Close Contact

by Lori Foster

  “What would you call it?”

  Very lightly, she touched his bandaged arm. “Concern for someone I care about?”

  It was the first time she’d ever admitted caring, and it obliterated his touted control. Wanting her, needing her, right this very second, he took her mouth hard.

  It didn’t surprise him that she matched his lust just as fiercely. From day one, he and Maxi had been sexually explosive. She seemed to forget about his arm as she clutched at him, pressing her naked breasts to his chest, groaning softly.

  Even when he rushed her into the bedroom, she never mentioned his arm.

  In fact, she teased him, saying, “And here I thought we were about to make use of the bathroom wall.”

  “Next time.” He pulled her down to the bed with him, his kiss possessive, his tongue twining with hers while his hands covered her soft breasts.

  She lifted against him in a sultry rhythm, her need already escalating. Miles freed her mouth, but just so he could latch on to one taut nipple.

  Crying out at the strong suction, she tangled a hand in his hair. Her movements grew frantic. To help her along, he wedged his free hand between her thighs, his fingers searching. She arched, her body straining.

  Miles slowed enough to look up at her, seeing her at the peak of release. God, he loved it.

  Hell, he loved her.

  No other woman could make him feel like this. He knew it, accepted it.

  Now he just had to get her on board.

  More gently, he kissed his way over to her other nipple, licking it lazily.

  Maxi groaned.

  Still at a leisurely pace, he pressed a finger into her and felt her muscles clamp down. So wet. He drew in her nipple, sucking softly while fingering her—and her whole body went taut, straining. As she came, she gave a sharp, undulating cry that little by little diminished into faint, hoarse moans.

  Miles gave one last lick to her nipple, removed his fingers from her and hurriedly donned a condom.

  She was still sprawled out, boneless, her legs lax and her breathing ragged, when he thrust into her.

  She purred his name, wrapping her legs around him and locking her ankles at the small of his back. Her nails stung his shoulders, her hot little mouth opened against his chest, the sharp edge of her teeth teased—and he stiffened with a rush of release. It went on and on, always with Maxi.

  Only with Maxi.

  As he caught his breath, he felt her limbs slipping away from his body. Just that easily, she dozed off to sleep. Miles lifted up, a tender smile already in place. Guess he’d have to have that longer talk with her tomorrow.

  At least now he felt confident there would be a tomorrow—and a day after that.

  She’d quit trying to end things and instead admitted that she cared, that she wanted him to stay.

  He called that progress.

  After he disposed of the condom, he got back in bed and pulled her naked body against him. In her sleep, she curled close, her head against his shoulder, one leg over his hip.

  Yeah, he wanted to sleep like this, with her, for the rest of his life. Whatever it took, he’d make it happen.

  CHAPTER SIXTEEN

  “KEEP YOUR FINGER straight along the barrel, not on the trigger, until you’re ready to shoot.”

  Maxi flushed. He’d already told her that a few times, but she kept forgetting. Luckily Miles made sure to stay behind her when she held his small revolver, which he often strapped to his ankle and she found easier to use than his Glock.

  Actually, he stayed behind her with his hands on her—her waist, her hip...she was starting to think this whole exercise was just so he could fondle her.

  Not that she would have denied him. No way. When Miles touched her, she could almost forget the rest of the world existed.

  “Now,” he said near her ear. “See the can? No, don’t close an eye. Both eyes open, babe.”

  The instructions went on and on, and after several tries she did finally hit the can. It excited her so much, she started to turn to Miles, but he caught her quickly and relieved her of the gun.

  Another blush. But then she saw him smiling at her, his arms open, and she threw herself against him. “Who knew target shooting could be so much fun?”

  “With you?” he said, pressing a kiss to her mouth. “Everything is fun.”

  “Ha, right.” With the sun behind him, she squinted to see his face. “Not getting stitches.”

  “Let’s just say I’d rather do that with you than without you.”

  He kept confusing her with the things he said. Was it no more than the usual banter between a man and a woman, or was he telling her that she was somehow special? God, if only she hadn’t walked out on him the first time, she wouldn’t hesitate now to ask him how he felt about her.

  But the history was there. She had walked away, and she didn’t know if that had forever altered his trust. Plus, he was now her bodyguard, so he was basically forced into close proximity to keep her safe. Being sexually compatible might just be a convenient perk for him.

  She realized he was watching her intently, waiting for her reply.

  Joking seemed like a good cover for her ridiculous insecurity, so she said, “Well, if I had to get stitches, I’d rather get them with you, too.”

  “No stitches for you.” Miles touched her mouth. “Promise me.”

  It couldn’t be her imagination. He was definitely warmer toward her, more demonstrative now in ways that didn’t lead them straight to bed. It was almost as if he’d made a decision that she knew nothing about.

  Whatever his reasons, she liked the way he was with her now, so she smiled. “I promise.”

  For once, the cats weren’t around them. The loud gun blasts had sent most of them scattering, but not far. They sat up the hill around the house, observing from a safe distance.

  Only one cat remained close and Maxi bent to stroke along his back.

  “He’s a brave one,” Miles said. “Hope he’s not watching and learning. That’s all we need is an armed cat.”

  She grinned, scooping up the black cat and cradling him to her chest. A gentle breeze drifted over the pond. Somewhere in the distance, a frog croaked. The humidity felt lower today, and the recent rains had left the landscape a vibrant green.

  Miles tilted his head. “You amaze me, did you know that?”

  Surprised by that sudden disclosure, she said, “But my aim wasn’t all that great.”

  “I don’t mean shooting. You’ll get better at that with more practice.” He, too, pet the cat. “I’m amazed because even with what happened, you don’t feel uncomfortable down here anymore.”

  He didn’t have to clarify; she knew exactly what he meant. They were very near the spot where someone had put her unconscious body in the dead of night.

  At first, she’d feared that she’d never be able to visit the pond again.

  It was thanks to him that she’d conquered that fear. He’d been casual about walking with her around the pond, always sticking close, there if she needed him.

  Such an amazing guy, in so many ways.

  She managed a smile. “I used to be, but not so much anymore.” Her gaze sought his. “Not when you’re with me.”

  Looking far too serious, his hand curved around her cheek, his thumb brushing the corner of her mouth. “I’m glad.”

  They kept dancing around declarations and it made her nuts. In her heart, she wanted him to stay, but being rational, she knew he couldn’t. The Body Armor agency was a good forty-five minutes away. His friends, his family, his life...they all existed in a world separate from hers.

  That he treated her so affectionately was probably because of the phenomenal sex, a carryover to that intimacy. She, better than anyone, knew that sex didn’t necessarily equ
ate commitment. After all, she was the one who’d insisted that it not be anything more than sex. Since he’d become her bodyguard, she hadn’t requested a change in those parameters. He was only abiding by her rules—how could she change those rules now, when he was still obliged to stay with her?

  Obviously she couldn’t, and damn it, she would not get emotional about it.

  Everything was currently too nice to dampen it with what-ifs and worries for a future of their convoluted relationship.

  “This sweet baby,” she said, hugging the cat and effectively diverting her thoughts, “stayed with me. When I finally woke up enough to realize what had happened, he was there, watching me. He even came closer and sat by me.” At the time, the familiar cat had felt like a lifeline in the middle of the unknown.

  Miles, always attuned to her moods, scratched beneath the cat’s chin. “Don’t take offense, buddy. She doesn’t mean to insult you.”

  Mouth twitching, Maxi asked, “How did I insult him?”

  “You called him a sweet baby. He’s actually a total badass. I’ve seen him stalk birds, a rabbit and a fish in the pond.”

  “Ah, well, then, I’m sorry.”

  “Are you set on the name Baby?”

  She nodded. “At first I was calling him Shadow, mostly because when he sits in one, the only thing you can see is his eyes. But then he was such a cuddler, I started calling him Baby and it stuck. Now I’m starting to think that name isn’t nearly grand enough.”

  The cat stretched toward Miles, his purr rumbling, his big yellow eyes closing in pleasure as he got attention from both humans.

  Mesmerized, she watched the gentle way Miles handled the cat, taking him from her and holding him close. “So as a hero, he needs a grander name?”

  An idea dawned on her. “What do you think of calling him Hero?”

  “I think he doesn’t care what you call him, as long as you keep loving him.”

  Again, it felt like he was talking about more than her cat. In truth, Miles was her real hero.

  Did he know that?

  Just in case, she whispered, “I’ll love him forever.”

  Miles gave her a long look, then, holding the cat against his shoulder, put his other arm around her and started them all toward the house.

  It had been only two days since his trip to the ER, but he barely paid any attention to the injury. It definitely hadn’t slowed him down—not in bed, and not around the farm.

  Before they could do any practice shooting, he’d built a barrier down by the pond that gave her a wide range for missing and would catch any stray bullets. It was more complex than she’d expected, but Miles was good with his hands.

  She grinned while thinking that. Yes, the man was very, very good with his hands.

  Even though they couldn’t see anyone beyond her property, they both knew that on occasion someone lurked out there, spying on them.

  She didn’t want to kill anyone. Catch them, yes. Pulverize them, sure. But she didn’t want an accidental death on her hands, so she’d waited for him to build the barrier.

  Now that it was done she wanted to get in as much practice as she could before the farmer delivered her goats. She’d purchased five of them, and after they were in the pasture, she wanted them to get used to their new home before possibly startling them with gunfire.

  Yesterday, Brand had visited again and he and Miles, with her help, had put solar lights on every third fence post. They’d also installed two very tall birdhouses on poles—so that the cats couldn’t disturb them—and each one had a powerful solar light attached that would shine into the woods.

  Brand was different from the others, more intense. Still friendly with an easy smile, but she had the feeling his thoughts were troubled. Because of that, she’d tried to give him time alone with Miles, but neither man wanted to let her out of his sight.

  As she and Miles reached the house, his cell phone rang. He set down the cat and, after glancing at the screen, told her, “I’ll just be a minute.”

  Meaning it was a private call?

  Not liking the way he’d just excluded her, she nodded and continued to the barn to feed the cats. They appeared out of everywhere, already knowing it was dinnertime.

  The cats, at least, loved her.

  She filled the trough to the brim, then folded her arms on the top of the closed barrel to watch as the cats ate. Her heart warmed. Yes, there were too many to call them pets, but she cared about them all the same. She even loved the barn, which still needed some repairs to the roof.

  Miles’s plan was to get to that tomorrow. When he’d claimed to dislike idle time, he hadn’t exaggerated. He truly seemed happiest while staying busy. But then, so did she, and every addition, every improvement to the farm, filled her with contentment.

  Could she give it all up for Miles?

  Immediately she shook off that thought. In no way had he asked for a commitment, so why was she even considering it?

  This was home.

  But would it still feel that way after Miles left? She had the disturbing feeling that her love of the place was closely tied to Miles being there with her.

  When his arms came around her, she jumped. “Blast, you startled me.” She would have straightened, but he didn’t let her.

  “Sorry,” he murmured, nudging in close against her bottom to keep her in place.

  She felt his smile when he pressed a kiss to the back of her neck. Miles’s kisses never failed to make her shiver. She relaxed again.

  To her surprise, his hot mouth moved down her neck to the sensitive spot where it joined her shoulder while his hands scooped over her breasts, gently kneading.

  “Miles?”

  “I love it when you go braless.”

  Given the way he now touched her, she loved it, too. “It was way too hot today for a bra, and since we’re the only ones here—”

  “You don’t need to convince me.” He pressed his hips against her backside again, and she felt the rise of an erection.

  Would they have sex here, in the barn? With the cats aware? No, she couldn’t do that. “Um, Miles...”

  “Let’s go into town for dinner.”

  Startled again. “I thought we were going to grill.”

  “I changed my mind.”

  It wasn’t what he said that did it, just a feeling she got, but she pushed away from the barrel, forcing him to back up. The second he did, she turned to face him—and got arrested by the heat in his eyes. Oh, that was a very real interest, so he hadn’t faked wanting her. But why all of a sudden, and why did it feel like he was keeping something from her?

  Ripe with suspicion, she asked, “What’s going on?”

  His crooked smile told her she’d hit the nail on the head, but he answered her question with one of his own. “What makes you think something is?”

  “I don’t know. Just a feeling. But I’m right, aren’t I?”

  His hands settled on her hips and he bent to kiss the tip of her nose. “Partially. I always want you, so don’t doubt that. And actually, I came in here to explain, but you were bent over that barrel, which was an invitation if I ever saw one, and I got a little distracted.”

  “You’re not distracted now.”

  He pulled her forward so that she felt a full erection now. “Wanna bet?”

  His need fired her own, but she held on to that suspicion. “Does this have anything to do with your phone call?”

  With an abrupt laugh, he said, “The call was from Leese, and no, he doesn’t give me a boner.”

  She choked back her laugh. “I meant the mystery of why you want to go out for dinner.”

  “Actually...yes.” He kissed her again and stepped back. When cats began circling his legs, he knelt down to pet them. “Leese did some checking on Fletcher for me
.”

  What? That was news to her. She sat in the hay across from him, and immediately three cats crawled over her legs. “When did you ask Leese to check on him?”

  “After the bomb. But if I hadn’t asked him, he probably would have on his own. We all got an uneasy vibe from Fletcher. At first I wasn’t sure if it was just jealousy, but—”

  “Whoa, wait.” Did he really just say that? To be sure, she repeated, “Jealousy?”

  “Yes.” His gaze traveled slowly all over her, ending at her eyes. “Fletcher wants you. You might not see it, but every guy here knew it, including his grandpa.”

  “Woody said something?”

  Miles shrugged. “Armie heard him warn Fletcher away, telling him that you and I were a thing and he shouldn’t cause any trouble.”

  Were they a thing? Sexually compatible, sure, but more than that? “I don’t think Fletcher would have anyway.” The idea of Miles being jealous both thrilled and worried her.

  “Now that we know Fletcher has a dangerous temper, I wish Woody hadn’t butted in.” He smiled with menace. “I’d love for Fletcher to give me a reason.”

  A reason to what? She was afraid she knew, and it made her scowl. “You’re aware that I’m not into Fletcher, right?”

  “Doesn’t change how he feels, does it?” A small female cat crawled up his chest and licked his chin. Miles laughed and readjusted her to his lap.

  “I don’t happen to think he feels anything but friendly toward me. But no matter what, I don’t want you hurting him.”

  Miles stiffened. “And why the hell not?”

  “He hasn’t done anything!”

  Miles looked down at the cat, his hands gentle but his words hard when he said, “Or maybe he’s done a lot.”

  All the breath squeezed out of her. “You think Fletcher...?”

  “I think it’s possible.” His gaze cut up to hers. “More and more, it’s looking that way.”

  “So we’re going to town to do...what?”

  “Get information. If he fought with those guys, I want to know exactly what happened, and if they really did disappear.”

  “Donny said they were bad news.”