music didn’t really suit his mood right now, but he was determined to figure out his game plan. The scent of sizzling fajitas had him realizing that he hadn’t eaten all day long, and his stomach rumbled. Hell, when was the last time he’d been so distracted he didn’t even have time to eat?

  Some things in life were worth taking a chance for, damn it, and he wasn’t about to let the one thing he needed slip through his fingers. He’d been numb for too long, going through the motions of life but not really living it. Nothing he did was going to bring Brody back or change the way the ambush had played out. He’d survived, and he owed it to his friend to appreciate the gift of life that he’d been given. And if that included begging Becky to give him a chance, then so be it. He’d fallen for her the very first time he’d seen her years ago, and he’d fallen in love with her a little bit more every day since. Ignoring her hadn’t quashed his feelings. Pretending he could never have her hadn’t dulled the longing inside. The only moment he’d felt complete was when he’d held her in his arms.

  He took a pull from his beer, wondering if she’d even answer her phone if he called her. He’d felt like his own heart was being ripped out when he’d shown up at Melissa’s, and she’d thrust the tear-stained note Becky had left in his face. Melissa had given him hell. It was nothing compared to the way he’d been beating himself up inside though. She could call him every name in the book, and it wouldn’t hurt any more than when Becky had run out his door.

  The door to the restaurant jangled, and he looked over in surprise. She had on a pretty yellow sundress that softly fell over her curves and clutched a book in one hand, apparently intending to eat here alone. Her brown hair looked damp, like she’d just showered. She felt his gaze upon her as she walked in and looked up, her mouth dropping open in shock. The book fell to the floor, and Matt was up in an instant, crossing the room with long strides, pulling a crying Becky into his arms. He breathed in the flowery scent of her shampoo, felt her warmth and soft curves. She collapsed against him, her petite frame fitting perfectly against him, her head tucked safely under his chin, her small body wrapped firmly in his arms. Her body shook with tears, and he ducked his head low, whispering into her ear, “It’s okay, baby, I’ve got you.”

  ***

  Becky glanced up into Matt’s concerned brown eyes, unwilling to believe that he was really here. She’d been upset that he’d never even called her, tried to contact her, and here the man had been flying all the way across the country to see her. To pull her into his arms. She stepped back from his embrace, running her hands over his taught forearms, his muscular biceps, finally daring to touch his face. He was looking down at her with such love and affection in his eyes, it was hard to believe she’d been scared of anything at all with Matt, let alone the chance of a future together.

  “I’m sorry,” she whispered. “I’m sorry.” She stretched up onto her tip-toes and kissed him, needing his warmth and heat and gentle kisses as much as she needed her next breath.

  The few patrons in the restaurant broke into applause, and Becky blushed and buried her face into Matt’s chest as
he grinned. “Maybe we should take this reunion elsewhere,” he murmured softly into her ear.

  “My apartment’s just around the corner.” Becky grabbed Matt’s hand as he bent to retrieve her book, and a moment later the two were hurriedly walking out the front door and down the block.

  Matt captured her waist in his arms once they’d gotten inside her apartment and gazed down at her. “It’s always been you, Becky,” he said, his voice gruff.

  “Why didn’t you ever say anything?” she asked softly. “I’ve known you for years.”

  “You were with my best friend. I just wanted you to be happy.” He ducked his head down, kissing her gently.

  “I am happy, Matt. I was just scared. I haven’t felt alive in an entire year—not until I saw you. You’re the only man I’ve ever been with, aside from Brody, and I panicked.”

  “I’d never hurt you.”

  “I know. I want us to be together.”

  “Thank God,” he said, dipping his head down for a tender kiss. His eyes grew heated, and he slipped a finger under the thin strap of her sundress, lightly caressing her skin as he trailed his hand lower toward her chest. “Did I tell you that you look sexy as hell in this little number?” he asked huskily, gently kissing and sucking on the side of her neck as she gasped.

  “You can tell me now,” she teased.

  He palmed her breast through the thin fabric, squeezing and caressing her with strong fingers, and ducked his head down, kissing along her cleavage. “So. Damn. Gorgeous.”

  “Matt,” she moaned, warmth seeping through her entire body and desire pooling at her center, dampening the panties she wore. His thumb caressed her taught nipple through the flimsy dress, and she gasped.

  “I want to take you just like this,” he said gruffly. “I want to look at you in this dress as I sink deep inside you.”

  She palmed his erection through his trousers, stroking him through the fabric as he hissed. He lifted her dress and slid her panties down her legs, helping her step out of them. Then, unzipping his pants, his erection sprang out. He grabbed a condom from his wallet and Becky took it from him, sheathing his firm length. He lifted her into his arms and backed her against the door, his body pinning her against it. His erection prodded at her wet folds, and she reached down, guiding him to her entrance. The both moaned as he slowly sank inside her, his thick length stretching and filling her completely. Every movement he made brushed the base of his erection against her throbbing clit, and she gasped as she already began to come undone.

  She clung to his broad shoulders, her legs wrapped tightly around his waist as their bodies joined together. He took her harder, thrusting deeper as she bucked wildly against him. “Come for me, Becky,” he ground out. The sound of his deep voice growling against her ear sent her flying, and she cried out his name as he tightened his grip around her, lifting her up and down his shaft. “Becky!” he cried out and then shattered, releasing himself deep inside her hot channel. Becky gasped as she clamped down tighter around him, a light sheen of sweat coating her entire body. She felt limp from her mind-blowing orgasm, and Matt was still impossibly hard inside of her.

  “Which way is your bedroom?”

  “There,” she said desperately, pointing down the hall.

  He carried her down the hallway, still buried deep inside her, right where he belonged. After he gently placed her on the bed, he shucked out of his shirt and pants, stalking back toward her. He bent down for a kiss, and she pulled him on top of her, laughing as he rolled them so she was straddling him.

  “I want you to be mine, Becky,” he said, his brown eyes filled with heat.

  “I’m already yours, Matt.”

  “I’ve always been yours,” he replied, pulling her down toward him and kissing her tenderly. “I’ve always been yours.”

  About the Author

  Makenna Jameison is the author of seven romance novellas, including the bestselling Christmas with a Soldier. Makenna writes stories with hot alpha males, steamy romance, and happily-ever-afters. She loves reading, writing, coffee, the beach, and traveling to new places. Makenna lives in Washington DC with her husband and daughter.

  From the Author

  I hope you enjoyed Her Forbidden Marine, the second book in the new series, HEARTS ABLAZE: Men in Uniform.

  My stories sizzle with passion, complete with strong, sexy heroes and smart heroines following their own path to love. They’re fun, steamy, and always red-hot!

  Visit www.makennajameison.com to discover your next great read.

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  Thank you for reading!

  Want to read more from MAKENNA JAMEISON?

  Keep reading for an exclusive excerpt from the first book in her Hearts Ablaze: Men in Uniform series, A Marine for Christmas.

  Preschool teacher Amy Mitchell has been trying to move on with her life, regretful of letting “the one” get away. She’s determined to forget about love and focus on her students and the art gallery she dreams of opening someday.

  Her hunky neighbor Marine Captain Jason Patterson has regrets of his own—and although there’s no turning back to fix mistakes of the past, he’s determined to do things the right way this time around. Preferably with the brunette bombshell right across the street.

  As their paths cross, Amy realizes a little romance may not be a bad thing. But after a heated night in her neighbor’s bed leaves her questioning their chance of a future together, she starts to wonder—will the sparks between them only leave her burned?

  Chapter 1

  The wind whipped colorful leaves through the air, and Amy glanced up, watching them swirl around and around before landing on the path in front of her. Red maple leaves mixed in with others that were shades of yellow and brown, covering part of the paved trail. Many more still hung on the branches above, painting the trees in the forest fiery shades of crimson and burnt orange. They wouldn’t stay this way much longer; in only another week or two the trees would be bare, leaving the landscape stark and bare for the upcoming winter. But for now, at the peak of the season, she basked in fall’s perfection.

  A crunch from the bushes nearby momentarily startled her before she realized it was probably just a small animal scurrying around, searching for food. Or running away from her, perhaps—she was, after all, jogging through their forest. Amy took a deep breath and smiled, looking up to the clear blue sky that was peeking through the branches. It was a perfect fall day. This time of year always energized her—the warm summer sun had given way to autumn, the air was cool and crisp each morning. In the coming weeks there’d be much to look forward to—warm spiced cider in the evenings, the upcoming weekend getaway with some girlfriends, homemade pumpkin pie on Thanksgiving…. It was a gorgeous time of year for hiking and jogging through the many trails in the forest as well, and she relished this time alone each afternoon to recharge.

  Her mind could drift away to thoughts of anything and everything as she ran, caught up in the rhythm of her movement, the sound of her breathing, and nothing else. There was the art studio she dreamed of opening someday, if she could ever save up the funds. The warm apple pies and cobblers she needed to bake this weekend for the school bake sale on Monday. The preschool classes she taught every morning and afternoon, for which she devoted many hours in preparation. The master bedroom of her house that needed to be painted, and the new artwork she would then dream up and paint to adorn the walls. The pile of books sitting on her nightstand that she would get to if she ever found the free time to read for pleasure again. And Ben. Always in the back of her mind, drifting into her subc
onscious thoughts when she least expected it, was Ben.

  Lately he was on her mind every evening before bed and every morning when she awoke. His dark black hair. Piercing green eyes. Just the right amount of stubble to give him that sexy-yet-not-too-scruffy look that she adored. The soft lips she’d kissed a thousand times. The arms that had held her as they made love. The many nights he’d fallen asleep beside her and the mornings she’d woken up at his side. The one she’d loved and lost. The one who got away.

  It was her fault, really. She’d been too scared to commit to him, to see all that he was offering her. And when she’d finally realized her mistake—how much she really missed him, how much she might even love him—he’d already moved on. It was hard to believe he could find someone new so quickly—I mean really. They’d known each other forever but dated only a few short months before she panicked. And the next thing she knew, bam, he was with another woman. Occasionally she’d catch him glancing her way if they happened to run into each other when they were out, but she generally avoided him at all costs. It was much too painful seeing her on his arm. Sadly, it had become much easier to ignore him, to simply give him a passing nod, than to force herself to speak to him, to her, and to acknowledge the gut-wrenching pain in her stomach and the ache that never seemed to subside in her heart.

  It obviously wasn’t meant to be. Amy was a firm believer in that. If they were meant to be together, then they would be. Hadn’t she known him practically a lifetime before he even noticed her? Before they kissed that one lazy summer afternoon and then barely left each other’s arms for three straight months?