“I see…she shot you down.”
Another glare, another laugh. “Damn, dude. I gotta say, it’s kind of funny to see the great Jason Bradford finally go down for the count.”
Jace scrubbed his hand over his face, running it backward through his hair. “Yeah, well. It kind of sucks from this end.”
“So, you don’t deny it? Interesting. What are you going to do about it?”
Jace shrugged his shoulders, looking as lost as he obviously felt. “Nothing. I’m going to do nothing. At least, I’m gonna try to.”
“Nothing. That’s you’re plan?” Again, Jace shrugged his shoulders. “Not much of a plan. Maybe you should try to do something. Try to get her to stay.”
“Did you hear her sing the other night? Plus, she loves her job, loves being in production. What in the hell would she do in Austin, Texas?” He shook his head. “Nah. I’m going to do nothing. And after Jenn and Bri get home, she’ll leave.”
Zack looked at his friend. “Well, either you’re a better man than I am, or you’re a self-destructive idiot. Either way, good luck.”
Jace tipped his beer to Zack, acknowledging the wisdom in those words.
* * * * *
The rest of the night was fun, the four of them really enjoying each other’s company. When Dani got up and sang with the karaoke machine, getting full rounds of applause, Jace sent Zack an “I told ya” look, to which Zack just shrugged.
After a while, Zack and Sara left. It was just Dani and him, and a couple of regulars at the bar.
When she sat back down, Jace couldn’t help but ask, “Why don’t you try to get a recording contract or something? You have to know how amazing you are.”
Dani kind of lifted her shoulders, tossing her head side to side. “Don’t want to. I just like to sing, for me. Maybe you can bring your guitar over tomorrow?” Realizing her assumption, she backpedaled. “Or just whenever you have time.”
Jace smiled, hearing the sudden nerves in her tone. He liked that she assumed he’d be there tomorrow. “Sure, I’ll bring it over. Or, you can just come upstairs tonight?”
“Can’t. In fact I need to get going. I have to let Dakota out before he piddles all over the kitchen.”
“You don’t crate him?”
“No…I feel like a big meanie when I do. I bought a baby gate and keep him in the kitchen, with his food, a bed and potty pads. Plus, don’t tell Jenn, but I let him sleep with me. He’s so warm and cuddly. He snuggles up right next to me like a little teddy bear.”
Heat rushed through Jace. Suddenly, he was very jealous of a dog. Downing the last of his beer, he got up just after Dani, trying not to stand too close. If she looked down, she would see his reaction. Taking a minute while she grabbed her purse, he did some quick adjusting and followed her over to the door. He walked her out to her car, holding the door open as she climbed in. Unable to stop himself, he leaned in and pressed a quick hard kiss to her lips. He backed away, closing her door and watching her drive away.
* * * * *
Dani was shocked. She’d tried to keep away from any physical contact with him at all. The all-too-brief kiss had acted as a match to tinder, lighting her desire with one firm touch. She brushed her fingers across her lips, surprised to find them still tingling. Uuuhhh…she was in for a long night.
Chapter 34
Dani woke up early, way earlier than necessary. Since she’d been here, she’d been able to sleep in a little bit. Not today. Today she was awake and it was barely five. She’d had another dream.
She was wide awake and aching. She lay in the bed, the sheet grazing over her tight nipples, making matters worse. Before she could even think things through, she ran a hand down her body, her thumbnail flicking over her breasts, bringing a gasp to her lips. While her hand trailed down, she thought of Jace.
Was she stupid to deny them both this pleasure? To keep things platonic? After all, she was leaving in just a few days. She wouldn’t be back any time soon anyway, not really. When she left, she fully expected things to go back to normal. Jenn would come visit her in L.A. a few times a year. Maybe Bri would even come with her now, if he could get the time off work. So, maybe she and Jace could have a few days of pleasure before she left town.
Even as she thought it, she knew she couldn’t do it. She loved him. Too much to think that she could ever manage casual sex. As tempting as it was, it just wasn’t possible.
But as she felt the wetness between her legs, the flesh swollen and sensitive, she wished just for a minute that it was. Knowing she wouldn’t sleep again, Dani got up and into a cold shower. When that didn’t do anything except make her shiver, she decided on a good long run.
She got dressed, threw on her sneakers, let the puppy out to potty, and headed out running. By the time she got back, it was still only six thirty, so she was surprised to see Jace sitting on the front porch.
“What in the hell are you doing here so early?”
“Couldn’t sleep… Why are you out running so early?”
“Couldn’t sleep.” She was not going to tell him why. “You could have let yourself in.”
He shrugged, looking very grumpy and put out this morning. “Thought about it. Didn’t know you were awake and I didn’t want to scare you. Figured I’d just wait out here.”
She nodded, stepping around him to open the door. “Well, I’m awake. And I need coffee and a shower. In that order.”
He reached beside him, pulling out a Starbucks cup. “Here. Mocha, right? It’s been awhile.”
“You’re here and you brought me coffee. Wow, you really have been up awhile. Having nightmares?”
Jace chuckled, a wry grin crossing his face. “Something like that.”
Remembering Afghanistan, probably, Dani thought. She should really tell him she knew. Let him know he had someone he could talk to about it… Shower first.
As they headed into the house, Dani let the puppy out of the kitchen then flopped down on the floor, sipping her coffee before she headed up to shower. Jace lay down on the couch, propping his feet up on the far end.
“You really need to get a bigger couch in here.”
“Yeah, I know. This one’s shot. Before I go I’m having Goodwill come and pick up any furniture they want. Then I’ll toss the rest. This place’ll be empty next week.”
The thought sent a shiver of sadness through her. She hadn’t really realized just how much she’d missed home until she got here. Now, she almost didn’t want to leave.
* * * * *
“You gonna sell the house?” God, he hoped she said no. If she still had the house, then he still had her. If she sold this place, she would disappear forever.
“I don’t know yet. I may rent it out again. I hate to leave it just sitting here. The taxes aren’t much, so I don’t really have to do anything with it. But it’s sad, ya know? There was always laughter and love in this house. Thinking of it sitting here, empty and lonely… I just can’t do that, either. I’d love it if someone I know bought it. Maybe Beth and Colonel want a house.” She shrugged. “I’m going to go shower. You can watch TV or whatever. I’ll only be a minute.”
An image of her in the shower at his house flashed through his mind. He barely bit back the groan. He had been on edge since he woke up. He’d been dreaming of her legs wrapped around his waist, her back pressed against a wall, hands digging into his shoulders. He’d woken up still thrusting against his damn bed. A long cold shower had taken the edge off, but with one little flash he was hard as hell. Son of a bitch!
“Put on jeans!” he yelled up the stairs, his voice more of a growl than he’d like.
When Dani came back downstairs, wearing the requisite jeans and a deep orange T-shirt, Jace was still aroused. One look at her and he was regretting coming over here. He should have stayed away today, until he could control himself. But he’d needed to see her this morning.
He grabbed her hand, yanking her out the front door. “We’re going for a ride.”
“But…the puppy…”
“Taken care of. I need to ride. You coming?”
He watched as she processed his question. Watched the momentary indecision melt into a smirk before spreading into a full blown grin. “Hell yes!”
She grabbed the helmet out of his hands and hopped on the back.
Jace couldn’t stop the grin. Nicole had never once been on his bike, always told him it wasn’t safe, just not her thing. Seeing Dani, her little wild streak popping through, hop on without second thought… He knew why he loved her.
* * * * *
As Jace took off, Dani was exhilarated. She loved the powerful feel of the bike underneath her. When he headed south, away from Austin, she slowly felt her grip relax. She started to lean with the turns, settling into the feel of the bike, how it handled. She could tell Jace had been riding awhile. He was comfortable, good at it. She held on, loving the rush of wind past her.
After they first took off, it took just a few minutes before Dani started to relax, the tension ebbing out of her muscles. As her hand loosened around Jace’s waist, he must have been able to tell she was finally relaxing because he revved up the motor, heading down the main road, out of town. They rode for a while, almost an hour before he even turned around.
As they headed back home, Dani was comfortable enough that her mind started to wander. Unfortunately it wandered back to her dreams. She started with the one from this morning, Jace pressing her against a wall, her legs wrapped around his waist as he thrust into her. After a brief stop there, she rambled back to the dream she’d had at his house. She’d been on his bike, just like this. The feel of the bike between her legs, the rumble of the motor. Her breasts pressed against Jace’s back with only the thin cotton of their shirts between them. It was hot out, just like now. When the dream flashed back with vivid clarity, she realized it wasn’t a dream, but a vision. A vision she was smack in the middle of living out. She knew the outcome of this ride, had seen it, felt it.
With the memories, her body flushed with arousal. Her breasts felt fuller, achier, pressed against Jace. Her nipples throbbed, pushing against her shirt, begging for his touch, to feel his skin against hers. The motorcycle seat between her thighs was rumbling, arousing her to the point of torture. Before she could stop it her hands made fists against his waist, gripping his shirt. She prayed he didn’t hear the whimper of need that slipped past her clenched teeth. As they pulled up to the house, she locked every muscle in her body to stop herself from writhing against the seat. She was on the verge of orgasm.
* * * * *
Jace had felt her tense up again as they got closer to her house. As he pulled onto her street, he slowed a little, wondering why she didn’t want to go home. Talking was pointless through the helmets. He felt every muscle in her body tighten as he pulled into her driveway. He stopped, pushing the kickstand at the same time he shut down the engine. She leaped off the bike, jumping almost before he stopped. He pulled off his helmet as he swung his leg over, just in time to see her legs give way beneath her.
He grabbed her, pulling her upright and into his chest. He wrapped an arm around her waist, yanking off her helmet. “Dani! Are you okay? What happened?”
He looked at her cheeks, flushed with color, her eyes glazed over. “Are you overheated? Here, let me get you in the house. God, sweetheart…talk to me.”
She pushed at his arms, trying to free herself from his hold. “I’m fine. I’m not too hot. I’m…just let go. I’m fine.”
He stepped back a little, still holding her waist with his hands in case she stumbled again. “You’re not fine, you damn near fell on your ass. What’s wrong?”
He looked her over, starting at her feet, looking for injury, working his way up her long legs. He noticed goose bumps on her arms, saw her hands clenched into fists still pushing against his chest. He noticed her nipples were taut, pressing against her shirt. Biting back the groan, he ran through anything he could think of that might cause a chill in ninety-degree weather. When he got to her face, he noticed her biting her lips, her head thrown back, eyes closed. He remembered his dream.
Afraid to believe it, afraid to push her into running again, he very softly ran his hand down her neck, trailing from her ear past her collarbone. Her chin quivered, her teeth biting down harder on her lower lip. Gripping her waist, tugging her a little closer, he continued on his path. His fingers kept going, dipping into the edge of her shirt until he found the lace edge of her bra. Skimming his hand over the edge of lace, he tucked the very tip of one finger just inside the fabric.
Hearing the whimper that she couldn’t hold back was too much for Jace. “Fuck me! Jesus, are you going to…are you… Aaahh hell, please say yes.”
He watched her face, her eyes cracked open just a slit as she looked up at him. He knew he was risking everything, but couldn’t stop himself. He reached down, sliding a hand between her thighs, cupping her through her jeans. When she cried out, twisting against his hand, he grabbed her, cupping her ass and pulling her into him.
He felt her body tense, the muscles clenching and tightening as her orgasm rolled through her. Just from his touch. On a groan, he grabbed her, pulling her into him. Finally, his lips were on hers, her body pressed against him again. As his erection pressed into her belly, he couldn’t stop the quick thrust of his hips. When he cupped her ass again, she jumped up, wrapping her legs around his waist, squeezing him to her. This was a mistake; he knew it even as he gave in to the pleasure. He couldn’t’ stop himself. Not anymore.
With her wrapped around him, Jace ripped his mouth from hers, stepping up onto the porch. He made it up one step before she pressed her lips back to his. He stumbled, grabbing the railing and setting her back on her feet. He slid his hands up under her shirt, cupping and squeezing her breasts, wringing another moan from her. He backed up the last step, dragging her with him. When they reached the front door, he spun her around, pressing her against the side of the house. He grabbed one leg, lifting it up to his hip, thrusting against her.
His shaft was hard, ready to burst. He felt the seed rising up, ready to slide into her and mark her as his own. Fighting down the need, he twisted the handle, never so grateful for an unlocked door. He pushed her backwards, his lips still pressed to hers, catching her as she stumbled up into the house. As soon as they had cleared the way, he kicked back, shutting the door with his foot. With the door closed, he grabbed the hem of her shirt, ripping it up over her head.
He ripped the lace as he tried to unhook her bra. He tried to slow down, expected her to pull back at any moment. Instead she spurred him on, yanking his shirt out of the waistband of his jeans, shoving it upward, raking her nails across his nipples.
He tossed his shirt aside, groaning at the feel of her nails against him. He’d been aiming for the couch, but was pretty sure they weren’t going to get there. He yanked at the waist to her jeans, unsnapping them and shoving down the zipper, pushing the waist lower, down her hips.
When she unsnapped his jeans, sliding down the zipper, he heard her groan. As her fingers wrapped around his shaft, he joined her, his own groan rumbling through his chest.
He grabbed her hair, his fingers digging into her scalp, pulling her face back to his for another searing kiss.
He was losing his mind; need was making him burn. He was so aroused, so on edge, he felt a sensation almost like rage coursing through him. He had to have her. He was losing control. He ripped her hands from his cock, growling. “Stop, you have to stop… I can’t… Dani… I don’t want to hurt you.”
She cried out, his hands still in her hair, yanking her hair back, pulling too hard. She moaned again, writhing, twisting her hips against his shaft. “Please, Jace…. God, I need you.” It was too much. Squatting down in front of her, he shoved down her jeans and panties, yanking off her boots and tearing her pants loose. When she was naked before him, he slowed long enough to savor the sight.
Her head was pressed against the wall, her back arched away from it, h
er lips red and full, swollen from his kisses. Her breasts weren’t big, but firm and tight, the dark pink nipples pointing and taut. The sight of her flat stomach, tiny waist and curvy hips ripped another groan from his throat. The dark triangle of hair between her legs beckoned him, the moisture visible. He gripped her hips, his fingers digging in, his tongue darting out to taste her. He had dreamed of this for so long. He grabbed her leg, tossing it over his shoulder while he plunged forward with his mouth.
His mouth, hot on her core, seemed to push Dani toward another peak. His tongue darted back and forth across her clitoris, his fingers spreading the folds. When the tip of the first one slid inside, he felt her tight sheath, wet and hot, grip his finger, welcoming the intrusion.
God, she tasted good. “I’ve dreamed of this, of how you’d taste.” His tongue delved deeper, wringing another moan from her. “So much better than I ever imagined.” She was so wet, so hot, his finger sliding in and out. Fuck, she was tight! When he felt the contractions start, he pulled his finger out, sliding a second one in with it. As her sheath tightened, pulsing around him, he gripped her ass, pressing her closer, licking harder, on the verge of release himself.
As he felt her muscles loosen, he stood, pressing kisses across her shoulders, dipping down to suck her nipples. He pinched one between his thumb and finger, rolling it, sucking the other deep into his mouth, running his tongue across the tip.
* * * * *
Dani cried out, Jace’s wicked mouth driving her over one edge and back up another. She grabbed his head, digging her hands into his scalp, yanking his mouth up to hers. She tasted her orgasm on his lips, driving her even higher. She shoved his jeans down; there was no time to get them off him. Lifting one leg, she wrapped it around his hips, going up on her toes, trying to align them.
Thankfully, he figured out what she needed, twisting his hips to adjust. He reached behind her, smacking his hand against her ass, harder than he’d intended to.
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