Just One More Chance: Baytown Boys Series

by Maryann Jordan

  She wiggled underneath him to slide her panties down her legs, but his hand stilled hers. “No,” he mumbled around her nipple. “Me.”

  “Okay, caveman, can you speak in a full sentence?” she joked, her hands grasping his shoulders.

  He released her nipple just long enough to glare down at her while his thumbs hooked into the sides of her lacy panties and he slid them down. The glare dropped from his face as he perused her naked body. Long, tanned legs. More curves, in all the right places, than she had in high school. Wavy blonde hair flowing across the pillow. And those sky-blue eyes staring right at me. Right through me. She knows my secrets and is still here.

  Spreading her legs, she wrapped them around his waist, her heels pressing against his ass in silent invitation. One he was not going to ignore.

  He slipped a finger deep inside her sex, the moisture already pooled. Thrusting it in and out, he bent to latch onto her nipple again, watching her body writhe under his ministrations. Crooking his finger on just the right spot she jolted, her head slamming back against the pillow.

  Moaning his name, he watched her face awash in ecstasy as her orgasm rushed over her. Withdrawing his finger, now coated with her juices, he smoothed it up her body as her eyes slowly focused on him, her lips curving into a sexy grin.

  “Hey,” she said, once more.

  “Hey, yourself,” he replied, his smile matching hers. Shifting his body over hers, he stilled suddenly as his head jerked back and forth. “Where’re my pants? Condom.” His searching was halted as she grabbed his face with her hands, holding it close to hers.

  “I’m on the pill…and clean,” she confessed. “You?”

  Nodding, his breath left him in a whoosh. “Yeah. Tested for work and I’ve never gone without being covered. Never.” He watched the morning light sparkle in her eyes. “Okay?”

  “Yeah, okay,” she grinned, just before squeaking as he captured her lips once more, nipping, sucking, and plundering her warmth.

  Placing the tip of his engorged cock at her entrance, he moved slowly, relishing the tight feel of her sex around him. Pushing in a bit at a time, he groaned, hoping he would last long enough to bring her to orgasm again. Fuck! I’m gonna blow like some teenager!

  Moving faster, he rocked into her body as she welcomed every inch of him. The friction she sought was forcing electric jolts to fire throughout her body. Grasping onto his shoulders, she dragged her fingernails down his back, dimly aware that she was glad her nails were short or she was sure she would have pierced his skin. Her sex, coiled tightly, met his thrusts as her hips bucked upward.

  “Baby?” he growled.

  “Almost,” she responded.

  He reached between their bodies and pressed her swollen nub and she once more screamed out his name as her orgasm sent spasms throughout her core. Her slick walls grabbed his dick and he was unable to hold back anymore.

  With his teeth clenched, he threw his head back, the muscles in his neck and shoulders corded with the strain, as he filled her with his seed. Thrusting through the last spurt, he collapsed on top of her, barely hearing the grunt from underneath as his weight landed on her chest.

  “Sorry,” he mumbled, rolling to the side, taking her with him so she was tucked, half draped over his body.

  The two lay together, neither speaking as they fought to catch their breath, their bodies slick with sweat. Chests heaving in unison eased as their heartbeats slowly ceased their erratic pounding. Jillian, her legs tangled with his and her hand on his chest, slid her fingers though the soft hair there.

  As the air cooled their bodies, Grant leaned down and snagged the covers, jerking them up, making sure to tuck her tightly as his arms wound around her. Brushing her hair back from her face, he smoothed his thumb over her blushed cheek before rubbing it across her kiss-swollen lips. He knew he had never seen a more beautiful sight.

  Smiling, she sighed softly as she watched his eyes roam appreciatively over her face. This man…I fell in love with him when I was a little girl…and he’s now in my bed…in my arms.

  “Whatcha thinking?” he asked.

  Giving her head a little shake, afraid to jinx the moment, she said, “Nothing.”

  He cocked his eyebrow as he responded, “Woman, I can tell when your mind is whirling.”

  Grinning, she playfully slapped his shoulder. “Oh, you can, can you?” The silence settled between them for a comfortable moment before she confessed, “I was just thinking that having you here is everything I ever dreamed.”

  Closing the scant distance between their lips, he kissed her softly. “Me too, babe. And the only place I ever intend to be.” Leaning back slightly, just enough to hold her gaze, he added, “Thank you…for listening…for forgiving—”

  “Shhh,” she placed her fingers over his lips. “I’m here for you. No thanks required. You need me, I’m here. Always.”

  With that, he rolled her on her back, showing her just how much her vow meant to him as the sun rose higher in the sky.

  Chapter 13

  “Liam Sullivan has discovered a meth lab in his jurisdiction.”

  Mitch made the announcement from the Accawmacke Sheriff to his officers in their morning meeting, creating grumblings from all around the table.

  “Any connection to Isaac?” Grant asked, scanning the information handed out by Mitch.

  “Not sure at this point…they’re still working the scene. State police, as well as the FBI, are there.”

  “The route coming through the Eastern Shore is longer,” Ginny stated, “but is the fact that it’s less populated the draw?”

  “Seems to be,” Mitch agreed, before looking behind her with a smile at the new arrivals. “Hannah. Colt. Good to see you.”

  Grant twisted around, greeting the two people walking into the room. Colt Hudson served as the Sheriff of North Heron County, which surrounded Baytown, and Hannah Freeman was the Police Chief of the small town of Easton, the county seat. Colt, tall and lean, had an outward demeanor of an easy-going cowboy, but taking that at face value was a mistake to anyone who crossed him. A former Army Criminal Investigator, he kept his sharpshooter gaze on his county, protecting it. Hannah was only about five feet, five inches, with dark hair and dark eyes. Her curves looked good on her and belied her power. As a black-belt, she had no problem taking down a suspect in her town.

  The group slid their chairs around the table, making space for the newcomers to join them.

  “Thanks so much for our newly incarcerated prisoner,” Hannah joked, referencing Isaac. As the county seat, Easton held the jail. “He’s a real charmer. And such a quiet man.”

  The others laughed ruefully, pitying her and glad they no longer had to deal with his loud mouth.

  Grant eyed them, knowing there was a specific reason for the two fellow law enforcement leaders to make the trip to Baytown, but before he could ask, Colt explained.

  “We’re tasked by the State Police to be extra vigilant, which,” he eyed the group, “I know we all are. But some of the drugs we thought were just being run through our counties are now being made here.”

  “I was just telling them about the meth lab in Liam’s county,” Mitch confirmed. “What does the FBI say?”

  “It’s no secret we’ve got the poorest, or close to the poorest, counties in Virginia,” Colt continued. “It makes for a perfect setting to bring in drugs, make them, sell them, transport them, use them. Poverty makes people willing to do a lot just to get food on the table.”

  Hannah added, “One thing I’ve learned is that the drug cartels like places that are poor not only because it’s easy to find people willing to work for the cash, but because they also work cheap. It’s a win-win for the drug cartels and the people willing to haul for them.”

  “Isaac give up anything?” Grant asked. “Or his slick lawyer?”

  At the mention of Stanley, Hannah rolled her eyes. “Oh God, if I have to listen to that man anymore, I won’t be responsible for what I might do!” />
  “I’ve got a PI doing some checking into him, to see what we’re dealing with,” Mitch added.

  “I’ve got a feeling his shit’s tied in to the drug money as well but, so far, on the outside at least, he just seems to be an ambulance-chaser attorney for drug dealers, spouting their constitutional rights. But I’ll be interested to see what your PI can dig up. Who are you using? Gareth?”

  “Yeah.”

  Nodding, she smiled. “Good man. My brother and I were both in the Air Force and he served with Gareth. Said he was glad he came out here after getting out.”

  Ginny’s face brightened. “I didn’t know you were former service. I was with the MPs in the Army.”

  Hannah and Ginny shared a look, one that Grant was sure spoke volumes about being a female in the military that most men would never understand. Turning back to Colt, he asked, “Besides the meth lab, what else do they suspect?”

  “Kids,” Colt bit out. “Using fucking kids. They’re cheap workers, need the money, and worst of all, are considered expendable.”

  The thought of Junior or Bobby being used by drug runners made Grant’s blood boil. “Fuckin’ hell,” he growled. He thought about how being in school kept them from working on the farm, a place that could possibly make them easier targets for earning fast cash. Sucking in a sharp breath through his nose, he leaned back heavily in his seat as he let it out.

  “You thinking about some of the kids?” Burt asked.

  “Yeah.”

  “I heard the Legionnaires were working with kids and ball teams,” Hannah said. “I haven’t been to a meeting yet, but I’d like to check it out.”

  “Absolutely,” Mitch said. “I’ve been wanting to reach out to the other law enforcement personnel in the area who have served.” Leaning over to grab some brochures lying on the counter, he handed a stack to both Hannah and Colt as they stood to leave. “Can you give these out for me?”

  “No problem,” Colt agreed, his ready smile back on his face. “Me and some of my crew will be at the next meeting as well. And if we can get some kids up in the northern part of the county to play you can have more teams.”

  With goodbyes said, Hannah and Colt left the station, leaving the Baytown officers still mulling over the problem of the at-risk youth.

  “I’m the next one on rotation at the school programs,” Burt said, “I’ll see if I can ferret out any information.”

  Grant thought about the migrant children often used in the field, much the way Junior and Bobby were. Speaking up, he told the others about the two kids. “Their dad is trying to do the right thing, but it’s hard.”

  “I think that’s why the Legionnaire program is so important. We need to keep these kids in school and in programs that’ll help.”

  “So,” Mitch stated, placing his fists on the table as he stood, his sharp gaze pinning the collection of law officers, “keep your eyes and ears open. While I hate like hell Liam’s jurisdiction had a meth house, I do not want that shit in this town!”

  *

  Stanley drove from Easton, frustrated that the judge refused to set bail for Isaac, calling him a flight risk. His phone rang on the console and he glanced down, grimacing as he saw who was calling. Picking up, he faked cheerfulness. “Juan! Good to hear from you!”

  “Cut the shit,” the harsh voice growled back. “Why the fuck is Isaac still in that shithole jail cell?”

  “Now, Juan, you know how he is. He’s got a mouth on him and he’s managed to piss off just about everyone who’s come in contact with him, including the judge. They refused bail, citing he’s a flight risk. Don’t worry, I’ll—”

  “Don’t tell me what you’ll fuckin’ do,” Juan Munoz argued. “You just remember that you work for me.”

  Sucking in a sharp breath through his nose, Stanley pinched his lips. I’m the educated attorney and I’m stuck working for an asshole cartel leader… As he let his breath out slowly, he thought of the money he made with them and assumed his placating demeanor once more. “I understand Juan, but I’m working on it. I’ve advised him to stay quiet and hang on. I’ve filed an appeal in the courthouse and—”

  “Don’t worry about Isaac anymore,” Juan interrupted. “I’ve got more important things for you to deal with. The lab in the county north of where Isaac is held just had a raid last night. I want you to get with our contact and make sure that they’re covered.”

  “You must be joking, right? If you want to keep using me as your clean-up attorney, you’ve got to play this smarter, Juan! I can guarantee I’m being investigated as we speak. That’s why we’re on a burner phone and we’ll keep being on a burner phone. You take care of the contacts and I’ll try to keep the legal end of your business from falling down around your head!” The silence was frightening and Stanley grabbed a fast-food napkin from the passenger seat and wiped his brow. Just as he was about to apologize, Juan spoke.

  “You’re right. Get on back to Baltimore and see to the legitimate side of your practice. We better not have any more fuckups like Isaac to deal with for a while.”

  Breathing a sigh of relief, Stanley disconnected before pulling off at a gas station. Standing in the sunshine, pumping gasoline, he wondered for the millionth time if the money he made with the cartel was worth it…but then decided with his life on the line, he had no choice. He wiped his brow again, more out of desperation than the heat.

  *

  “Hey, girls,” Jillian called out. “Come on up!” She smiled as the three women rounded the wooden railing at the top of the galleria stairs and headed toward her. Katelyn and Tori immediately walked toward her and Belle paused to admire paintings displayed on the walls.

  “How’s it going? Do you need any help for the showing?” Tori asked, sitting down at the little, round table next to Jillian.

  “Here’s what I have planned, so tell me what you think?” Jillian replied, sliding into a chair in between Tori and Katelyn. She twisted around to see Belle still wandering around the room, her eyes taking in each piece. “Do you like them, Belle?”

  The dark-haired beauty smiled shyly, answering, “Oh, my God, yes. I’m not artistic at all, so I’m always in awe of what others can create.”

  “Same here,” Jillian laughed. “I have no artistic ability in the least, but I do know what I like and seem to have a knack for finding others who like it too.”

  Belle joined them at the table and Jillian began. “I’ve got some RSVPs from several buyers in the Virginia Beach area and as far north as Baltimore. The two artists whose work is over there,” she pointed to the back wall, “are bringing in pieces that are a bit more original than what we have displayed here for the more touristy crowd. And most of the artists will be here that night.”

  Pointing to the other pieces, she said, “The artists doing the sculptures will be here also.”

  “What about Lance? Will he come for his sea glass work?” Tori asked, knowing Mitch’s friend and newest Baytown resident’s penchant for isolation.

  Jillian shook her head, her mouth turned down in a sad frown. “No. I asked, but he’s not about to come into a crowded room full of strangers.” Shrugging her shoulders, she added, “But he’s bringing in a few more pieces for me to show.”

  “And the handsome potter?” Katelyn asked, arching her eyebrow as a smirk crossed her lips.

  Jillian gave a pretend glare toward her friend, while admitting, “Yes, the handsome Oliver is coming as well. He’s bringing more of his interns’ work.”

  “How do you think Grant’s going to react with him here? He’s not exactly the sharing type, is he?” Tori asked, thoughts of his behavior at her engagement party flying through her mind.

  Jillian sucked in her lips, a crease forming on her forehead. “Grant knows that I’ll be working with Oliver…and other men. Hell, Lance is every bit as gorgeous as Oliver.”

  “Yes, but Lance isn’t giving vibes that he’d like to be with you.”

  Sighing, Jillian declared, “Well, I’ll just have
to make sure Grant knows that I’m with him and to stuff his jealousy! After all, I had to stuff mine when he paraded his bimbos for the past couple of years!”

  “So, are you guys really together now?” Belle asked. Seeing Jillian’s nod, she smiled, “That’s so romantic. It’s like a fairy tale.”

  “Fairy tale?” Katelyn snorted. “More like a version of romance disasters!”

  “No, no,” Belle insisted. “You know, young lovers torn apart and then finding their way back together.” She gazed fondly at Tori, adding, “Like you and Mitch.”

  Jillian patted Belle’s hand and nodded. “You’re right. To me, it is a fairy tale come true.” Turning to look at the others, she said, “Now, let’s talk food!”

  For the next hour, the quartet planned the menu for the Galleria Wine & Cheese Event, their lighthearted laughter heard by the coffee shop patrons below.

  Chapter 14

  Grant stood with Ginny, Burt, and Burt’s wife near the end of the food table, keeping an eye on Jillian’s first Wine & Cheese with the Artists event. The coffee shop downstairs held the bar while the food laden tables were at the top of the stairs so that patrons could sample the cheese, fruit, and desserts as they wandered around, admiring the artwork.

  “Earth to Grant,” Ginny called out, elbowing him in the abdomen.

  “Umph,” he grunted as he whipped his head around to glare at the pint-sized officer attired in a cocktail dress and heels. “What’d ya go and do that for?”

  “Because you haven’t stopped shooting daggers at that artist standing over there next to Jillian for the past ten minutes.”

  He had not been able to relax since seeing Jillian upon arrival, gorgeous as always, but in a sexy cocktail dress. He had to admit it was pure class. In fact, the dress was modest from the front with a simple neckline that scooped down but did not show much of her cleavage. He had no idea if the blue material was silk, but it flowed off her figure and landed mid thigh. Paired with her high-heeled black pumps, she looked beautiful…and totally fuckable. And when she turned around, he groaned once more. The back of the dress dipped way below where he thought her bra strap should be and yet, there was nothing but satiny skin showing.