Happily Never After

by Bess George

  He looked down at her, one brow was arched. “If you’re that amused, I must be doing something wrong. Care to share the joke?”

  She used his ears to tug him toward her. Her skin ached for his touch, and she struggled to remove any distance between them. Surprised she wasn’t embarrassed by her aggressiveness, her hands explored his body.

  Bode swung her into his arms and flipped off the lights. He carried her into the living room. Without turning her loose, he lit the gas fireplace. After he had laid her down on the wide sectional in front of the fire, he tugged on her jeans.

  Their eyes remained locked on one another while he tucked his fingers into the band of her satin panties and slid them down to the tips of her toes.

  Her pulse quickened in anticipation. She watched with interest while he undid his belt and stepped out of his pants and boxers. The sight of his contoured muscles sent heat coursing from her fingertips down to her toes. Then he was beside her, kissing the curve of her throat.

  Forgotten sensations flooded her, and she bit her lip to keep from crying out.

  His hands stilled. He gazed down at her with a slight frown. “You still here with me?”

  She smiled up at him. “I’m enjoying the moment.”

  He raised one brow. “I think I can guarantee that you’re going to enjoy more than just a moment.”

  “You’re such a modest man,” she teased playfully.

  “Honey, it’s not bragging if it’s a fact.” He trailed kisses along one of her shoulders.

  The gentle banter between them helped her relax enough to lose any lingering doubts. Her excitement increased, making her sweat and shiver at the same time.

  His breathing grew ragged. When she reached down and touched him, he moved her hands up to his mouth and kissed them. “Keep that up and we’ll finish before we even get started.”

  She laughed and couldn’t believe the husky sound came from her. His hand scorched a path down her stomach, and the sound turned into a groan.

  “I need you, Kelsey.” His words came out so low it was hard to understand them. “Tell me if you’re sure. Last chance to put on the brakes. I don’t want any morning-after regrets.”

  Beneath her hand, his muscles twitched with the tension of holding back. It was too late to worry about tomorrow. She wanted him like she’d never wanted another.

  “I’m sure.”

  “Hang on a minute, honey, let me protect you.”

  Blood rushed through her veins like a raging river. Desire made her tremble while she waited for him to find what he needed and return. Bode kissed a trail up one leg. The sexual tension she’d tried so hard to ignore exploded into an inferno.

  The moment they joined together, everything faded away except the pleasure and the man. He brought her long denied senses to an ecstasy she’d never known. She didn’t want this beautiful moment ever to be over.

  Bode groaned, sweat dripping down his neck. “You feel so damned good, honey. You drive me completely crazy.”

  His warm breath lingered just above her lips and those simple words sent her over the edge. Her back arched, and she was swept along until gentle waves rocked her in bliss. He moaned against her lips, his mouth devouring her cries of pleasure as he followed.

  Overwhelmed, by the urge to laugh or cry, she snuggled against him while trying to catch her breath. Emotions buried deep inside roared back to life.

  He rained kisses as light as a summer breeze down the side of her face, and she couldn’t stop from smiling.

  His teeth nipped at her shoulder. “What is that look for?”

  “Your money back guarantee was correct, sir.” Her smile faded. “It’s been an incredible night.”

  He nuzzled her ear. “I don’t think one night will be enough.”

  Relaxed and at peace, she drifted off to sleep.

  She was late for court. The judge would crucify her. When she rounded a corner, a tall figure blocked the way. His arm raised, and aimed a familiar shape at her.

  “You killed me.”

  “I didn’t. You’re not dead, I saw you.”

  “Kelsey! Wake up.”

  Her eyes darted around the room. She needed to break free from the bands holding her down. No, not bands. It was Bode holding her tight. She’d had another dream.

  “Calm down, honey. It was a nightmare. I’ve got you. You’re okay.”

  She concentrated on his gentle expression and worked to center herself.

  “Come on, let’s go to bed. We’ll both be stiff if we sleep on the couch all night.” Bode gave her a soft kiss and got to his feet. He reached down and picked her up as if she didn’t weigh anything. The comforting warmth of his arms felt so safe.

  First he shut off the fireplace and then climbed the stairs, carrying her up to the master bedroom. A small slice of moonlight slipped through a crack in the curtains leaving the rest of the room in shadows.

  He threw the blankets back before placing her in the center of the bed. And then he followed, covering her with his body. The earlier urgency satisfied, she relished his slow caresses and tender kisses. Conscious of every place his warm flesh touched hers, she understood this time would be about erasing her bad dream. Intense desire began to ratchet higher. His musky, male scent made her light-headed.

  He licked her as if she were a sweet treat. She was too sensitive. Everywhere he touched a trail of goose bumps rose in his wake. At the end of her patience, she tugged at his hair.

  “Please, Bode. Now.”

  His head lifted, and he looked up the length of her body with a boyish grin. “My momma raised me right. Never say no to a woman in need.” He began a slow crawl toward her.

  Impatient, she hurried him the last few inches.

  “Oh God,” she breathed in his ear as she welcomed him inside her. The fire sizzled hotter until a million sparklers flashed behind her closed lids. She shouted his name, and he held himself against her when he found his release.

  Spent, his massive body pushed hers down into the mattress. Boneless, she patted his shoulder with what little strength she had left. He lifted up on his elbows and gazed down at her. The tenderness in his face captured her heart.

  He rolled to the side, and she snuggled up against him as their legs intertwined. The coolness of the night was a sharp contrast to their sweaty bodies, and he reached down to cover them with a blanket.

  His warm breath fanned across her neck as he whispered in her ear. “Sweet dreams, honey.”

  Satisfied, they both drifted off to sleep.

  Glade sat and waited.

  His car was parked a few houses down from the cop’s townhouse. He looked through binoculars and searched the windows. Shadowed glimpses of them appeared as they moved from one room to another.

  A light sheen of sweat covered his body. Dammit, this is all wrong. One hand pressed down on his thigh to stop the involuntary tapping movement on the floor board.

  When the lights went out in the house, he lowered his binoculars. They were in for the night. He needed to leave before someone noticed him, but couldn’t force himself to turn the ignition.

  The fingers of the other hand took up the same nervous beat that he’d stopped his leg from tapping. Today didn’t end the way he’d planned.

  Following Kelsey today was the first time since he left the prison that he’d felt real peace. He couldn’t take his eyes off her expressive face, as she flitted from one exhibit to another. It was almost as if he could feel again just by watching her enjoy the day. The desire for revenge ate away at his soul like acid. But she was a beautiful angel who soothed the pain. His savior.

  A car drove down the street, and he slouched down to remain invisible. It passed him by without slowing, and he sat back up.

  His jaw clenched tight. It was ba
d enough he had to deal with the cop. Who was the joker in the park? Kelsey’s reaction to the unknown had almost made him come out of hiding to protect her.

  A new idea had come to him when she left the park. He didn’t have any reason to run into her since she moved out of the hotel. Showing up at her door now might make her suspicious.

  So he’d quit following her and hurried over to her apartment. If he created enough of a fire, it would force her back where she belonged. He would have access to her again.

  Unfortunately, somewhere between the park and her apartment, she’d run into the cop. And here they were. At first, his anger had been directed at her but then he changed his mind. It wasn’t her fault. She was weak and broken. No, the cop was taking advantage of her mental frailty.

  His chest expanded with eagerness. The time for payback had arrived. Life didn’t end up the way he’d planned. Too many bad choices and the lure of easy money kept him from having the life he wanted. The life he deserved.

  He’d spent a lot of time thinking about his revenge. At first, he planned to finish the job and go back to prison. What was left on the outside world for him anyway?

  Getting to know Kelsey had changed everything. She needed him to take care of her. His past life was over, and this would be a new chance for him. All that stood in his way was the cop. If he stayed on this path, he would be crossing a line that he could never uncross.

  Closing his eyes, a picture of his angel pervaded his mind. A sharp pain pierced his right eye, and he fought against the memories trying to overwhelm him. They would be too much. He couldn’t give in, or he would be unable to execute his plan. I can’t fall apart now. I have to be strong.

  He looked down and noticed his tight fist and made himself calm down. It was imperative that he remain focused and not let his thinking become clouded. Being careless at this point could screw up everything. Forcing air into compressed lungs, he cranked the car and drove away.

  They were clueless ensconced in their little love nest and had no idea what waited for them.

  But they would soon enough.

  Chapter 15

  Kelsey awakened to Bode gazing down at her. Her legs were thrown across his as if even in sleep she wanted to be as near as possible. God, he was gorgeous in the morning. His bronze skin was kissable. She stretched and smiled up at him. He reached for her as if he’d been waiting for her eyes to open.

  He’d woken her several times during the night, and she was deliciously sore in long forgotten places. She’d never experienced such mind-numbing pleasure.

  The few sexual relationships she'd had in the past seemed very bland in comparison. Her blood still hummed in her veins, and she went from zero to sixty in an instant.

  Their lips met and dueled for supremacy. Shocked at the urge to dominate, she shrugged and gave in to her desires. Her fingertips slid over him as she nipped at his warm skin.

  His dark eyes held a naughty twinkle. “So the little kitten wants to be a tiger this morning. Be gentle with me, honey.” He hoisted her on top of his body.

  Alive. That’s what this man made her feel. She kissed him with all the desire he ignited in her. He caught her hips but let her set the pace until his control slipped.

  He flipped her on her back, and their gazes locked as they went up in flames.

  Afterward, he groaned and pushed himself up on his elbows to look down at her. “I’ve got to get up. I need to go down to the station. Will you wait for me?”

  She brought his head back down. Light kisses at first where she nibbled at his lips. Crushing her to him, he kissed her with hunger.

  “Shit.” He dragged himself away. “When I get back, we can start this conversation again.” He pointed a finger at her and stalked to the bathroom while muttering a choice word or two.

  When she got out of bed, one hand flew up to cover the giggle that escaped. Clothes nowhere in sight, she opened a dresser drawer and borrowed one of his T-shirts. The soft garment ended about mid-thigh but covered all the important parts. She went downstairs to find her things.

  She wandered into the kitchen and searched through cabinets until she found the items to make coffee. The pot finished brewing, and the strong aroma permeated the room when Bode entered dressed for work.

  Her hungry gaze followed him. Man, he was handsome with a crisp blue shirt and red silk tie that complemented his gray slacks. He had his badge clipped to his belt and a gun holstered under his arm.

  Memories of the previous night sent warmth coursing through her, and it wasn’t from embarrassment. She eased toward him, but he held one palm up to stop her.

  “No way. You keep over on your side, or I’ll never get anywhere. A man can only take so much.”

  She picked her chin up high, and turned her back on him to leave the room.

  “Oh, honey, have mercy on me,” Bode mumbled. He strode across the room and held her from behind. His long arms wrapped around her, he feathered soft kisses on her neck.

  Her head tilted to one side to grant him better access. She filled her lungs with his scent. The combination of soap and masculine aftershave made her knees a little weak.

  “I like the way you look in my shirt, but if you don’t put on clothes I may not be getting to work,” he whispered.

  “Where did you leave them?” She rested against him with a soft breath of contentment.

  Bode gave a sigh. “Who knows?” He smiled against her ear and trailed a finger along her thigh. “This is a good incentive for me to hurry and get back. I’m not scheduled to go in today, but I have some things to check on. I’ll see if there’s an update on the fire yet.”

  She frowned over her shoulder at him. “Shouldn’t I go to the station too?”

  He shook his head. “You already talked to them. They believed it started in the garage below your apartment, but were still searching for the source when we left. They may have figured it out by now. The cause was probably old wiring, but arson won’t be ruled out until they’re positive. I wanted to read the report on the crowd, too. If it was intentional, we might get lucky. Sometimes they like to hang around and watch. I’ll ask when your place can get cleaned up.” He turned her loose.

  She faced him. “I just remembered something. There was someone in the crowd that I recognized.”

  Uncomfortable, he rubbed his temple but remained silent.

  She eyed him with suspicion. “What?”

  “Was it the guy who shot you again?” His tone was cautious.

  Astonished that she could have forgotten to tell him, one palm slapped her forehead. “Oh my God, with everything going on, I didn’t remember to mention it. When I was at the park yesterday, I saw him. I touched him. That means I’m not crazy.” She chuckled. “Well, not completely anyway.”

  He frowned down at her in question. “How can he be real if he’s dead?”

  Her brows drew together. “I don’t have any idea. He got away before I could catch—”

  “You chased after him, without knowing who he is or why he’s following you?” Bode’s voice rose with each word.

  She waved his angry words away. “Don’t yell at me, please. Forgive me if I wasn’t thinking, but I’d just found out that I wasn’t hallucinating my stalker.”

  “Exactly, and what do you think would have transpired if you’d managed to catch him?” His demeanor was as cold and clear as ice water.

  In a defensive gesture, she folded her arms across her chest. “Okay. I get it. That was a stupid move on my part. One that I won’t make again.”

  His finger was tender as he traced the line of her cheekbone and jaw. “If you see this guy again, call me, and let me do my job. Okay?”

  At his gentle touch, the fight went out of her. He was right. She’d rushed into a situation where she had no way to defend herself.

>   She nodded. “If I’m going to be staying here, can I do a load of laundry? I’ll cook dinner for us later if you let me know what you like.”

  His expression tightened, and a vein pulsed above his right eye. “I’ve got to go. When I come back, I’ll follow you to David’s.”

  “Great. I’ll be ready.” Surprise filled her at the dismissal in his tone. The abrupt lack of emotion made her stomach drop. A sudden chill enveloped her, and she spun away, her hands clenched. A switch had flipped and not an ounce of warmth or playfulness remained.

  He gave her a quick peck on the cheek and left through the garage. Wandering around his house, she evaluated her feelings about Bode and their night together.

  In her mind, she’d already started thinking about them as a couple, and his curt actions hurt her feelings. The fact she’d been so caught up in the fantasy frightened her more than a little.

  She gathered her clothes and went upstairs to shower and change. The hot water sluiced down her body, easing the small aches and pains. Without any makeup, the best she could do was dry her hair and pull it back into a ponytail.

  There was an enclosed patio, so she went outside to do some light yoga, hoping to stretch sore muscles. The sound of a door opening and closing in the attached yard broke the silence, so it wasn’t a complete surprise when a face popped over the top of the fence. A lovely redhead stared back at her, not even trying to hide the curiosity on her pixie face.

  “Hello.”