Hidden Charm

by Jill Sanders

“We need to install that dog door I purchased a few months back.” He thought about the other things he’d been putting off working on while Emma was here. Maybe tomorrow, when he installed the cameras, he could knock out the dog door installation as well.

  He made his way slowly to his office, enjoying the light rain as he went. It had stormed on his way home, but now the skies were clearing up and the clouds were quickly being pushed away.

  He logged into his computer, brought up a new screen, and continued working on his newest project. It was difficult working on three books at once, but nothing he hadn’t done before. He’d pushed back his other project, knowing this one would make all the difference in his and Emma’s careers.

  He didn’t hear the sound behind him, but instead felt her presence. His fingers stopped on the keys, and his entire body reacted to her closeness. Her smell filled him, completely.

  “Are you okay?” he asked as he turned slowly around. Their eyes locked and he knew exactly why she was there. He could feel the heat and passion from across the room.

  “You… you’re writing a sequel for Hannah?”

  “I am.” He nodded to the screen. “Almost two thousand words in already.”

  She moved closer, her eyes going to the screen. “For me?”

  “Well, I won’t turn away the money it brings me.” He smiled, but her eyes returned to him and his smile fell away. “Yes, for you.”

  “Why?” She shook her head, her eyes locked with his as she moved closer.

  “You were having a hard time deciding what your next project should be, so… I simplified your choices.” His chin rose as he looked up at her. “You’re Hannah.”

  “But…” Her eyes narrowed. “She dies at the end.”

  “No.” He shook his head and stood, so he could touch her. “She’s wounded, but… does she actually die?”

  She bit her bottom lip and he could tell she was thinking about it. “No, I just assumed.”

  He smiled. “So will everyone else. Imagine their surprise when you come back the victor, stronger than ever. Ready to kick some alien butt.”

  “Alien?” She blinked. “I thought…”

  He laughed. “So did everyone else.”

  She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. “Okay, I don’t know if I want to know anything more until you’re done.”

  “Good, because I don’t have any more.” It was the truth. He hadn’t thought that far ahead in the new story. He had a basic idea of what he wanted, but nothing more.

  “What?” She blinked.

  “I’ve only written several thousand words… remember?” He smiled as he dropped his hands. If he continued to touch her, he might not want to ever let go.

  “You’re amazing. I don’t know how you do it. Coming up with all that…” She glanced around. “In here and here.” She reached up and touched the side of his head, her fingers going into his hair.

  They felt wonderful on him.

  “Don’t you have stories in there? Stories you dream about when you’re not busy?” He touched the side of her head like she was doing to him.

  She shook her head from side to side, and his hands sunk further into her soft hair. “No, but then again, I’m so consumed with problems, with people, with what I’m going to do next, I don’t have time.”

  “Well, at least now one of those items is crossed off your list.”

  She was silent as her eyes turned softer. “You’re so different than anyone I’ve ever known.”

  “In a good way, I hope?”

  She nodded slowly as she moved closer to him. “You’re… a charmer.”

  He laughed. “No, I just saw firsthand growing up how to not treat a woman.”

  She’d kissed him before. Now, as he looked down at her lips, he knew this time he wanted to be the one making the moves.

  “Emma,” he said softly. “This isn’t a good idea.” It came out as a whisper.

  “I think… it’s the best idea we have.”

  His lips brushed against hers and he knew there wouldn’t be any going back now. She was more powerful than anything he’d ever had before.

  His hands ran down her neck, holding her lips to his as her nails sank into his shoulders and arms.

  When her body melted against his, he hoisted her up and carried her up the narrow staircase.

  “Tell me to stop now.”

  “No.” She shook her head. “I don’t want you to.” He slid her body down against his and stood her up once more less than a foot from the bed. “I didn’t come here for this,” she said, cupping his face in her hands. “Just so you know.”

  “I know.” He kissed her again as her fingers rushed to open his shirt. She tossed it on the ground beside them and leaned back to run her eyes over his chest.

  “Impressive.” She sighed as her fingers brushed over his skin, and his body instantly responded.

  She took a step back and slid her shirt over her head. His eyes took in her flawless skin along with every curve she had. She was more beautiful than he could have imagined.

  Reaching up, he brushed the back of his hand over her shoulder and her eyes closed with pleasure.

  When he pulled her back to him, their skin collided and he heard a soft moan escape her lips before he covered them with his own. Her fingers tangled in his hair, pulling him closer as her body sent his closer to the edge.

  He backed her up until her knees hit the side of the bed. When he hoisted her up and tossed her playfully to the soft mattress, she laughed and smiled up at him.

  Her hair was fanned out around her face, and her smile did something to his insides he never would have expected. He felt the wall around his heart soften as he looked down at her. His smile grew when she reached up and yanked him down next to her.

  “Two can play at this.” She moved quickly and pinned him under her. Her hands held his wrists above his head as her knees and hips held him pinned to the mattress. “Don’t move,” she said softly. When he nodded in agreement, she released his wrists and ran her fingers over him. He closed his eyes and enjoyed her exploring him.

  He felt her fingers release his jeans, and his eyes opened again. He wanted to move, to hold her away until he felt a little steadier, but he’d promised and when her eyes snapped up to his, he knew she wanted him to remain still.

  “Is there a problem?” she purred.

  “No.” He closed his eyes again as she tugged his jeans free from his hips. He moved to help her, but she made a tsking noise and he stopped. “That’s better,” she said. When he was fully naked, lying on the bed, she hovered over him without saying a word.

  Once again, his eyes opened. She was looking at him, a smile on her lips and heat in her eyes.

  “Like I said, impressive.”

  “You’re killing me,” he growled, wishing she’d release him from her hold.

  She ran a finger down the middle of his chest, not stopping until she hit his belly button.

  “I want to touch you,” he said, causing her eyes to return to his. “You have too many clothes on.” He nodded to her jeans.

  She moved up until she could slide her jeans from her own hips. He watched her every move.

  Underneath the denim was blue silk.

  “You still have more clothes on than I do,” he hinted when she settled back over him.

  “Patience,” she teased. “Besides, I want you to remove them from me… later.” She leaned down and placed her mouth on his skin. She kissed a trail from his pecs to his belly button and his breath hitched. He forgot about his promise as his hands moved to into her hair.

  She didn’t say anything and instead moved lower.

  Emma couldn’t help herself from enjoying everything about JT. His body was amazing. Toned. Tan. Sexy as hell. There was a soft dusting of blond hair that covered his chest and traveled all the way down to his cock. She’d been with a few men in her life, but none as impressive as the man currently under her control.

  She’d meant, at least this ti
me, to be in charge. She took her time running her hands and her mouth over him. His hands were buried in her hair, holding her, guiding her.

  She hadn’t expected to lose control of her own desires so quickly. Her nails scraped his thighs, and she felt his muscles jump underneath.

  Then she was once again tossed around. This time, when her shoulders hit the mattress, there wasn’t laughter, only desire in JT’s eyes as he looked down at her.

  Before coming down to her, he pulled out a condom from the nightstand by the bed. Kneeling in, he removed her panties with his mouth, running his tongue down her hip and thighs slowly.

  “JT,” she sighed, trying to pull him up to her. He moved slowly back up her body, opening her legs wider with his hands.

  “When I take you,” he said as he looked down at her, “while I take you, there are no others.”

  She shook her head. “Only you.” She held onto his shoulders as he moved quickly and embedded himself fully into her.

  The cry of pure pleasure was ripped from her lungs as her legs wrapped around his hips, holding him as close to her as she could.

  He kissed her again as his hands roamed over her, his powerful thighs spreading her legs more and more with each thrust.

  She knew she couldn’t hold on much longer. She’d grown too impatient for this over the past week and a half. Being this close to him. Falling more and more for the man she’d dreamed about for the past year.

  “JT.” She arched for him when she felt the last threads of her control snap.

  “Again,” he said into her hair. “I’ll take it all.” He placed a soft kiss just below her earlobe, which sent bumps and shivers traveling down to her toes.

  “I…” She was about to tell him she couldn’t possibly give him anymore, when her body responded to his touch. Instantly, she was thrust back into full desire.

  Suddenly, needing more herself, she pushed on his chest until he was flat on his back on the bed. Hovering over him, she easily took him back into her and leaned down to kiss him again.

  “You like being in charge,” he said with a soft chuckle.

  “For now. It seems to fit my mood.” She moved slowly and watched his eyes close with pleasure.

  “I’m going to allow this,” he said, causing her to laugh again.

  Then his hands moved up to her hips, and his fingers dug softly in as he helped her move over him. When she started moving faster, she could see the passion grow stronger behind his blue eyes.

  She knew he wasn’t going to allow her to be in control much longer when she felt his hips jerk under her. He wrapped his arms around her and she held on as he controlled their movement from underneath her.

  The only sound now was the laboring of their breath. She tasted the saltiness from their skin when he kissed her.

  She closed her eyes and allowed her entire essance to be consummed with only him. When she felt herself slip this time, he moved quickly and pinned her once more under him.

  His movements were relentless, unwavering as he continued to take everything she offered.

  Her eyes locked with his and she could tell he was lost. She could see the passion as well as feel it.

  “JT,” she whispered just as she felt his release wrack his entire body.

  She’d never experienced anything more powerful in her life. She knew instantly that she had to have more.

  He collapsed onto her, his breathing heavy on her neck as she felt his heart race against her chest. Her arms wrapped around his narrow waist, holding him tight. She never wanted to let go.

  “I’ll move as soon as I can feel my body,” he said next to her ear.

  “Don’t move,” she said, tightening her hold on him. “I want to stay right here, all night.”

  “I wish we could.” He leaned up and placed a kiss on her forehead. “But I don’t want to leave Bo alone in the house for that long.” He shifted and easily picked her up in his arms.

  “Where are we going?” she asked.

  “I thought we’d hit the shower, then head back to the house.” He smiled down at her. “This shower is bigger than the one in the house. Besides, there’s this really cool feature.”

  “Oh?” She wrapped her arms around his neck.

  “Yeah, there’s a built-in seat and shelf I’ve been dying to try out with someone.”

  She narrowed her eyes. “You haven’t brought someone else here before?”

  He looked down at her and stopped in the middle of the floor. “The last time I dated someone, I had just moved into the house. She never came to the island. You’re the only woman I’ve had here.”

  She felt her heart flutter and couldn’t stop the smile from spreading. “Really?”

  He chuckled and started walking across the room again. Just then, lightning flashed, and she glanced towards the wall of windows.

  It was then she noticed they had just done that… in front of a wall of windows. Windows without blinds or curtains. They had just made love in full view of anyone who might have passed by.

  “Relax. We’re on an island, remember?” he said after glancing over to where she had looked.

  “Right,” she agreed. “That doesn’t mean there wasn’t someone out there, getting a show.”

  He shrugged. “I doubt it.” He walked into the bathroom and flipped on the shower. “It takes a moment for the water to heat.” He leaned down and ran his mouth over hers as he held her.

  “JT?” she said between kisses.

  “Hmm?”

  “I’m glad I came here.” She sighed as their eyes met.

  “Me too,” he said, just before stepping into the huge shower.

  Chapter 15

  JT held onto Emma as she slept. Bo was curled in a ball at their feet, hogging the foot of the bed. He wanted to nudge the dog off the bed, but didn’t want to wake Emma this soon. She needed the extra sleep.

  The sun was just coming up and his internal clock had woken him. That and the need to hold Emma and watch her sleep.

  She was more than he’d ever dreamed he’d ever get in his life. In every aspect, she was better than he’d ever hoped for.

  She shifted in sleep and he pulled her closer, causing her eyes to flutter open. Her skin was soft and warm next to his. Silently, he nudged Bo, who grumbled slightly as he jumped from the bed.

  “Morning,” she said.

  Before her eyes could focus, he entered her slowly and watched awareness surface.

  Her cheeks flushed with each movement. He pinned her arms gently above her head and held on as he took her slowly. He wanted to show her all the tenderness he felt for her.

  Their kisses were slow, as were their movements. He took his time enjoying her and only when he felt her tighten around him with her release did he allow himself to follow her.

  “Morning,” he said. His face was once more buried in her hair.

  She chuckled. “Morning.” He felt her shift, then she laughed even more. “I think we scared Bo.”

  He glanced over and saw the dog sitting in the corner of the room on his bed. The look in the dog’s eyes told him that he wasn’t sure what his master had just done, but he wasn’t pleased with the noises Emma had been making. JT, on the other hand, had enjoyed every soft sound that had escaped her while he pleased her.

  He rolled off the bed, taking her with him until she sat across his lap. “How about another shower… then some breakfast.”

  “If this morning’s shower is anything like last night’s, we’ll have to make it lunch.” She kissed him and settled on his lap further.

  “I wish we could take the time, but Rowan and Brock are stopping by today to help me install the security system.” He glanced over at the clock and winced. “In less than an hour.”

  “Okay, quick shower, then some toast.” She stood up and took his hand, and he followed her to the bathroom.

  He heard the boat motor just as he swallowed his last bite of toast. Bo barked and jumped at the back door. Emma was still upstairs getting dre
ssed. He was about to open the door when he looked down at Bo and froze.

  The dog had a pattern. When he heard a boat motor, he always did the same thing. Bark and demand to be let out so he could go greet whoever was visiting.

  That meant that whoever was sneaking onto the island most likely wasn’t doing it with a motorized boat. When Bo whined again, he opened the door and followed him out to the docks.

  He shook both of the men’s hands and then immediately voiced his suspicions to Brock.

  “You think whoever’s sneaking onto the island is doing so by rowboat?” Brock asked, glancing out over the water.

  “The nearest place is…” Rowan began.

  “East Haven Resort,” JT supplied as he pointed in the direction of the private resort island. He could just make out the land in the distance. At night, from here, he could see the lights and, sometimes on a calm night, hear the music from some of the parties held there.

  “They have a few rowboats tied to their docks. I can ask Ben and Sarah if they know who took them out both times,” Rowan said.

  “Three times,” JT added.

  Rowan glanced back at the house. “How’s she holding up?”

  “Fine. The note spooked her, but knowing Bo is okay has her relaxed, slightly.”

  “Good.” Brock bent down and gave Bo a belly rub. “Not much of a guard dog if he keeps eating whatever it is they give him.”

  “I’ve upped the amount of food I give him. Maybe, if he’s not hungry, he won’t fall for it next time.”

  “I’m not sure that will work,” Rowan supplied. “Blue got into the dog food once and ate half the bag before we found her. Then, a few minutes later, she snagged CJ’s sandwich right off the plate.” Rowan chuckled. “Her stomach was about to explode, but I bet if you had held a steak out for her, she would’ve eaten every bite of it.”

  Everyone glanced down at Bo and all three of them sighed knowing Rowan was right. The dog had a bottomless stomach.

  For the next five hours, the three of them placed the small weatherproof cameras all over the island. They installed motion sensors attached to floodlights at the dock and boathouse. Everything was set up so he could log in to his phone or computer and see every part of the island. He thought about placing some cameras inside the house, but with Emma staying there, that might be going too far. Especially since everything that happened on the island was now being recorded and uploaded to the secure server system he used for his projects.