Jamie nodded. “I’m working on it. Nalini’s helping.”
“She’s a smart lady.”
“Almost as smart as you.” He twisted the neck of Jay’s shirt in his fist and pulled him in for a back thumping-hug. “Thanks for everything, man. Seriously, I owe you one.”
“Are you forgetting I punched you in the face?”
“Yeah, I recall.” His arm tightened around his best friend’s shoulders. “And I’m more than happy to repay the favor if I find you back down here before you get some sleep. Got it?”
“Anyone ever tell you your bossy as fuck with the people you care about?”
They thumped backs once more, and when they separated, they were both grinning like morons. “All the fucking time, asshole…all the fucking time.”
* * *
Even with herearbuds in and one of her favorite classical playlists on the lowest possible volume, Summer couldn’t sleep. She’d never been in a man’s bed before. Not naked, anyway. Hyperaware of everything, she noticed the sheets felt different against her bare breasts. The feather-light fabric brushed over her sensitive nipples, making them tighten and tingle.
Over in her bassinet, Halia slept soundly, bathed in the soft yellow glow of her nightlight. Her belly full, she was warm and content, oblivious to the danger her daddy faced when he put himself on the front lines of the war against terror.
A choice he’d made. For her. Before she’d ever been born.
And he was prepared to do it again.
To give her a life of freedom. A future of endless possibilities. A chance at happiness.
A man of honor and integrity, Jamie wouldn’t hesitate to lay down his life for the people he loved, and it scared the ever-living crap out of her. She didn’t know much about his previous missions, but he’d come close to dying in Boston, rushing into a spray of bullets to save those he could.
She didn’t need to know more. Didn’t need further evidence of his selfless bravery. Her heart twisted, the sharp pain stealing her breath, and she laid her palm against her chest. She’d almost lost him. Lost him before she’d even had him.
She squeezed her eyes shut, and his face came to her unbidden amidst a piano solo. His strong brow. Intense eyes. Full lips. Hard jaw. Long dirty blond hair tucked behind his ears. Her body heated. Her muscles went loose. Her hand drifted down. Over her breast. Her stomach. The mound at the juncture of her legs.
Ludovico Einaudi’s “Nuvole Bianche” soothed, the minimalist notes soft on her ears, the meditative sounds sinking into her, reverberating through her as her knees split open, her thighs spreading wider.
She dipped her fingers lower, found the most sensitive part of herself, and teased her clit to the music, matching the ebbs and flows of the simple composition.
Oh God! Her hips lifted. Her body greedy for the pleasure she could give.
Greedier still for the pleasure Jamie could give.
She slid her palm lower, rubbing in lazy circles, letting the spark in her core simmer. Anticipation growing, she eased two fingers inside, wishing they were Jamie’s cock. Fucking her. Filling her. Owning her.
Oh, yes. Like that.She rolled her hips, and her lips parted. Close. She was so close. Her orgasm building. Taking her higher. A slow wave lifting. Lapping. Cresting. Pushing her forward before pulling her back.
Her toes curled, her back bowed, her spirit soared, and she heard him before she saw him.
“Fuck me,” he growled, ripping the bed covers off her completely. “Let me see you, baby. Spread your legs wider and let me watch you play with your pussy.”
He stood at the end of the bed. His burning gaze locked on hers, holding her, pinning her to the mattress. And pulling her earbuds out by the wire, she did as he asked, opening herself to him, giving herself to him, trusting him with everything she had.
His eyes never left her face. “You’re beautiful, Summer. So. Fucking. Perfect. You heal me in one breath and ruin me in the next.”
“Jamie,” she moaned. One word. His name. Her religion.
“I’m here, baby.” He one armed his T-shirt over his head, dropping it to the floor at his feet. “I can see how wet you are.” He kicked off one boot. “How much you want me.” The other boot joined the first. “You’re burning for me, aren’t you?”
“Yes,” she cried, unable to tear her eyes off him as he stripped. “Hurry, please!”
“Oh, no.” His grin was dark and dangerous as he reached for his belt buckle. “Slow those fingers down, buttercup. We’re not rushing this.” He pulled the leather strap from the loops, a slow tease that had her pussy clenching. “The first time you come tonight will be on my dick, but not before you beg me long and hard. Understood?”
