She tightened and rocked forward. Jackson bucked under her, holding her hips as he surged up into her. Iona rubbed her breasts, moaning as she rode him. He matched her move for move as they worked toward their shared pleasure. Her fierce expression as she took him made him want her even more.
“Iona.” He groaned as she clenched.
She rose up until she almost was off him then sank down again, taking in all his length, rotating her hips. He lifted his head and pulled her to him then licked along her breasts. Jackson sucked her, moaning against her skin. Iona’s harsh breaths made her chest rise and fall under his lips. Sliding his hands into the back of her hair, he tugged.
“Jackson,” Iona whimpered.
He licked up her chest then along the centerline of her neck to her chin before he kissed her. Holding her firm, he pushed his tongue into her mouth. He matched each motion as she took him with their kiss. Jackson’s sac went tight and he struggled to hold off coming until she did. Iona arched then moaned, a long, drawn-out sound.
“Jackson.” Iona shuddered as she came.
Jackson joined her in release, moving with her as he was overcome with his own climax. Iona slumped against him and he fell back on the bed holding her. Cupping her ass, Jackson rubbed his thumbs along each cheek, kissing the side of her face.
“Being with you, I could get used to it,” Iona murmured.
Jackson paused his touch. She stiffened then went to roll off him. He held her close and she flung her head back, her eyes fierce. She opened her mouth.
“I could too.” He spoke before she could. “It’s becoming very easy for me to want to be with you.”
Iona went to say something. He squeezed her gently. She took his silent urging and was quiet. Jackson held her, wondering what else their being together would bring.
Chapter Four
Jackson placed his hand on Iona’s ankle. She made a humming sound but didn’t pull her attention away from the television. He glanced at her where she was comfortably stretched out on the couch with her feet in his lap. They were having a relaxing day after a hectic week of his being called in and Iona preparing for a presentation. She was headed out of town to California tomorrow, and Jackson wanted to spend some time with her before she left. Thankfully, he wasn’t on call today—Arissa was—so he wasn’t going to be anywhere else but here with her. Although she was only going to be gone a week, he couldn’t help wondering if the distance she’d been placing between them in the last week would increase. Ever since they’d both admitted they were getting used to each other. For him, nothing had changed except that he’d finally said it aloud to her. Yet Iona was acting skittish and he didn’t like it at all. Today was the first day that he’d had with her to get to the bottom of what was going on with her.
I’ll talk with her as soon as the show is done. Jackson had learned from experience not to interrupt her when she was watching her favorite TV show, Criminal Minds.
He tapped his finger on the arm of the couch, watching her more than the show. Iona had a familiar smile on her face. When Jackson focused on the screen, he realized why.
“A man could get a complex from how you get whenever you see Shemar Moore.” Jackson gripped her ankle firmer.
“He is something to look at”—Iona didn’t even look away from the screen—“but he’s not the only one I’m watching this time.”
Jackson looked at the TV again then at her. “Reid?”
“Oh yeah. And his real name is Matthew Gray Gubler.” Iona looked at him, her smile becoming sultry. “There is something about a smart man who is handsome too that does it for me. How they can spout facts like they know everything—that makes you want to jump them.”
“I don’t act like I know everything,” Jackson protested.
“Really?” Iona pulled her legs out of his lap and shifted to her knees on the couch. She leaned over and crawled toward him. “Just last night someone was trying to tell me some obscure fact about architecture.”
“I’ve become interested in it since you mentioned about what you do,” Jackson mumbled. “It wasn’t acting like I know everything. I just found it fascinating.”
“And I find it interesting that you took time to find out information relevant to my profession.” Iona put her hands on his shoulders and straddled him. Jackson put his hand on her hips.
“You do, huh?” Jackson grinned. “I must have you captivated, since you’re ignoring your TV crushes for me.”
“They are not crushes. I just enjoy watching a fine specimen of man.” Iona lowered her head. “Such as the one before me.” She kissed him.
Jackson opened, kissing her back. The ringing of his cell with a familiar ringtone made him pull away.
“Hold that thought.” Jackson reached for his cell, which was on the table next to the couch. He picked it up, answering, “Carlyle—”
“Jackson, I know you’re not on call but we’re slammed.” Arissa sounded rushed. “We have three people out with the flu.”
“I’ll be right there.” They were working short as it was with budget cuts. Being down three doctors would make the already understaffed emergency room hectic.
“See you soon.” Arissa hung up.
He pressed the end call button then met Iona’s gaze. “Sorry, I have to go.”
“No need to apologize.” She slid off his lap and stood, holding out her hand. He took it and rose.
They walked out of the room together to the front door. Iona released his hand then opened a drawer at the entry table and took something he couldn’t make out from it. She turned to him then pressed what she held in his hand. Jackson glanced at the key then at her, surprised.
“Come back when you’re done. No matter how late.” She stepped back then crossed her arms over her chest, averting her gaze.
Jackson moved closer to her and turned her head to him. “You didn’t just conveniently have this here waiting. You planned to give me a key.”
“Yes. But no big deal.” She shrugged. “Figured it was better for you to have it since you come by sometimes after work, or get here before me. Your waiting outside might frighten the neighbors.”
“We don’t want to have that, do we?” Jackson chuckled. He knew what she said wasn’t true. He’d gotten very friendly with the neighbors. Many times when he’d been waiting for Iona, a few of them had dropped by to say hi. Usually they also brought some sort of treat for him and Iona.
“Laughy man,” she said fondly, hugging him.
“Someone called me Laughy Boy. Glad to know I’ve been elevated.” Jackson kissed her gently.
“Who called you that?”
“Chandler,” he answered then held up the key. “Thanks for this. I’ll be back later.”
“See you then.” Iona bit her lip then said, “Be safe.”
“I will.” He stepped back and went to the door before opening it. He turned to close it, looking at Iona as he did. She was in his favorite housedress—a pale gray with burgundy flowers—and barefoot.
Once the door closed, he hurried to his truck. He threw the house key she had given him up in the air then caught it, a grin on his face. With her giving him a key, he realized his unease had been unfounded. Whistling, Jackson headed to work.
* * * *
Hours later, he opened Iona’s door with his key, stepped in then pocketed it. Trying to be quiet since it was so late, he used the nightlights Iona always had lit in the entryway to go to the steps then up. The nightlights in the hall lit his way to her bedroom. Jackson heard the murmur of her voice and frowned as he pushed open the door. Iona was lying on the bed, on her back with her legs braced on the walls. She had on lavender knee socks, panties and a tank top. She turned her head to look at him then mouthed, “On phone with Japan.”
Jackson nodded then went to the bathroom to clean up. He took a quick shower then wiped off, throwing the towel in the hamper before donning his pajama bottoms and going to bed. He lay next to Iona, listening absently as she conversed with whoe
ver she was talking to. Iona placed her hand on his stomach, rubbing her thumb back and forth. Jackson touched her leg, running his hand over the top of her knee sock. Iona paused in speaking and she pressed a kiss to his side before she continued her conversation. Content, Jackson lay besides her enjoying just being with her.
I could get used to coming home to her every night.
Jackson pushed away the foolish thought.
* * * *
As the weeks passed he got used to spending time with Iona whenever she was in town. Her schedule was busy and she was out of town more often than in McKingley. When she was in town, he appreciated having time to do various activities together. Like today, when they had plans Jackson was looking forward to.
“Come on, Iona,” he called up the stairs.
“Keep your pants on,” she yelled back. He heard her steps as she came down the hall then she was at the top of the staircase. She struck a pose and grinned at him. “How do I look?”
Jackson rethought the present he’d given her earlier. The pale gray and magenta biking gear molded to her curves, making his mouth water and his cock harden with his need to strip her bare.
“Ummm… Maybe we should just stay home.” Jackson put his foot on the step.
“Nope. We’ll go out and work up a sweat.” Iona shook her head and came down the staircase. “Then come home later and work up another sort of sweat.”
Jackson was tempted to seduce her into staying home. Images of last time they’d gone biking filled him. Iona was competitive and if he challenged her like he had before, it could get very interesting.
“I bet I can beat you around the trail.”
“You’re on.” She reached his side and held out her hand.
Jackson shook it, already imagining what he would do to her if he won, as well as what she could do to him if she did. Either way, he would come out a winner. Eager, he got them moving so they could work on their wager. In the truck, she told him about her trip and he filled her on what was going on at the hospital. The drive went fast and they got out retrieving their bikes. When they were ready, they straddled the bikes.
“I’m going to win this bet,” Iona taunted.
“Poor, poor delusional woman,” Jackson scoffed. “Be prepared to bow down and call me King of the Trails.”
“King of something, all right.” Iona stuck out her tongue then pedaled off.
“Cheater,” Jackson called then headed after her.
Iona laughed and went faster. He enjoyed hearing her amusement. He quickened his pace then passed her, snickering as he did. They exchanged leads back and forth around the trail then ended back where they’d begun.
“Queen of the Trails.” Iona put her hands in the air, pumping her fists.
“No one likes someone who gloats,” Jackson griped.
“Well no one better close their eyes, since I am not only gloating but dancing.” Iona clapped her hands and wiggled her shoulders.
“This no one will be continuing to ride while you act unsportsmanlike by gloating.” Jackson blew her a raspberry then put his nose in the air. “I would have at least got off my bike to gloat and do a proper dance.”
“You are a nut.” Iona chuckled.
“I know I am and so are you.” Jackson set off riding again.
Iona fell into place beside him and they rode, joking with each other as they did. Later, Jackson stopped, placing his feet on the ground on either side of his bike. He pulled his water bottle from the carrier and sipped the refreshing beverage. A bike braked beside his and he glanced at Iona. She retrieved her own water and took a drink.
“It was a good idea to come to Lendro Peak to bike today.” Jackson reached out for her and kissed her gently. “I needed this.”
“Me too. It’s been a busy few weeks at work.”
“It has.” Jackson studied her, touching her face. “You look a little tired after your last trip out of town.”
“All the traveling has me beat.” Iona shrugged, putting back her water bottle.
“At least you don’t have any trips scheduled for a few months.” He tugged her ponytail. “We can spend some quality time together.”
“I’d like that.” She winked then said, “Now let’s get going. I promised to make you dinner.”
“And I’m looking forward to you cooking over a hot stove for me.”
“It’s your turn next time, buddy. And I might demand you cook naked.”
“That’s unsafe. I might burn the important bits.” Jackson pursed his lips.
“Fine, you can wear an apron and nothing else. Then take it off to serve me naked.”
“Hey, you’re cooking for me tonight, so why don’t you serve me naked?” Jackson wiggled his eyebrows.
“You didn’t ask for it before so nope. I asked, so I get you to do it.” Iona set off on her bike, her laughter trailing behind her. Jackson went after her and they rode the paths then later they went to her house. The teasing continued as she cooked for him.
“It would only take one moment to take off your shirt,” Jackson suggested, reaching to help her.
Iona slapped at his hand then shook a warning finger at him. “No nakedness in the kitchen unless it is you.”
“That doesn’t seem fair.” Jackson snorted.
“Who said it would be fair?” Iona bobbed around the kitchen. “This is my world, baby, and you’re just privileged enough to be at my beck and call.”
Jackson laughed at her antics. Iona came into his face and blew him a kiss then danced away before he could grab her. He stood and chased her around the room. Iona shrieked and ran. She dodged him then rushed toward the doorway. Jackson followed her, enjoying her laughter. She glanced over her shoulder as she went through the living room door. Jackson closed in on her and grabbed her from behind, turning her into his arms.
“Jackson.” She pushed at him, chuckling, then her hold changed and she slid her arms around his neck. Iona kissed him gently, a soft smile on her lips.
The joy on her face filled him and Jackson’s eyes widened as it dawned on him what had been staring him in the face the last few months. Iona’s eyes narrowed then she pulled away. Jackson held her and gazed into her pale gray eyes.
“Iona.”
She put her finger over his lip. “Don’t, Jackson.” She sounded tired. “Let’s just have dinner.”
“We need to talk.”
“Later. I can’t right now. We’ll do it later,” she implored.
Jackson gave in since she looked so tired. They went back to the kitchen and had a nice dinner. He kept the conversation light even as the words he needed to say wanted to spill out. They washed the dishes together then got ready for bed. Iona touched his back as she passed him in the bathroom. Jackson put toothpaste on his toothbrush then started to brush his teeth. His thoughts were filled with what he would tell her tomorrow.
A sense of rightness overcame him and he finished then went to bed. Iona was lying on her side, facing away from him. Jackson frowned but brushed it off—she was tired. He slid in behind her, holding her close. He put his hand on her stomach. Moments later, Iona placed her hand over his. She put their fingers together before turning to him. Iona stared at him then kissed him.
She pulled at his pajama bottoms and he lifted his hips to make it easier for her to take them off. Once he was naked, she put protection on his cock then rolled onto her back and pulled him over her. Jackson slid into her, moaning as she squeezed him within her pussy. He moved slowly but she dug her fingers into his ass, yanking him closer to move faster. Iona rocked, matching his strokes.
“Jackson.” Iona’s voice broke and she cleared her throat. “Make me yours.”
“Always.” He kissed her and thrust into her.
She held him, whimpering as she opened for him. She gripped him, gyrating against him and making the noises he loved to hear. Iona tightened her inner walls and held the back of his neck, staring at him. Jackson plunged into her moving quicker and quicker. He shivered a
s his release came upon him. Iona’s breath hitched signaling her release. Jackson stroked deep once then twice and shook as he came. Iona climaxed with him, moving under him and moaning in her throat.
“I love you, Iona,” Jackson said, unable to hold back the words any longer.
She stiffened briefly then relaxed before she pulled his head down to hers and kissed him urgently. Jackson wondered about her reaction but returned her kiss. He hardened once more and they started to make love again.
She is mine. And I will not let her go.
* * * *
Jackson stretched and with a smile on his face, he reached over for Iona. He frowned when he met cold sheets. He rolled and, not seeing her, sat up. Stretching again, he figured that she was probably already downstairs getting coffee and breakfast ready. He stood and went to the bathroom. He used the facilities, then washed his face before brushing his teeth. After he left the bedroom, he went down the hall then down the steps, whistling. When he was downstairs, he paused, not smelling any coffee.
Confused, Jackson called, “Iona?” When he received no answer, he went first to the living room then to the kitchen.
He went toward the kitchen island when he spotted a note propped against the cookie canister. He recognized Iona’s handwriting as he opened the folded paper. Jackson figured she had departed to get something and left him a note to tell him. As he read he first line, he knew he was wrong. Jackson stopped reading then sat on the stool. He reread the first line, then the rest of the note.
Jackson— When we started this arrangement, we both agreed that we would not get caught up and think of it as anything other than it is. Sex with you is a wonderful thing but as I mentioned when we first started this, I’m not looking for anything more. The simple arrangement we had has become too complex. You let your emotions get the best of you. I’m sorry but this arrangement can no longer continue. At least by the time I get back from my business trip you would have had time and we can still continue on as friends. Thank you.
—Iona McKingley.
Jackson clenched the note in his fist. As far as he knew, there was no business trip. Since she’d left town, it had to be because she was running from him. Jackson stood, fury filling him. Iona could do what she chose to do and he would do as he needed to.
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