by Dani Jace
“Hey.” She accepted his hand, warm and strong. “Thought you’d be going to the party.”
He smirked. “I’m no more into those things than you are.”
“Heard there’d be someone waiting for you.” She grabbed her purse and the six-pack.
“Is that why you texted me?” He rounded the Jeep and snagged the pizza.
“No.” She didn’t sound convincing as she followed him up the stairs.
Inside, he flipped on the TV. “Then why?” he asked in a cold tone.
“To talk.” She sat the brews on bar, second-guessing her decision.
After a hard exhale, he handed her the open beer and grab himself one. “You could have called me, or found me at practice.”
“I was afraid.”
The hard set of his jaw softened. Health held the bottle toward her for a toast. “To the show being done.”
“Second that.”
He downed the bottle in nearly one swallow. The sexy black bow tie bobbed at this throat.
He set down the empty, rounded into the kitchen and returned with plates. “Dig in.” Heath shrugged off his jacket and draped it on one of the chairs. “I need to change first.”
She stepped in front of him.
He stopped. His eyes questioned while he stood like an imposing of wall masculine beauty. But he was more, so much more. Not one physical or character trait wooed her, but the combination of all his attributes over whelmed Jordan. No man had ever made her want him so bad. She’d been able to walk away from all. But Heath.
She tugged at his bow tie. The silk gave way. She smoothed her fingers down the length. The heat from his body amped her desire. “I’ve always wanted to do that.”
“Any other firsts you’re interested in trying?” His gaze seared her.
Was it too late? Jordan opened her heart. “I love you.”
Surprise lightened his eyes. He straightened his shoulders.
Taking his hand, she whispered, “You did say to go after what I want.”
“I did.”
She stroked his jaw, missing the stubble he usually wore. “I’m in love with you, Heath. It wasn’t supposed to happen, but I can’t deny the truth any longer.”
His face remained stoic. His posture rigid and unaccepting.
Jordan trembled. Soul revealed for nothing. She swallowed gut-wrenching humiliation. Hammered by rejection, she all but shattered into pieces. Unable to bear another second, she turned for the door.
Heath snagged her by the waist, his breath hot against her ear. “Those words have never passed your lips, have they, darlin’?”
She’d pretended to ignore the reality, but in the end he had her by the heartstrings. “You win.”
He turned her to face him. “It’s not that type of game.”
The words combined with his sexy leer excited her. He pressed his lips to hers. Hot and demanding. She wilted against their authority. Succumbed to his seeking tongue that tangled with hers as she lost her breath.
Arms that had blocked tackles twice her weight, gently carried her to the sofa.
She fought the little black buttons on his shirt and won. So handsome with the black tie hanging loose over the crisp white shirt, opened to reveal his muscled chest. Addiction had never been an issue for her until Heath. The constant ache for him since their split revealed her new vice.
He caught her hands. “I’m still angry with you.”
No more than she was with herself. She pressed against him. His thin suit pants left nothing to her imagination. He wanted her as much as she wanted him. “You have every right. I accept reprimand and punishment.”
“It that so? Then get your sweet little ass out of these.” He snickered and smacked her butt. “You might be sorry.”
Electric white heat streaked to her needy clit. After slipping from her slacks, Jordan stood before him.
The barest crease of a smile tugged at his lips.
To have them on her. All over her.
He slouched deeper into the couch as his predatory gaze zeroed in on her black lace panties. “Those, too.” His rough voice matched the haughty jerk of his chin.
Her legs nearly liquefied. Playing dominant, a way to even the score? Her nipples tightened beneath the thin white halter-top. Instead of following his order, she drew off her shirt.
His nostrils flared. “Finish.”
Turning her back to him, she crossed her ankles, hooked her thumbs in her undies, and leaned forward. Slowly inching them down her thighs. Cool air licked at her slick folds.
Heath strangled a groan.
Pulse pounding in her ears, the room swayed.
“Stroke yourself.”
The command heated her to near overload. Reaching over her rear, she spread her pussy lips for his viewing pleasure. The rasp of his zipper made her shiver. Using circling strokes, she spread her juices.
Hoarsely, he ordered, “Step closer.”
She complied. His deep voice and demand had her giddy with lust.
“Spread your legs.” His warm breath fanned her slit. “So beautiful.”
If he didn’t touch her soon, she’d self-combust. Her inner muscles clenched, aching to feel him. She opened her eyes.
He fisted his cock in slow deliberate strokes.
She nearly came. Need outweighed being compliant. She faced him then knelt, expecting a reprimand. “Spank me, cuff me, whatever you like.”
“Careful darlin’, you don’t know how bad I want to redden you ass.”
“Then do it.” She placed her hands on his knees needing to touch him.
He shook his head. “Never in anger, baby. I will only spank you for your pleasure, not mine.”
She had to respect his reasoning. Leaning close, she hovered her greedy mouth over his weeping head.
His stormy eyes gave permission.
She had captured him with a game. Could she win him back playing submissive? With a gentle lick, she tasted his salty pearl. So fucking hot. She quivered.
He lifted his hips from the sofa.
Jordan stripped him of his pants and boxers.
A sexy trail of brown descended below his navel to the nest of short hair surrounding his eager cock. He opened his thighs wider giving her a better view.
She grasped his thick shaft and pumped. Using her tongue, she circled his flanged crest. He tasted of musk and male. Cupping his sac, she took him deep. The hard feel of him empowered her. She loved making him lose control.
He rocked his hips filling her mouth slow and easy. Brushing her hair from her face, he groaned. “God, darlin’ you make me crazy.”
Good to know she wasn’t the only one suffering from insanity.
* * * *
Heath fucked her hot, sultry mouth, enjoying her soft moans and passion-dark eyes. Her willingness to submit ignited his fantasies of domination.
She’d accepted spanking and mentioned cuffs. Imagining her tied with silk at her wrists and ankles only made him harder.
He took all she offered until his balls drew tight.
“Your turn sweetheart.” He eased her from between his legs.
Her eyes widened, appearing hesitant.
Drawing her onto his lap, he smothered her mouth with his. She tasted like him. His inner animal growled in satisfaction. Like hundred proof whiskey, she intoxicated him. How could he make her understand she meant more than sex? Yet, at the moment, he wanted to control her.
“I want you, Heath.”
Would she take him bare? Or did she think he’d fucked around after she ended their game? He’d considered it just to numb the pain in his heart. “I want you, too, baby. More than you know.
For the moment, a condom didn’t matter as he wanted her under his tongue. He rolled to his side and laid her on her back. He rasped a nipple between his teeth then suckled with his tongue.
She fisted she sofa cushions and arched against his mouth. Her struggle excited him
. Always open, she never disappointed him physically, but he wanted more. He wanted commitment this time. God, he’d missed her. He savored her soft skin, skimming along her hips.
“Eat me.” Her ragged tone acted like a vise on his cock.
He issued a stern tone. “Eat me, what?”
“Please. Sir?”
“That’s better.” He trailed light kisses down her trembling belly. Her pleading made him want to fuck her hard. Until she screamed his name.
A long lick along her weeping folds spiked his taste buds with her tangy sweetness. His dick jerked, eager for play. Her fingers twisted in his hair. Pleasure and pain combined into a dizzying high.
He ached to be buried deep in her tight pussy and feel her come around him.
“Heath?” She clutched his head.
Her heavy-lidded lustful expression rocked him. “Yes, baby.”
“Please.”
“What, darlin’?”
“I’m sorry. So sorry.”
His heart skipped mid-beat. He gathered her into his arms and marched to his bedroom.
He eased her onto his unmade bed. Her bronze hair fanned in loose waves over the white sheets. Her smoky gaze invited him. Long, tanned legs he liked wrapped around his hips, parted as he joined her.
“Fuck me. Please, I need you.”
He rested on his elbows, hovering over her. Her complete submission opened his heart. “I want to make love to you first, baby. Then we’ll fuck all you want.”
He reached for a condom from the nightstand.
“Have you been with anyone?” She sounded lost.
He shook his head.
“Did you want to?” Her breath hitched.
“I went to bed and woke up hard for you.” He smiled.
Opening her legs, she guided him inside her. Like sinking into a soft heaven, his shaft disappeared. Her heat enveloped him. Took him home. He pushed deep, nearly losing consciousness.
“So good.” She moaned.
He wanted her now. Forever. He nuzzled her neck. “Only you, baby. God, I’ve missed you.”
“Me too Coach.”
The sting of her nails on his shoulders fed his need. He quickened his thrusts.
She gasped and grabbed his ass. Her eyelids fluttered. Her channel pulsed around his cock.
He let go.
* * * *
Jordan’s hair tickled Heath’s chest. First light seeped through the blinds. He snuggled closer.
She turned into him and sighed in her sleep. He ran a hand down her bare back. Last night, she’d said she was in love with him. Wasn’t that why he stayed in Virginia, hoping to hear those words?
He’d wanted her to come to him on her own. Not because she ran into him at GiGi’s show. Then again, she didn’t have to text him after the show. She could have gone to the restaurant or hooked up with one of the high-dollar men at the show.
“Who’s thinking too hard now?” She palmed his chest.
“We should talk.”
She stiffened, rose from the bed and grabbed his tuxedo shirt from the chair. “You’re still angry with me.”
He shook his head and propped on a pillow. “No, I’d just like to know what changed your mind?”
Her mouth drooped as she finished the last little button. “I felt humiliated at being cornered by that woman again. It was easy to blame you and GiGi. I’m not a twit, Heath. I would have been upset even if you had told me. I might have cut ties. I saw you as gone after the season anyway.”
The words stabbed him. “So you were running from more than the past.” He stroked her arm. “I’m still here.”
“Stupid of me to think I could outplay you.” She smiled sadly.
He drew her back onto the bed beside him. “Darlin’, we might have had a time out, but I love you. There’s infinite time on the play clock as far as I’m concerned.”
Jordan’s eyes darkened, then she brushed her lips against his.
He deepened the kiss and brought her beneath him.
“Ditto…So, Coach, what’s the next play? Silk handcuffs?” She stroked his ass.
She certainly knew how to get him worked up. “We can definitely work in some kink. But what I want most is you every day and every night. Stay here with me, beautiful?”
She beamed a wide smile back at him. “Maybe. If”—she winked—“you’ll let me keep wearing your shirts.”
“Deal.” He grinned and flicked open the little black buttons.
Meet the Author
Dani Jace enjoys writing headstrong, flip-flop casual heroines and everyday heroes who work with their hands―and other body parts. Claiming the Outer Banks of North Carolina as her second home, she includes the scenic and legendary chain of barrier islands as a setting for many of her tales. When not working on her next novel, she’s dipping her toes in the ocean, reading or checking out the newest action flick. Her husband, son and black Lab, plus her many imaginary characters make life complete. Please visit her at danijace.com, https://www.facebook.com/dani.jace.5 or Twitter: @dani_jace. You can also email her at [email protected].
Be sure not to miss Dani Jace’s
SAND AND SIN
The heart has a mission of its own…
Wounded in more ways than one, Navy SEAL Jax Taylor only understands short-term commitments. And when he walks into the Trident Bar in Virginia Beach, beautiful bartender Peri Halstead sizes him up right away. But that doesn’t stop her from teasing him with her sultry sarcasm, or taking him home—after she finds him passed out cold in the parking lot…
Soon enough, Jax is recovering at Peri’s in return for doing some handyman work, and the sexy sparks are flying—in almost every room in the house. Peri tells herself she deserves some fun, especially now that she’s a single mom with a cheating ex to deal with. But when it’s time for her and Jax to go their separate ways, the miles between them—and the danger that’s about to touch both their lives—has them wondering if Jax can learn to love more than the mission…
A Lyrical Original on sale now
Learn more about Dani at http://www.kensingtonbooks.com/author.aspx/31671
Chapter 1
Through shimmering waves of heat, Jax Taylor sighted his target through the second story window shielded by ratty, threadbare curtains. He shifted on his makeshift snipe stand, an overturned crib he’d found in the bombed-out mud-brick apartment complex. If he bit the big one today, his uncle and brothers in arms would probably be his only mourners. The latter would throw an epic party. After hours on watch, remnants of the crosshairs burned into his retina from the scope of his M14.
On loan to the army for the last few weeks, he counted down the days to when his team’s deployment ended. He could already taste a cool one on the beach. The chilly Pacific would offer a perfect respite from the heat of this stinking hellhole where the only water in quantity soaked his desert camos as sweat.
AK-47 in hand, an insurgent finally scaled the low wall and sprinted across the street for a building occupied by US troops.
Game on, bastard.
His heart rate dropped. His breathing slowed. Increasing pressure on the trigger, he exhaled and squeezed. The target plowed headfirst into the dust before the sound of the bullet echoed back.
Gunfire peppered the stagnant air from every direction. He scrambled to his feet and shouldered his sniper rifle and gear bag. With his standard-issue Colt M4A1 assault weapon pointed, he crept down the stairs. At street level, he’d even the odds for the army boys.
If the fucking shit-storm continued, there wouldn’t be much of an Afghan town left to protect.
Conforming to the doorway, he aimed and picked off a single gunman about to unload into the street filled with US soldiers. Outside, with his back to the plaster wall, he pinged targets like the metal ducks at a carnival.
Chatter in his earbud alerted him the guys were bugging out. An armored unit was already en route. He caught up and joined the r
ear guard. ETA two minutes.
Long enough to die over one hundred and twenty times.
Sweat and dirt stung his eyes. He shoved a magazine into his rifle, then touched the pistol holstered to his thigh for back up. Like an action movie, everything moved in slow motion. Dust swirled around them as tracer fire crisscrossed the street in sync with the rat-a-tat-tat of gunfire. The grinding tracks and clack of a diesel engine announced the Bradley’s arrival. Soldiers raced into the armored vehicle.
Jax slipped through last. Before the door closed, a bullet ricocheted, biting the back of his thigh. Warm wetness bathed his pants leg.
Fucking hell.
* * * *
Forty-eight hours later, Jax fidgeted in the uncomfortable seat inside the cargo bay of a C-130 cargo plane bound for the States. The doctors refused to release him back to his SEAL team after they’d dug out the bullet. Luckily it hadn’t nicked an artery. Armed with a shitload of antibiotics, he’d put in for leave and caught a mail hop to the East Coast. The bullet wound chafed his ass more than his leg, metaphorically speaking.
By early evening, the plane landed in Little Creek, Virginia. He exited and took a deep breath. Compared to the dusty desert, the salty air smelled sweet. He’d always been a water dog.
He scanned his phone for TJ’s number and pressed send. They’d completed BUD/S, Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training but had been assigned to separate teams.
“You’re here already?” He sounded surprised.
“Yeah, and without wheels. I need a drink in the worst way.”
“Shit, Jax. We’re packing out now for a night jump. How about tomorrow?”
Of all his fucking luck. A bar on base would do, but he’d kill for a decent cheeseburger and a chance to lay eyes on beautiful women in the flesh. He’d never realized how wonderful American women smelled until humping through the shithole towns of Afghanistan. “Where do you usually hang? I’ll take a cab.”
“Not anywhere near the base. I live closer to Oceana at the beach. I’ll send my girlfriend to get you when she gets off work.”