He chuckled. “Am I that obvious?”
“Um, yes?” I replied tartly.
He answered by sweeping me up and tossing me on the bed. I let out a yelp right before he crawled up over me, lying between my thighs.
“I guess I’ll have to make an effort to be more mysterious,” he mused.
“I like you the way you are,” I murmured, reaching up to stroke the scruff along his jaw.
His cell vibrated in his pocket, and it wasn’t the first time since we’d landed. In fact, it had gone off several times.
“Someone you need to talk to?” I asked with a lifted brow.
He groaned. “I made the mistake of telling Sam and Danny when we were landing. They are chomping at the bit to see you. But I’m holding them off until tomorrow. Tonight, I want my girl all to myself in my house, in my bed.”
We were definitely in agreement on that. Not only did I want some alone time with Theo, I also wanted the chance to settle into his space a bit. I’d liked living in Los Angeles, but it would take some time to get used to the idea of being back, and the way Theo talked about it, I was back for good.
He dropped a kiss to my lips just as my stomach growled.
He slid lower, dropping a kiss to my belly. “It seems like the first order of business is dinner. Do you want to order in or go out? There’s a few places close by.”
I thought about that. I’d missed the selection of food LA had to offer, and part of me was tempted to go out and explore the neighborhood. “I think I’d like to get unpacked and just hang here tonight.”
“Sounds good,” he agreed, lifting himself off the bed and offering me a hand up. “I’ll go get the rest of our stuff and call in some dinner. Sushi? Thai? Chinese? What sounds good?”
“Oh my God,” I moaned. “I haven’t had sushi in forever. That sounds amazing.”
“Sushi it is.” He nodded, stepping closer to grasp my backside, pulling me in close. “Can’t wait to hear you moan like that for me later,” he added, his voice a deep rumble as his lips slid over the delicate skin under my ear.
I trembled in response. I had no doubt I would be, and I looked forward to it.
****
Later that night, belly full of sushi and my clothing hung next to his in the closet, I lay nestled against Theo’s side as we watched a movie in the living room.
Or, he was watching a movie while I grappled with my mood.
Despite how comfortable Theo’s condo was, and how right it felt to be by his side, I found myself slipping into unexpected anxiety.
I sat up, sliding out from under his arm. “I’m going to go take a shower,” I announced quietly, needing a minute to myself.
He looked at me in surprise, concern flashing in his eyes. “Everything okay?”
“Fine,” I replied, pasting a smile across my face and standing up. “I’ll be back soon,” I added, knowing my posture was stiff as I headed back toward the master bedroom.
Underneath the scalding hot water in Theo’s massive shower, I tried to get a handle on my emotions.
It was the chance at happiness that scared me, I realized. Evan had been hell-bent on taking away any opportunity I’d had since college, and now, here with Theo, I had a shot at the real thing. What if he ruined this, too? And, what if I didn’t know how to start over? I had the opportunity now to recapture my dreams, but somewhere along the way I’d accepted that they were out of reach, and I worried I wouldn’t know how.
I was angry with myself that I’d let Evan root his poison this deep. I was stronger than this, dammit.
I pressed my forehead to the cool tile, the hot water sluicing over my back.
Moments later, the shower door opened and Theo’s large, very naked body pressed to my back. “What’s going on, sweetheart?” he asked as he turned me and pulled me into his arms, resting his chin on top of my head. “Are you not happy here?”
The worry in his tone filled me with guilt. “It’s just the opposite,” I rasped, knowing that probably didn’t make any sense. “I feel like I’m waiting for the other shoe to drop. It always does. This all feels too good to be true.” I shrugged as I stood with my cheek pressed to his chest.
“Baby, I understand what you’re saying. I can’t imagine living through what you have the past few years, but by still living in fear, you’re letting him win. By keeping your life on hold, he wins. You’re the lion, remember?” he reminded me gently.
“I know.” I sighed. “You’re right. Logically I know that. I think it will just take a while for me to truly believe that. To own it.”
He tipped my chin up so I was looking at him. “I’ll help you. Every step of the way.”
“I know that, too,” I murmured as my eyes slid downward to his very impressive length. “Um.” I swallowed. “You do realize you’re naked, right?”
He grinned, not shy in the least. Why would he be? The man was stacked. “That makes two of us,” he murmured, running a hand over my hip. He bent to take my mouth in a kiss that started out slow and sweet. His teeth nipped at my lower lip gently before his tongue licked along my lips, seeking entry.
The moment his tongue met mine, the kiss went wild as he dove deep, his hands roaming over my slick body. He explored my breasts, tweaking each nipple, working me into a state of knee-quaking lust before sliding his fingers in between my legs, making me gasp.
“Sit here,” he directed throatily, pushing me gently back against the bench seat. The moment I complied he was on his knees and his head was in between my legs. He slid my legs over his shoulders, allowing him better access to me. His throaty murmur of approval sent a shiver of pure pleasure unlike anything I’d ever known through me.
When I called his name, heralding my release, the sound ricocheted off the walls with a volume that would have embarrassed me if I was able to think just then.
He remained kneeling for a moment longer, biting my inner thigh gently, rubbing his face against my skin. “You’re fucking delicious, babe,” he murmured.
I blushed, looking down at him with a grin.
He insisted on carrying me to bed after drying me off. I was too satiated to argue, and frankly, it felt wonderful being wrapped up in his arms.
He crawled in naked beside me and pulled me close.
Knowing I had a man who wouldn’t allow me to shut him out, who’d fight for me even when I couldn’t fight for myself, had me drifting off to sleep contentedly, knowing those dreams of mine were finally in reach.
Chapter 13
“Sweetheart.” His quiet coaxing woke me from a deep sleep.
“Hmph?” I mumbled.
“I’ve got to get to headquarters—you want to come with or do you want to sleep?”
“What time is it?” I yawned, cracking my eyes open, surprised to find him standing by the side of the bed already dressed in workout gear.
“Six.”
I groaned. I was typically a morning person, but I was wrung out from the day before. I also didn’t necessarily feel like hanging around the condo all morning by myself. “I’ll get up,” I said. “How much time do I have?”
“Fifteen minutes. I’ll make us a couple of protein shakes.”
“Okay,” I agreed forcing myself out of bed. “You’re headed to PT?” I asked, referring to the physical training the Talon guys did several times a week.
He nodded. “Gotta step things up since I’m wheels up in ten days.”
I was well accustomed to the guys’ training and diet regimen leading up to a job. It meant a lot of early morning workouts and bland protein-based food in his future.
I didn’t relish the idea of him leaving but was determined to support his career, dangerous or not.
After a lightning-quick shower, I threw on a pair of jeans and a simple tank top, swiping on some mascara and lip gloss.
“Ready,” I announced as I met him in the kitchen and accepted the protein shake he handed me. “Guess it’s a good thing we enjoyed that sushi last night. Carbs!” I smirke
d in mock horror as he grabbed his keys.
“Just because I’m training doesn’t mean you have to torture yourself, too.” He chuckled as we headed out to the parking garage.
“Babe.” I rolled my eyes. “I’m hardly going to torment you by eating pizza in front of you or something. I know how much you miss your junk food.” I grinned.
He surprised me by halting my progress, pressing me up against his SUV. “Say it again,” he demanded.
“Um, pizza?” I replied in confusion.
He shook his head. “You called me babe. You’ve never used any sort of endearment with me. I liked it.” His declaration was a throaty murmur as he pressed into my body.
“I can see that,” I replied breathlessly as he dipped low and kissed my neck.
“Damn, I wish we had time for me to show my appreciation. Later.”
“Later,” I agreed.
****
Walking into Talon, I felt in many ways that no time had passed. The large converted warehouse hadn’t changed in the physical sense. The reception desk still sat at the front of the open-concept space, with the desks, kept meticulously neat, beyond. I knew that the larger-than-life gym still lay at the back of the building with its own locker room, bunk room, and kitchenette. The biggest difference was that I now grasped Theo’s hand—something I couldn’t have fathomed a year ago.
But had always secretly daydreamed about.
And I was different, too. I wasn’t here to pretend—to put on a façade that I was the quiet girl who didn’t share much about myself. I wasn’t here hiding from my past with a deep fear of the future. No, this time they’d get the real me.
I just hoped like hell they liked her.
“Holy shit, look what the cat dragged in,” Sid bellowed from the back of the room as he stalked closer, a grin lighting up his handsome face. He wrapped me in a hug. “It’s damn good to see you, Sarah.”
“You, too.” I grinned.
“What am I, chopped liver?” Theo demanded with mock hurt.
“Most of the time? Yes,” Sid deadpanned as Travis emerged from the gym with a man I didn’t recognize.
As the head of Talon, the Travis I’d known was the most serious of the men, often reluctant to share or joke around. Now I saw a lightness in him that hadn’t been there previously. I wondered if his fiancée had something to do with that.
“Sarah, welcome back,” he greeted, hugging me briefly. “Armstrong treating you all right?” he asked with a head tilt toward Theo.
“Like a queen,” I replied with absolute sincerity.
Travis’s expression warmed and I swore Theo stood a little taller at my words. “This is Ryan Greer, joined our team a few months back. He’s Emerly’s younger brother,” Travis introduced the man I hadn’t recognized, who was clearly a good ten years younger than the rest of the team.
“Nice to meet you.” He extended a hand to shake. “I’ve heard a lot of good things.”
He was handsome, with bright green eyes that seemed to pierce straight to the very heart of me.
“Nice to meet you, too,” I greeted. “Where’s the receptionist?” I asked, surprised no one was here.
“Late,” Travis grunted.
“It’s a sore subject,” Theo muttered.
“I can tell,” I replied.
Travis simply grumbled, “We training or what?”
“We’re training,” Sid agreed.
“I’ll make coffee,” I volunteered as Theo dropped a quick kiss to my lips and followed the guys back to the gym.
“Not your job anymore, babe!” he hollered over his shoulder.
“Maybe not, but a girl still needs to caffeinate!” I called back.
Yep, it felt good to be back.
An hour later I was situated behind the reception desk, sipping coffee after tidying up the workspace. Old habits died hard, it seemed.
A brunette not much older than me wandered in as I was searching for jobs online.
She paused when she saw me, her eyes widening in surprise.
“Oh sorry, am I in your spot?” I asked, standing up. “I used to work here. I guess old habits and all that.” I waved a hand. “I’m Sarah.”
“Jenna,” she muttered, slipping her purse off her shoulder and shoving it into the bottom drawer. “What’d you do to my desk?” she accused.
“Oh well, I had some spare time so I cleaned it up just a bit. I didn’t get rid of anything,” I assured her. “I did notice there were conference dates written on a Post-it at the very bottom of the pile, wanted to make sure you saw it,” I hedged, knowing I was way overstepping and not able to stop myself.
“Shit,” she groaned, before muttering a begrudging, “Thanks.”
I thought it best to get out of her way, and went to sit at Theo’s desk. I’d just started scrolling through my phone when a commotion sounded by the door, followed by three sets of paws and three chattering female voices.
I recognized Trixie, Sid and Sam’s Chihuahua, but not the shepherd mix or Lab mix that followed.
“Sarah!” Sam’s cry filled the quiet space. With her blond hair tinged with pink and sparkling eyes, Sam looked like her gorgeous energetic self, plus a noticeable baby bump.
I stood up, wrapping her in a hug before reaching over to pull Danika, Sid’s brother Caden’s wife, in as well.
“We missed you, you bitch,” Sam groused when we pulled away.
“I know. I’m sorry,” I replied apologetically, before looking over at the unfamiliar blond woman with the gorgeous curls. “You must be Emerly, Travis’s fiancée.” I smiled.
She offered a little wave. “That’s me. It’s nice to meet you. I’ve heard so many good things.”
“I have, too,” I replied. “Travis seems different, happier,” I noted warmly.
“Doesn’t he?” Sam chimed in on the change in her big brother. “It’s the Em effect.” She winked.
Emerly blushed, reaching down to pet one of the dogs that must be hers.
“Where are the kids?” I pouted. I was desperate to see Sid and Sam’s son, Hudson, and Danny and Caden’s daughter, Olivia.
“At school,” Sam replied.
“Day care,” Danny added. “I’m helping Cade at the shop today.”
Caden owned one of the most successful tattoo shops in Los Angeles.
“How about we have you guys over for dinner tonight?” Sam suggested.
I nodded. “I’d like that. Let me check with Theo, but I don’t think we have anything planned.”
“We!” Sam squealed. “I so love that. It’s about damn time, too.”
I wasn’t sure how to respond to that, so instead issued my warning. “He’s training, so there won’t be anything delicious in his future.”
“I know. Sid, too.” Sam sighed.
“Are they on this job together?” I wondered hopefully. I didn’t wish for Sam’s husband to be gone, but I trusted Sid. Knowing the two of them would be together eased some of my worry.
She nodded. “Hopefully Sid’s last before baby. Anyway, I have to roll to a recording session, but I expect to see you at my house tonight. Six o’clock,” she added sternly. Sam didn’t mess around with hosting duties.
“Yes, ma’am,” I agreed, before turning to the other women. “So good to see you, Danny, and nice to meet you, Emerly. Will I see you guys tonight?”
They both nodded, issuing their farewells.
I watched them go knowing I had plenty of ground to cover before we regained what we’d had. I was reassured that just being here and the honesty I planned to follow with would be a solid start in that direction.
****
“He shot you off a horse?” Sam demanded incredulously later that night. After a delicious dinner, Sam and Danny had put the kids to bed in Hudson’s room and we were sitting around the fire pit in their backyard.
I nodded, in the midst of explaining my first encounter with Theo in Montana.
Theo scoffed as he sat beside me, his arm wrapped around th
e back of my chair. “I was shooting and the horse got spooked.”
“Which resulted in me getting thrown.” I rolled my eyes.
“What can I say? I always make an impression.” He shrugged.
“That’s definitely true.” Sid chuckled. “Have you heard from Dec?”
“He’s been quiet,” Travis chimed in, the concern evident in his tone.
“He’s staying in Montana for the time being—near Sarah’s folks’ ranch. He wants to keep an eye on things for a while,” Theo replied.
I bit my tongue hard against saying anything about him keeping an eye on Char. I inwardly gave myself a medal for my restraint.
“So, have you guys set a date yet?” I asked, turning my attention to Emerly who was sitting in Trav’s lap.
“October fifteenth.” Em beamed. “We’re nearly done, but the last-minute planning is throwing me for a loop,” she admitted.
“I’d be happy to help,” I offered. “I love planning events and I’m not really doing anything right now.”
Sam looked at me in surprise. “You mean the guys didn’t chain you to the desk and force you to come back to work once you stepped foot in headquarters?”
I laughed. “I think I would have remembered that.”
“Just wait then,” she added sagely.
I couldn’t help but notice that none of the guys argued with her assessment.
“Anyway.” I laughed, breezing past her comment as I turned eyes to Em. “I’d be happy to help out—if you need it,” I offered casually, not wanting to be pushy.
“Oh, we need it,” Emerly agreed. “I might take you up on that.”
“Cool, anytime.”
“How does it feel to be back in LA?” Danny asked me from her seat next to Caden.
Her question was light, but the answer was anything but.
“Good,” I replied, knowing so much was going unsaid and wondering if I was brave enough to address it in front of everyone at once. I took a deep breath and soldiered on. “I really missed all of you, and I’m so sorry for the way I left.”
Theo removed his arm from around me so he could take my hand, offering it a reassuring squeeze.
“I was worried my past would negatively impact Talon and all of you. And I was afraid and ashamed,” I admitted, my cheeks burning. “I wanted to reach out, but the more time went by, the harder it got. I just hope you can forgive me.”
Collide (Talon Security Series Book 3) Page 9