Ignited

by Suzannah Daniels

  When I’d talked to the doorman, I’d left thinking everything was lost, that she was married. Shit. I pulled back and gazed at her tear-streaked face. “How are you here? His doorman told me that y’all were on your honeymoon.”

  She immediately began shaking her head, the tears falling faster as she took a step back. “I couldn’t, Hawk. I couldn’t marry him.”

  I held her out at arm’s length as I studied her face. “Did he do something to you?”

  “No,” she quickly answered. “No, Hawk. It has nothing to do with him. It’s you.”

  “Me?”

  “He had everything arranged. We were standing in his parents’ house, and the preacher was ready to marry us. But when he asked me if I would take Carey as my husband, all I could think of was you.

  “I felt terrible because I told him I would. I told him I’d marry him. That’s what I thought I wanted. And it was…before I met you.”

  As I listened to her words, relief flowed through my body, and while I sympathized with Carey, there was no denying that I was glad Amber was here, in my arms.

  “So how did you break it to him?” I asked, somehow hoping that he had taken it well, both for his sake and Amber’s.

  “I just told him that I needed to talk to him. He took me to a spare bedroom, so that we could have some privacy. He already knew a little bit about you because he saw you at my parent’s house, and he asked about you. I’d already told him about the accident, and he knew we’d been dating. But I told him everything. I told him that I had fallen in love with you.”

  “What did he say?”

  “He’s a good guy, Hawk. In that aspect, the two of you are a lot alike. He was grateful that you had helped me through a really rough time. And he knew that I wouldn’t have been put in that situation if it hadn’t been for his mother. He was hurt, but he understood. So he took me back to his apartment and booked me a flight to Chattanooga. He gave me enough money for food and cab fare with plenty left over.

  “And as you can imagine, his parents were rather relieved. No doubt his mother threw a party as soon as I left town. I guess in the end, her plan worked.”

  “What about your parents?”

  “I called them before I left New York. I finally had the courage to tell my mother exactly how I felt and that I loved her, but I wouldn’t sacrifice my happiness for what she thought I should do.”

  I gently cupped her shoulders. “And was she mad?”

  A small smile touched Amber’s face. “It was really strange. I thought she would be. But for the first time, I felt like she was talking to me like an adult and not a child. Does that make sense?”

  I nodded. “Sometimes it’s hard for parents to relinquish their control, to trust their children to make their own decisions. Maybe your mother’s starting to realize that you’re all grown up now.”

  “Don’t get too excited. She made me promise to bring you home for Christmas.”

  I laughed. “I can handle it.”

  Amber sighed. “I know that Carey was all that I talked about for months, but it only takes one moment for everything to change.” She was wearing one of my long-sleeved tee shirts, and she pushed the sleeve up her arm, showing me the new tattoo on her wrist. one. “I couldn’t marry him, Hawk, because of you. You’re my one.”

  When I saw her tattoo and heard her declaration, I thought my heart would burst. I crushed my lips to hers, my heart expanding with so many emotions. Now that I had her, I was never letting go. I wanted to hug her, taste her, make love to her, all at the same time. I wanted a lifetime of experiences with her. I wanted her to be my wife, the mother of my children. Breathless, I pulled back, wanting to see her sweet face, to reassure myself that this was really happening, that she was really mine.

  “I want to make love to you,” I whispered, caressing her face as our eyes locked.

  I didn’t wait for her to answer. I lifted her into my arms and carried her to my room, flipping on the light with my elbow and intentionally keeping it on. After setting her gently on the mattress, I pulled my tee shirt over my head. Then I sat on the edge of the mattress and removed my shoes and socks.

  Rising on her knees, she placed her hands on my back, her palms cool against my warm flesh. I closed my eyes as she placed tiny kisses along my shoulder, her hair tickling my skin. Just having her near me made me harden with desire. She stopped for a moment, and although I couldn’t see her, I sensed her movement as the mattress dipped. She dangled the tee shirt and bra that she’d been wearing over the floor and released them, followed by a black pair of leggings.

  Her hands began caressing my back again, and as she bent to press a kiss to my skin, her breasts skimmed my flesh, her nipples teasing me.

  I couldn’t hear anything but my own shattered breaths as desire erupted in my body. I’d already waited so long, I wasn’t sure I had the patience to grant her this slow seduction.

  “Lay down,” she whispered.

  Obediently, I stretched out, stuffing a pillow under my head, so that I could see her better. Her beauty enraptured me as she gazed at me, her hair dangling over her shoulders as it covered her breasts. Her flat abdomen disappeared into a pair of lacy pink panties, and my breath hitched as I reached out and tugged the edge with my fingers.

  She scooted just out of my reach as her fingers began working on the button of my jeans. I helped her slide them off, along with my boxers.

  Her eyes were transfixed on me as she pushed my clothing over the edge of the bed. “The whole time I was gone,” she whispered, “all I could think of was you.”

  I hadn’t thought my erection could get any harder, but knowing that I had filled her thoughts the way she had filled mine managed to do the trick.

  Her fingers skimmed me, and I closed my eyes, reveling in her touch.

  “I wasn’t with him while I was gone. Not like this….”

  My eyes flipped open. “All that matters to me is that you’re with me now.” And it was true, but that didn’t mean I didn’t like her confession.

  “You’re the one I want, Hawk. You and only you.” Her hand tightened around me.

  “You’ve had me since the beginning,” I whispered, motioning her to come closer, so that I could touch her.

  She straddled me and leaned down, her hair brushing my chest as she lightly kissed me.

  Unable to resist her a moment longer, I slid my fingers between her thighs, feeling her heat.

  When I slipped them beneath the edge of the fabric, her soft intake of breath filled the silence. I would have never thought it possible to want someone as much as I wanted her. Wrapping my arm around her waist, I twisted around until she was lying beneath me. I slid her panties off, tossing them on the floor.

  My finger parted her flesh, and as it slipped inside of her, I closed my eyes, concentrating on her, on the way she felt as she relaxed and accommodated me.

  Opening my eyes, I watched the movement, noting the way she widened her thighs instinctively. Her eyes were closed, her breathing rapid, and I knew she was ready.

  I opened the top drawer of my nightstand and removed a condom. I’d bought a box shortly before Thanksgiving anticipating this moment.

  Once it was in place, I positioned myself between her thighs as the muscles in my arms strained, holding my body weight as I nudged her opening.

  Damn, I wanted her so bad.

  My hips rocked forward as she clasped them, urging me to thrust harder.

  Clenching my teeth, I followed her unspoken requests, driving deeper as she tightened around me. Making love to Amber was like being caught in a firestorm. She met me thrust for thrust, our passion raging like uncontrollable flames. The pleasure was intense, and I tried to hold back, waiting for her. When she moaned softly, spasms racking her body, I delivered more powerful thrusts until I joined her. Ecstasy enveloped us both as I pushed myself deep inside her, holding steady as I savored the moment. After one final thrust, I withdrew, collapsing beside her.

  Panting hea
vily, my chest heaved from the exertion.

  After we had both freshened up, we settled back in the bed, and I pulled her into my embrace. I held her close, wanting to feel her heartbeat against my palm.

  She curled up by my side, and I kissed her forehead. “I missed you so freaking much.”

  “I missed you, too,” she whispered, her fingers stroking the stubble that covered my face.

  “I don’t ever want to feel like that again,” I said. “I don’t ever want you to be away from me.”

  She rose up on her elbow, her palm resting against my chest. “Do you mean that?”

  “I wouldn’t tell you that if I didn’t mean it.” I stroked her hair. “I thought I lost you, and when I saw you in the kitchen….”

  Emotion surged through my body. “Marry me, Amber.”

  Amber

  When I heard the words slip softly from his lips, I wanted to answer him immediately, but the beauty of our lovemaking, followed by his heartfelt words had rendered me speechless. Warm sensations flooded my heart and my body, and after all that he and I had been through, there was nothing I wanted more than to be his wife. Overwhelmed by feelings, my throat ached with unshed tears, and I tried to compose myself, so that I could answer.

  Concern etched his face as he reached out and stroked the curve of my jaw. “If I had known that it would upset you….”

  I shook my head, attempting to smile. “I’m not upset,” I whispered.

  “Then why are you crying?”

  “I feel like I’ve finally gotten my rainbow.” I traced his lips and lightly kissed him. “Yes, I’ll marry you, James Hawkins.”

  Cupping the nape of my neck, he pulled me to him for another kiss. “You may have gotten the rainbow,” he said softly, his eyes locking with mine, “but I got the pot of gold.”

  Biting my lip to keep a silly smile from spreading across my face, I wondered how he always knew what to say to make me feel like I had worth, to make me feel loved.

  He caressed my body, every touch evoking emotions deep within my soul. Slowly, sensually, he made love to me again.

  And as we lay in bed afterwards, he gently stroked my forearm just below my new tattoo. “Did I ever tell you that one is my favorite number?”

  “Really?” I asked, pretending to be surprised. “I think it’s my favorite number, too.”

  “You know what I think we should do?” Hawk asked, rolling over on his side to face me as his fingertips began to caress my hip.

  “What?” I knew that while he stroked me like this, he could coax me into anything.

  “I think we should make love one more time,” he said softly as he brushed a kiss against my breast.

  Smiling in response, I was already looking forward to it.

  One was definitely my favorite number.

  If you enjoyed Hawk and Amber’s story, would you please take a moment to rate this book? You’ll have the opportunity to do so at the end of this file, and I would greatly appreciate it!

  Love,

  Suzannah

  ***

  The Whiskey Nights series continues!

  DECEIVED, Seren’s story, is coming 2015.

  ***

  Bonus Scene

  Mason and Lexi of WASTED (Whiskey Nights #1)

  (after Amber’s birthday party)

  Lexi

  “You think Amber had a good time at her party?” I asked as I used the last of my energy to crawl onto a barstool. Whiskey Nights was officially closed, and Mason and I were the only ones left in the building.

  Mason stood with his back to me, checking liquor inventory behind the bar. His tee shirt fit tautly across his broad shoulders, loosening as it tapered down to his waist. I never got tired of looking at him, and as he turned and shot me a grin that revealed his dimples, my heart fluttered.

  “She may have had a good time at her party,” he said, his tawny hair brushing across his shoulders with his movement, “but she’s probably not having a very good time right now. Last time I saw her, she was looking pretty tipsy.”

  “I really like her.” I put my elbow on the bar and propped my head up on my hand.

  “So does Hawk.”

  “How can you tell?”

  Mason shrugged his shoulders as he glanced down at the clipboard in his hands and scribbled something on his list. “I’ve known the guy forever. There aren’t too many chicks that can get his attention the way Amber has.”

  He set the clipboard on a shelf under the counter. “And while I’m happy for Amber,” Mason added, “it kind of dashes my hopes that he and Haley will get together.”

  “Had you tried to set them up?”

  “Hell, no. The only love life I mess with is my own.”

  I raised my eyebrows. “Is that right?”

  “Damn straight. But I would’ve liked it if he and Haley had started dating.”

  “There’s always Cade.”

  He pointed at me. “I’m not so sure I would encourage that relationship.” He walked to me and leaned against the bar directly across from me. “Besides, I’m sure Haley doesn’t need any help from me.”

  “I agree.”

  He shot me a look. “Then I guess I’m back to focusing on my own love life.”

  I smirked. “Like you ever stopped?”

  Reaching across the bar, he smoothed my hair away from my face, letting his fingertips trail down my cheek. “Can I help it if my girlfriend is the most beautiful woman on the planet and I’m hot for her?”

  Not waiting for me to answer, he leaned over and kissed my forehead. “We’ll need to order some liquor tomorrow, and I want to order some extra cases of Boone Brothers Tennessee Whiskey.

  “You thirsty?”

  He grinned. “Well, it is my favorite whiskey, but even I’m not that thirsty. I’m planning some drink specials.” He cupped his hand over mine. “I’ve got to make sure Whiskey Nights is a success for my girl.”

  He squeezed my hand, and I couldn’t stop the tears that filled my eyes.

  “What’s wrong, love?” he asked, concern evident in his voice. “Are you just tired or is it something else?”

  I sniffled. “I was just thinking.”

  “About what?”

  “This partnership is the best thing that has ever happened to me.”

  Mason shot me a crooked grin. “You know I’ll do whatever it takes to make sure this bar makes it.”

  I shook my head. “No, Mason, I’m not talking about that partnership.” I sat up straight, putting my other hand on top of his. “I’m talking about us. I’m talking about you. You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”

  He cupped the nape of my neck and gently pulled me toward him, pressing his lips lightly to mine. “That’s the nicest thing anyone’s ever said to me,” he whispered. He grinned, cocking his head to the side. “Or about me.”

  He kissed me again. “And along with my daughter, you are most definitely the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”

  Mason

  Her words touched me, and I quickly walked around the bar, needing to be close to her. As I approached her, she stood, her dark eyes glittering with unshed tears.

  “Come here, love,” I whispered, pulling her against my chest. “I’ve got you.” In an effort to soothe her, I stroked the length of her back. “What do you say we go strengthen our partnership in the office?”

  “What are you talking about?” she whispered as she clung to me.

  “My love life, of course. If you’re going to be spending a lot of time in the office, balancing ledgers and bank accounts and all that other fun stuff, then the least I could do is give you some exciting memories in there to balance out all the mundane shit.”

  “We have a bed at home,” she whispered like someone was going to overhear us.

  Taking her hand, I placed it over my erection. “I can’t wait that long. Remember that hot girlfriend I told you about?”

  She giggled. “I think I remember you mentioning that.”
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  “Yeah, well, I’ve got to have her right now.” In one quick motion, I picked her up, her legs dangling over my arms as she squealed in surprise.

  Carrying her with ease, I strode to the office, pushing the door shut with my foot.

  “Have a seat.” I gestured to her office chair, and she obeyed, eyeing me curiously.

  Kneeling beside her, I removed her shoes and socks. Then, I held her hand, motioning for her to stand.

  Lifting her shirt, I skimmed my lips across the flat surface of her belly, teasing her with my tongue. Unbuttoning her pants, I undressed her from the waist down, one hand cupping her ass while the other one teased her. My fingers stroked the length of her cleft and then concentrated on her sensitive nub.

  I knew my girl. When her breathing became erratic, when she closed her eyes and lolled her head back, when she gripped my shoulders, I knew she was close. I continued to massage and tease the way she liked it, the way her body responded, and my diligence was rewarded when she moaned softly, her body stiffening as the spasms rocked her to her core.

  Once she had settled, I pushed my own jeans and boxers down to my knees and sat in her office chair, pulling her into my lap.

  Guiding her, I positioned her appropriately, gently prodding while her body adjusted. Once I heard her soft moan, I thrust into her, our bodies pounding urgently with the need to become one.

  When I found my release, I held her to me, my eyes closed as I fought to catch my breath. “Damn, Lex. I can’t get enough of you, you know that?”

  She wiggled her ass, and I thought I was going to die from pleasure. I let out a deep breath as she stood, gathered her clothing, and pulled it on.

  Standing, I dressed myself. Sitting back in her chair, I pulled her into my lap again, wrapping my arms around her. “I love you, Lexi.”