Under the Sun: A Companion Novella to Beneath Her Skin

by Mikell, Beth

  The guy shook his head. “No, sir. If I had to guess, something is wrong and I didn’t want to wait. What if her attack is related and she’s trying to hide it?”

  Donavan knew her enough. She’d hide anything bad, especially in front of her friend Brooke. He took the box. “I’ll take care of it.” He started down the hallway toward the pool, but then swung back. “Let me know if anymore packages arrive.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  Continuing down the hallway, Donavan paused in the doorway. Jennifer lay on a chaise, totally relaxed. Her American flag inspired bikini top hugged her breasts in a smoking-hot way. Her cut off blue jean shorts hit the word sexy too. And damn, she had a twinkly belly button charm. The early morning sun glinted off the little jewel, enticing his tongue to run over it. God, the woman was too much and making him crazy. He ached to grab her up in his arms and head upstairs. Or carry her off to some remote location where he could keep her safe. The weight of the box worried him.

  What was she hiding?

  He set the box down by the door. He had no intention of spoiling his moment with her. He’d waited too long to spend time with her.

  Jennifer’s gaze met his. A smile crossed her lips. That was worth everything.

  She crooked her finger and he complied.

  He strode with purpose, uncaring of anything but her. His hands ached to touch her soft skin and revel in the few treasured seconds under her undivided attention.

  As soon as he reached her, she was on her feet with her body pressed against his.

  Everything inside him relaxed. “Red.”

  Her arms looped around his neck, and her mouth slid over his neck. “Mmm, I missed you, Jake.”

  He couldn’t say a word.

  His hands smoothed up her naked back until he reached her face. He cupped her cheeks. He didn’t wait. His lips moved against hers. God, she tasted sweet, hot, and exciting.

  He forgot about the dangerous situation surrounding her—the box not registering on his radar. His tongue slid inside the warm recesses of her mouth. Her womanly taste mingled with liberation over his tongue. Heady divinity coursed through their meshed lips like a carnal spell.

  It was perfect. It was freedom.

  Jennifer’s tongue rolled against the underside of his teeth and he groaned. She pulled back, and said, “Like that, baby?”

  A moan was his only answer as he threaded his hands through the rich texture of her hair, tugging her back to his lips. As their tongues danced, he took a deep inhale of her scent. He wanted to faint at her feet. He wanted her desperately. Madly. Forever. He wanted the explosion—the one he knew they could be. Had been. He ached to experience this amazing woman again.

  He pulled back, staring down into her blue eyes. His heart thundered in his chest as he tried to pull himself under control.

  “Good morning,” he murmured.

  “Good morning to you, too.” She grinned, and then pulled him over to the chaise.

  She pushed him down, climbing into his lap. This was exactly where he wanted her to be. In his arms. Close to his heart. He buried his nose in her hair and took a deep breath. Emotions battered his insides.

  What if I lost her too?

  Pain burned in sync with his heartbeat.

  “Hey, what’s the matter?” she asked, drawing back a little to stare up into his face.

  He didn’t know where to begin. He wanted to confront her on those damn boxes, yet he valued this time with her more. Here and now was all that mattered.

  He shook his head.

  “It’s something,” she said. “Tell me.”

  “Go away with me.”

  “The wedding—” she began, shaking her head.

  “Afterwards,” he said, unable to keep the desperation out of his voice. “I know a great place where we can be alone without having to see another person for miles. What do you say?”

  She frowned. “I thought you had to go on Brooke and Damon’s honeymoon.”

  “Reece is covering security detail on their trip,” he explained. “I put in for some time off—to be with you.”

  Her smile widened. “Look at you going all romantic. I didn’t know you had it in you.” She ran her hand over his chest. “Have me all to yourself, will you? What will you do with me?”

  Donavan swallowed hard. “I’m—there’s something I’d like to share.” Kaitlin for starters. He wanted Jennifer in his life and he needed to open up about his past.

  She caressed his jaw. “You know you can share anything with me.”

  “I know,” he said, nodding. “I’ll get into things later.” He smoothed a hand over her hair. His expression sobered. “Where are now? Be honest. Are you ready to move forward with me?”

  A slow smile crossed her lips. “Yes. I feel stupid for making us wait.” She linked her hand with his.

  “Don’t be. You need time and respect that.”

  “But, I’m crazy about you, Jake. I’m like some deranged mental patient. I think about you all the time.”

  He grinned. “I’m liking what I hear.” He wagged his eyebrows. “You’re Jonesing for my body.”

  She lightly socked him on the arm. “Caveman.”

  He kissed the tip of her nose. “As hard as it’s been, we needed this time apart, Red.”

  “No more, though,” she said, leaning close. “I’m ready to do whatever it takes.” She brushed her mouth over his.

  “Red,” he whispered, touching his lips to hers.

  “Sir? There’s a package for Ms. West.”

  And just like that, all my precious time with Jennifer evaporated.

  Jennifer stilled.

  Donavan sent a scathing glare at T-Bone.

  ****

  Jennifer untangled herself from Donavan’s lap, her cheeks flushing. She tried to appear normal. “You know what? I’m going to go up to my room and get ready.” She took a few steps backwards. “It won’t be long before Brooke and my mom get up. We’re all headed into Sarasota for some spa time.”

  “Jennifer, wait,” Donavan said, taking a step forward.

  She took the box from T-Bone. “I’m running late. I’ll talk to you later.” She flashed a half-smile, making her retreat.

  This was the second box, damn it.

  At this rate, Donavan would catch on and demand answers.

  She had none to give.

  Jennifer made it up to her room and closed the door. She clutched the box tightly, breathing a sigh of relief. The last thing she needed was Donavan sniffing out a problem. She knew he’d try to “fix” her world, but she wanted purity with him—not a man on a warpath.

  She strode to the bed, setting the box down. She eyed the monster as if it had three horns and a tail. It was like the other box. Addressed to her with no return address or postmark. Someone knew she was here, and they had hand delivered this package.

  A cold chill ran down her spine.

  She didn’t know what to do.

  She glanced at the clock on the nightstand. What she told Donavan was true. She had to get ready. Her morning was filled with all things girly. The wedding was this afternoon, then Brooke and Damon would leave on their honeymoon.

  So, she made her decision. She grabbed the box, and then walked over to her closet. Whoever designed this house had a woman in mind. She stuffed the unopened box in the back. She would ignore it, for now. Then she went to take her shower.

  ****

  Jennifer wrapped a towel around her breasts, feeling refreshed. She ran another towel over her hair. Life ran smoother when she didn’t allow herself to think about her stalker.

  What had he done, exactly besides send her a naked picture? It wasn’t her. Could be some photo manipulation. He had called her whore. Big deal. She’d received worse from guys she’d dated. But the bloody lingerie did give her pause for concern. She didn’t know what to do with that, or at least, not without arousing suspicion in front of anyone.

  As she exited the bathroom, she gasped.

  Dona
van stood by the window.

  ~ 8 ~

  “You could have surprised me in my room last night,” she said, summoning her most seductive voice. “We could have had more time for all things naked.”

  Jake turned, giving her a dark look. His gaze was full of heat—the kind reserved between a man and a woman. “Red, I have no doubt we’ll make any sheets pop off the corners, but I want complete privacy. I don’t want to know your parents are two doors down.”

  Ah, he made a good point.

  She started running the towel through her hair again. “So, why are you here? Come to pick out my clothes?” She smiled. “I can tell you right now that plan to wear something smoking hot—so you can see what you’ve been missing.”

  The corners of his mouth turned up. “Believe me, I already know.” He took a few steps toward her. “I’m kicking myself, especially knowing you’re naked underneath that towel.”

  Her cheeks turned pink, and then she stamped her foot. “Damn it, Jake. Why’d you bring your sexy self in here? Just to torture me?” She backed toward the door, thumbing over her shoulder. “Get. And don’t come back until you make an offer I can’t refuse.”

  A muscle in his jaw twitched. “Tell me about the box, Red.”

  Her expression closed up. “I have to get dressed.” She started forward. “I don’t have much time—”

  He pulled her into his arms and leveled a hard look. “There’s not much in this world that makes me crazy-angry like avoiding serious issues.” He shook his head. “I can’t do it, especially about you.”

  Jennifer flinched. She knew she could play this two ways: evade his interrogation or tell the truth. She rested the flat of her hands on his chest. “Sorry to disappoint you, but it’s stuff I sent to myself.” She shrugged. “Things I thought I’d need.”

  He tensed, still staring at her.

  She inwardly cringed. Hell, she didn’t buy her bullshit story either. “Don’t ask me to tell you,” she whispered.

  “Are you in trouble?”

  “I…” Words failed her. The truth sat on the tip of her tongue, but she didn’t want him to worry. She’d been doing enough worrying.

  “Jennifer, please,” he said, pulling her closer. “This isn’t a good time to share important facts about myself, but I’m not good with waiting. I lost someone I cared about.” His hand caressed over her damp hair, coming to rest on her face. He thumbed her bottom lip. “I can’t lose you, Red.”

  Her shoulders slumped. “Jake, you’re not going to lose me. I promise. I appreciate how you came here—worried and concerned. I’ve never felt safer, but I don’t want to get into this right now. I can’t think about myself.” She pulled out of his arms. “My mom and Brooke will want to leave soon and I need to get ready.”

  He caught her hand, tugging her back. “If you need me, I’m here, Red. Don’t hesitate. Promise me.”

  She plastered a smile on her face. “I promise.” She raised up on her tippy toes and brushed a kiss over his lips. “Now go. You don’t want to get caught in here, especially if Brooke or my mother decide to pop in.”

  He gave a half-smile. “You know, I won’t mind. I’m ready for the whole world to know I’m crazy about you.”

  She chuckled. “Then try letting me know, huh? Visit me tonight.”

  He settled her against his chest. “Didn’t you know, Red? Tonight I’m taking you away. I’m going to give you sheet popping, mind blowing sex. Then I’m going to love you like moonlight over a still lake—slow and easy.” Then he kissed her hard, but left as quickly.

  She touched her lips with trembling fingers, wishing he’d come back.

  ****

  Donavan didn’t slow down after he left Jennifer’s room. He couldn’t. The woman was madness and silk. He wanted to throttle her for not trusting him, yet make slow love to her until he settled the world underneath her feet. A battle raged inside him. Terrifying, yet beautiful.

  Anderson met him on the way outside.

  “Sir, may I have a word?”

  Donavan jerked his head. “Follow me.” He didn’t slow down. He needed some fresh air. Fast. He took a hard right out the front door, striding to the end of the long porch. He stopped at the railing and took a deep breath.

  Finally, he turned to Anderson. “What is it?”

  “Commander, it’s been three months since I fucked up. Haven’t I proven myself to you? Can’t I be in charge of an outing?”

  Donavan gave the other man a glare. “What happens on the battlefield?”

  Anderson frowned. “Sir?”

  He repeated the question in a slower tone, and then waited.

  His man gulped. “Um, we have our team’s back, while following orders.”

  “Exactly,” Donavan said. “This job isn’t like others. We are not only soldiers, but paid to follow orders and do a fucking good job. If something happens to the people we guard, then we didn’t do our job.” Anderson opened his mouth to say something, but Donavan kept going, “If I give an order, no matter how insignificant you think it is, you follow it like shit-stained underwear.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “You may accompany our outing with Ms. Stone’s party, but I’m point and you’re whatever I tell you to be. Have I made myself crystal clear?”

  “Yes, sir,” Anderson said, a small smile crossing his face. “I promise you won’t regret your decision, Commander.”

  “If I do,” Donavan began in a dry tone, “Then you’ll be out of a job.”

  Anderson nodded. “Understood, sir.”

  More worry wormed into Donavan’s gut. Something wasn’t right, but he didn’t know how far he should go with Jennifer. Force her to tell him, or let her come to him. The only thing he knew was that he couldn’t lose her.

  He’d fallen in love with her.

  ****

  Jennifer ran a brush through her hair and chewed her bottom lip. A headache throbbed behind her eyes, and knots tightened in her stomach. What had she done? She’d blown off Jake’s help. Security was his job, and he’d given her an open line of help, but she’d ignored her chance. She told herself this for the sake of Brooke and Damon’s wedding day happiness. There was no way she wanted to add more stress onto the bride’s plate.

  A knock at her bedroom door echoed.

  “Jen? Are you ready to go?”

  Brooke’s voice penetrated her thoughts. Jennifer grabbed her purse and went to the door. Drawing a deep breath, she let it out slowly. She could do this—put on a good face for her friend. Brooke’s life had already been filled with enough pain. Jennifer wouldn’t add to it.

  She pasted on a smile and opened the door.

  Her friend was beautiful. The cute, purple sundress made her glow and matched her eyes. Happiness suited her friend. She never appeared more radiant.

  “I’m ready, doll face,” Jennifer said a lot cheerier than she felt. “Let’s go pamper ourselves.” She stepped out, closing her bedroom door. She frowned when she realized they were one woman short. “Where’s my mom?”

  “Already in the car waiting for us.”

  Once Jennifer was in the limo, her phone beeped with an incoming message. She swiped her phone, finding a text from Donavan: I’m here, Red. You’re safe.

  A powerful emotion swirled through her heart. She wanted him beside her. Next to her. In her arms.

  She sent him a reply and didn’t hesitate when hitting send: I think I love you.

  The worst feeling in the world? He didn’t respond.

  ~ 9 ~

  Jennifer vaguely heard her mother and Brooke chattering away. Why had she sent that message to him? The classic no-no mistake. Never, ever tell a guy you love him—especially in a text message. She stuffed her phone back in her purse and grabbed her sunglasses.

  “What do you think, honey?”

  She looked up, finding her mother and Brooke peering at her. Of course, Jennifer hadn’t heard a word. She was the worst daughter, and an even worse maid of honor. She had to get her mind
off herself and back into this happy day.

  She found her smile. “Sorry,” she said, shaking her head. “What did you ask?”

  Marla seemed displeased with her daughter’s lack of focus. “Jennifer, really. I feel like you’re not taking this seriously.”

  She took her mother’s hand. “I’m sorry. I have a lot on my mind. Forgive me.”

  Marla’s phone rang. As she busied herself with her phone call, Brooke moved across the limo to sit beside Jennifer.

  “Are you sure you’re okay?” Brooke whispered. “You seem off.”

  Jennifer paled and took her friend’s hand. “I’m so sorry. I feel like an idiot. I promise I’ll do better.”

  Brooke’s expression softened. “I don’t want you to ‘do better.’ You don’t seem like yourself since…the attack. I want you happy. I want to be sure you’re not sitting in fear and too afraid to tell me.”

  She shook her head. “I’m not.” She hesitated over her next words, but she needed her friend—her advice especially. “I…am seeing someone.”

  Brooke gasped. “When? Where? How? To what extent? You know how I’m going to worry about you after last time.”

  She shot her mother a quick glance, breathing a sigh of relief she was still on her phone call. “It’s someone you know. He’s sweet, safe, and not the kind of man I’ve ever dated before.”

  “Please don’t make me drag his name out of you,” Brooke said.

  “It’s Donavan.”

  Her friend’s eyes grew big. “As in, Damon’s security guy Donavan? The big rough and tough Donavan that looks scary-handsome and literally takes no shit off of anyone Donavan?”

  Jennifer smiled. “The same.”

  “You have to tell me everything.”

  “What are you girls whispering about?” Marla asked.

  Jennifer gave her friend a warning look. “I’m not ready to share this. Please don’t tell my mother. I still want your advice on something.”

  Brooke grinned. “You have my complete confidence.”

  Jennifer cleared her throat and gave her mother a megawatt smile. “I was trying to decide what to get at the spa. A massage and facial?”