Love Unwrapped

by Kate Asher

  He’d only had her in his life again for two days, but she’d been his unwitting barometer for all the women he’d dated for more than a decade. Could it be the same for her? He pulled back slightly and looked down at her, watching her gaze for a sign that she felt it too.

  “It’s not normal, right? We don’t even like each other. Or”—she shook her head—“that’s not really true. I thought you hated me, and I blamed you for my sister’s issues.” Creases formed on her forehead as she tried to figure out how it all fit together. He ran a thumb over her brow, smoothing out the lines.

  “I think as teenagers we… Well, I used sarcasm and antagonism as my shield. You intrigued me. I didn’t know another way to get your attention. And it worked.” He laughed when she smirked at him. “Befriending Nat wasn’t my best idea, but she said she wanted to help me get closer to you. Since I wanted nothing more, it was a no-brainer.” He pressed his forehead into hers, breathing her in. “And I guess that pretty much sums up that last year—definitely no brains in use.” Blake nibbled down her jawline to her neck, nuzzling aside her top to get to her skin. “Do you believe me now?”

  She tilted her head back to offer him better access. “My whole family blamed you for getting Nat in trouble. Why did you not say anything? How could you let us all believe it was you who’d put her up to robbing that store?” She pushed at his shoulders, but groaned in displeasure when he pulled away.

  “I tried. But my dad was a big businessman in town, and the DA suspected he was shady—maybe he was, I don’t know—but he refused to listen to me and was prepared to prosecute fully.”

  She pushed up and scooted back on the couch so that she was propped up against its arm. Blake groaned. He didn’t want to rehash the past. There were too many much more pleasurable things they could do right here in the present. He sighed when she waved her hand as if telling him to keep going with his story and he sat back to see her better.

  “The judge came up with the military idea and it seemed win-win. I got away from my family, which was a good thing because we never got along. My grandmother—Nana Jean, the only family I got along with and the one who taught me to bake—had passed that year. I didn’t have anyone, and enlisting got them to dismiss the case from my record. I’d planned on going in for one tour and being done. I’d see some of the world then go to college, start a life.” How naïve he’d been. He’d been so scared at first, but he’d met the guys who’d become his family and it had worked out in the end.

  “Why’d you stay in?” She tilted her head, as if puzzling him out. He could see why she’d be a good lawyer. She never left a stone unturned. He sighed as he realized he’d get nowhere with her until he answered every one of her questions.

  “I met Ryan…and a few other guys you might meet one day. They became more than family—or at least more than any family I’d ever known. We all went through BUD/s together—the SEAL training program. Let’s call that a bonding experience.” He smirked her way to lighten the conversation. Then he grabbed her ankle and pulled her back down flat on the couch. She squeaked at the sudden movement but he was over her before she could do anything about it. At her giggle, he said, “And that’s enough of a history lesson.” Blake flicked at the buttons on her blouse. “And while I want to hear about all you’ve done in the last ten years. I do believe there are some things that warrant further exploration. And I think now’s the perfect time to dive right in.” He wiggled one finger under a button until it released, granting him a view of the silky skin of her cleavage. He leaned down and kissed the spot, garnering a moan as Andi arch upward, as if seeking more contact. “I have your attention now, do I?”

  “Yes. Yes. Your lips are amazing,” she breathed.

  He chuckled against her sternum. “I have many amazing bits. Just you wait and see.” He reared back, kneeling with one knee between her legs and one foot off the sofa, and winked at her before tackling those buttons and yanking that shirt open. He sucked in a breath at the sight before him. He reached down to press against his dick, confined in his jeans, but not subdued in any way. He hadn’t come that close to spontaneous ejaculation since he was sixteen. Come to think of it, that might have been her fault that time too. Her lacy confection of a bra left nothing to the imagination. It cupped her breasts perfectly but left nothing hidden. He could even see the freckles through the lace as her chest heaved with her breaths.

  “Take off your shirt.” She pulled at the material, her fingers connecting with the bare skin of his abs, sending a shiver though his body. He reached behind him and grasped his shirt, pulling it forward and over his head, sending it flying. She looked her fill at his chest, then ran her hands down his abs slowly, as if memorizing the texture. When she got to his belt buckle, she tucked her hand inside the waist of his jeans and yanked, sending him toppling forward. He braced himself over her as she pulled him into another kiss. Her hands never stopped working, tugging and struggling with his buckle and jeans.

  But he was more interested in getting her naked. If she got her hands on him at this moment, it would all be over with. He wasn’t ready for that. He had plans.

  He leaned forward on one elbow and ran his hand down her side until he got to her jeans. He flicked open the closure and crawled backward on the couch, pulling her jeans off as he went. The matching lace panties drew him forward again, and he kissed the spot right above the little bow decorating the center of the alluring undergarment. He could feel the heat coming off her, and he wanted nothing more than to get even closer. With his thumbs under the edges of her panties, he glanced up to make sure she wasn’t having second thoughts. She undulated beneath him, encouraging his movements. He pulled the scrap of lace from her body and ran his hands up her thighs, before settling between her legs. He kissed each thigh before moving forward, licking and stroking with his tongue until he made his way to her clit. She reared off the couch, a moan escaping her lips as she gripped the cushions.

  He circled her core and flicked her clit, finding the perfect tempo to drive her wild. Blake couldn’t believe the passion this woman had in her. She appeared so reserved and uptight, but he’d known there was more to Andi than met the eye. He could feel the passion in every biting retort she sent his way. And he wasn’t disappointed. He drank in her sounds, urging him on to go faster or slower, harder and deeper. He spread her wider and took her to the edge. He sank a finger into her heat, feeling the clutch of her core as he twirled his tongue over her clit. Her pants and moans got louder as he took her to the edge. He couldn’t wait to see her go over, to be part of her orgasm. But she yanked at his hair, pulling him back before she crested the wave.

  “Stop. Stop. I don’t…”

  Blake pulled back instantly, concerned she’d changed her mind, but he could see the passion flaring in her gaze. He tilted his head and waited for her to speak.

  “I need…you. I want you in me before…” She gripped his shoulders and brought him down for a kiss. “Please.”

  Who was he to deny a lady’s request? He unbuckled and discarded his jeans in record time, then had to grab them back again to yank his wallet out, scrabbling for a condom. Thank goodness for always being prepared. She watched him put the condom on, keeping contact with his skin, always touching him in some way. Once he was ready, she grabbed his hips and pulled him forward. He loved that she lost all inhibitions when having sex.

  Once he’d positioned himself at her entrance, he met her gaze, watching her every reaction as he filled her slowly. Inch by excruciating inch, he entered her tight heat. There had never been a more perfect moment in his life. He closed his eyes and touched his forehead to hers as he was fully seated, her core pulsating around him, gripping and pulling him in. He’d never last at this rate. He drew in a deep breath, her scent invading his system, clawing at him with the need to consume this woman.

  ~~~

  Andi’s breath released in a slow exhale. Her eyelids closed, and her body arched forward, taking all of Blake. There was no doubt thi
s was a very bad idea—one she couldn’t find it in herself to do anything about other than to lock her legs around his waist and roll her hips forward in an urgent request for him to move.

  He did, in the best possible way. There was no awkwardness—of course there wasn’t. They were fluid together. Blake moved and she followed, their sex creating an instant perfect rhythm. Even in their unending antagonism of one another, they were in rhythm. They each knew exactly where to land a hit. But this…a whole new level. Andi groaned as she wondered if all they’d been through had been some weird precursor to spontaneous, perfect sex. Oh God, when he moved like that she couldn’t even think, something she’d never been able to turn off in any other situation.

  “It feels good,” Andi panted out, her hands reaching for him, wrapping around Blake’s biceps, just needing to touch him.

  “I knew it would,” Blake whispered, lowering to place a lingering kiss on her lips, the small puffs of his warm breath sending tingles racing across her skin. He was sweet and gentle, wrapping her in his arms as he expertly moved in and out of her body.

  The puckered skin of the scar on his right arm drew her attention and she traced it to his back where it sprangled out in various directions. Good heavens, what this man had been through. She couldn’t even imagine. Andi splayed her hands on his back, smoothing a trail down to grip each of his ass cheeks.

  “It’s too good. I’m close, Andi.”

  “Me too.” Her fingernails dug into the flesh of each taut globe, urging him to move faster and harder. She swore she heard a chuckle as her grip tightened, then he lifted himself inches off her. He shifted so he could move his skilled fingers between them, then worked magic against her clit while he picked up the pace, pistoning in and out of her. She crested, her orgasm hurtling through her body, seizing control of her lungs. She tossed her head back against the couch cushion, her body tensing as the spine-tingling orgasm tore through her. Andi dove over the edge to oblivion, soaring on waves of bliss.

  Lips trailing lightly over the skin at her neck brought her back to the room in the most delicious of ways. Andi smiled with her eyes still closed, assessing her body. She’d never had an orgasm knock her out cold. Usually she was energized, ready to get up and go after sex, but whatever had happened here had been something altogether different. The word replete barely covered it. The fact that Blake’s cock slipped from her when they shifted slightly let her know she hadn’t been out long.

  “You’re beautiful,” Blake whispered, his big body resting against the back cushions of the couch, partially on her.

  “I’m not.” Her smile turned into a yawn that turned into an unladylike jaw-cracking yawn. He chuckled again, a sound she really liked. She couldn’t muster the energy to lift a hand to cover her mouth, but she did enjoy the tips of his fingers trailing lightly up and down her tummy, circling the mound of her breast.

  “You always have been. Nothing’s changed.”

  Andi stared at Blake, watching so much emotion darken Blake’s gaze before his hand fully cupped her breast, the pad of his thumb swiping across the nipple.

  “I already want you again. I’m certain I always will.” Blake’s lips touched Andi’s.

  She opened, more than ready to do it all again. As she tried to urge his tongue inside her mouth, he lifted his head and hand away from her.

  “You’re tired.” He shook his head. “You’re going home and I’m finishing those cookies.” His voice had an inviting lilt, one that made her move into him, sliding her palm down the deep ridges of his muscular biceps.

  “I’m not leaving you to finish alone,” she said, mimicking his tone.

  “Ryan’ll be back at some point. Even if he’s not, you’re going home. You’re yawning, and it’s been a long few days. Emotional days. Get some rest and”—he leaned down to kiss her again—“we’ll do it all again.” He glanced around them. “Maybe we’ll use a bed next time.” He shifted off her more fully. “Do you need me to drive you? I can.”

  “You’re being awfully sweet.” That had his bright smile curving the corners of his lips as he cupped her head, his thumb caressing over her cheek.

  “Don’t tell anyone. It’ll ruin my reputation.” That was exactly what she needed to hear. She swiped at his arm playfully and stretched her body as he shoved himself off the sofa. He kissed her in a light, loving way before he rose, a peck on the lips and one on the tip of her nose. He turned away, most likely to deal with the condom, and she got a full view of his back. He was gorgeous, the perfect male specimen. The only thing marring that perfect skin were the scars running over his shoulder, underneath one arm and around his back, then down the side of his body. Andi rose, getting to her feet. Her naked body wasn’t even a concern as she reached out to touch his marred skin.

  “I want to hear this story.”

  Blake’s chin came over his shoulder, and he studied her face for a moment, before saying, “Someday. I like you touching me.” He puckered his lips, and she stepped closer, moving in front of him to press her body against his, then lifted on her tiptoes to meet the kiss. “You need to go get cleaned up or I’m going to say fuck it and take you again. Babs won’t ever understand why the cookies weren’t done because I couldn’t stop making love to her granddaughter.”

  She wrapped her arms around Blake’s waist, loving his teasing, but knowing he was right. Besides, her grandmother did not need to know about this, if for no other reason, than the stubborn woman would think she’d successfully matched them. And that would never do. She could wait a lifetime to hear that gloating. “Where’s the bathroom?”

  “Straight through there.” He pointed to one of three doors in the back of the office. Andi broke away from Blake and gathered her clothes. He backed away from her as she went into the bathroom. She flipped on the light as she shut the door, then turned and got a start when she saw her reflection in the mirror. Her ponytail had come free, her blond hair spilling wildly around her shoulders. Though there was more mascara under her eyes than on her lashes, her flushed face and shining eyes told a tale of happiness, of a well-sated woman. When was the last time she’d see that look on her own face?

  Of course you’re happy, you’re headed down the road of self-destruction.

  The words were so vivid inside her head that she thought she may have spoken them aloud. The thought did diminish some of the relaxed state the orgasm had allowed her to bask in. There was no question that she’d let down her guard. Andi looked away from the mirror, pushing the negativity aside along with her image. She’d needed tonight, more than she’d known, based on the erratic thumping of her heart, as it begged her to pay more attention there and not to what her head tried to warn her against.

  She sighed. Maybe she was tired. Blake was right. It had been a trying few days, an emotional rollercoaster of having to confront her past. She’d take him up on his offer to leave. If she left now, she could get a good seven hours sleep before having to wake and be back first thing in the morning. And maybe in there somewhere she could figure out whether her heart or her head had the right answer. Satisfied with her plan, she began dressing.

  Chapter 10

  Andi’s eyes fluttered open. She stared at the ceiling in her dark bedroom before lifting her cell phone from the mattress beside her and running a finger over the screen. The bright light almost had her missing the time. Four thirty in the morning. She had an hour left to sleep before she had to be up and preparing to package cookies again. Who knew how back-breaking something as simple as baking cookies could be? She closed her eyes and dropped her phone, willing herself back to sleep. It didn’t work.

  She’d had sex with Blake Mangold, who had sweetly called their time together “making love.” Apparently, she had needed the release. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d had good sex. She needed to do that more often... The feel of Blake moving inside her had her drifting on the memory of last night. Did Blake like to cuddle? She did, a little. She wished he was there with her right now. Wo
uld he be that kind of man to wake and make them breakfast in bed?

  Andi shook her head at the crazy thought. She popped open her eyes, again staring at her ceiling. She didn’t do things like have sex in a bakery where anyone could have walked in on them. Bree and Ryan could have come back at any point. Or what if Chelsea had to come back for something? They’d been on his office couch, for heaven’s sake. She had been lonely and vulnerable, having avoided dating in order to advance her career. Her involuntary snort gave an audible reply to what she thought of that statement. She’d avoided dating because she made intolerably bad choices in men.

  Blake being in her apartment with her was never going to happen. Maybe he did speak the truth, maybe he wasn’t the awful man she’d thought him to be, but he also wasn’t boyfriend material. Andi scoffed at the idea and ran a hand through her hair.

  Her heart sank as she realized she’d been the equivalent of a booty call. A few kind words and desirous glances and she’d dropped her pants for a man she had loathed for most of her life. Oh God, embarrassment bloomed as reality stared her down shaking its judgmental finger.

  Maybe he’d been sincere, maybe he had wanted her. Andi’s heart had connected to Blake, and at this moment, it desperately tried to intervene, but she couldn’t deny the truth in her head. Men like Blake, all hot and smoldering, knew how to play women, and Andi had just been played. The pain lancing her heart had nothing on the utter embarrassment she faced. Andi rose from bed, sitting on the side of the mattress, and reached for her phone. An unreasonable act of desperation had her texting her sister.

  “I need you to tell me the truth. Did Blake have anything to do with robbing the store when you two were younger?” she texted Nat. It was early in the morning, maybe Nat was sleeping. Andi groaned out loud. She shouldn’t have bothered her. Nothing good could come from attempting a civilized discussion with her sister. But then her phone vibrated in her hand and she couldn’t resist knowing more about that time in their past.