by Lynn Lorenz
“I’m getting out of here. Have some pity for me, Edward. Leave me some dignity,” Jack gritted out.
“What are you talking about?”
“I gave up everything for you. My career. The respect of my friends and my men. I was even willing to walk away from this town, the only real home I’ve ever had, for you. And you tossed it to the side.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“I’m talking about us, dammit.” Jack growled, taking Edward by the arm, convulsing his hand. “I’m talking about being in love with you and you dumping me, like all the others.” Jack’s heart shattered and it took the breath from him, leaving him gasping.
Edward’s mouth hung open. “Dumping you? Others? Where did you get that idea?” What the fuck was Jack talking about?
“I guess your mother was right. I was just another fling.” He gave Edward’s arm a shake as he let him go. “Leave me alone, Edward.” He got into the truck and slammed the door.
Lillian. Edward should have known. If he didn’t act fast he’d lose Jack, and that was not going to happen. Not this time. This time, he’d fight for his man.
Edward jumped onto the running board and grabbed Jack’s arm through the open window. “Jack! Listen to me. She’s wrong. She’s just trying to break us up. I love you. You have to believe me. Those other men, the ones she’s talking about, they dumped me. They. Dumped. Me.” Edward hung on, even as Jack tried to shake him off. “I wasn’t good enough. Not for them.” Edward’s voice caught in his throat. “When you said you loved me, as is, well, that was the most wonderful thing anyone has ever said to me. But if you don’t believe in me, in my love, then I guess I’m not really good enough for you either.” Edward didn’t know what else to say, so he let go and stepped down off the truck.
Jack shook. Unable to get the key into the ignition, he gave up. It all came down to this. He loved Edward, but did he believe Edward?
He raised his head and looked into Edward’s eyes. They were large, deep brown pools that pulled him under every time he gazed into them.
“I want you to live with me at the ranch,” Edward whispered. “I should have talked to you about it first, not sprung it on you.”
“Live with you? At the ranch?” Jack dropped his hands into his lap and laid his head on the steering wheel. “Christ, Edward.” His entire body turned to mush and he was afraid he’d never be able to lift his head again. He’d stormed off like a petulant lover in the middle of Olivia Rawlings’ funeral.
The town would be talking about this for years.
He’d let himself get so out of control with Edward. Over Edward.
Oh fuck, yes, Edward was dangerous. And Jack had developed a taste for danger.
“I’m so sorry, love. I didn’t mean to hurt you like this. I love you,” Edward said.
Jack pulled himself together, opened the door and stepped out of the truck.
“Edward.” He grabbed Edward by the lapels of his black suit jacket and hauled Edward against his body. “If you ever do that to me again, I won’t be responsible for what happens.”
Then Jack crushed his mouth to Edward’s.
Applause and cheering went up around them. Jerking back, Jack looked around. A small crowd, with Brian, Mitchell and Sammi at the front, had gathered around them. The uniforms of the Spring Lake police force were scattered among the people. Kristen stood there, tears painting her cheeks.
“Oh shit.” Jack groaned.
“He loves me!” Edward waved to everyone.
“Edward.” Jack growled a warning.
“Shut up and kiss me again.” Edward pulled Jack to him, and their lips met in a scorching kiss.
“Get a room!” Mitchell shouted and laughter erupted.
“Okay, everyone, show’s over. Break it up.” Brian waved his hands to disperse the crowd.
“Excuse me. I have something to take care of.” Edward narrowed his eyes then spun away from Jack. He made his way through the crowd, back to the tables, to where his mother sat, as Jack followed, unsure of what Edward was going to do.
“Mother. We need to talk.” Edward planted himself in front of the table, leaned down on his fists and glared at her.
She shrank back and said nothing.
“If you ever try to interfere or come between Jack and me again, that’s it.”
Jack smirked. The Dragon Lady had just met Son of Dragon Lady and Jack had a good idea who was going to win this battle.
“What?” Her mouth gaped open, and her eyebrows hit her hairline.
“You heard me. I know what you’re up to and it won’t work. You’re not going to sabotage Jack and me. If you try it again, you’re out.”
“Out?”
“Out of my life, Mother. Alone.”
“But, darling…” she stuttered.
“Your word. I want your promise.”
Mouth open, she turned to Jack for support. Jack shrugged. “If I were you, I’d make that promise.” Then he wrapped his arm around Edward and tugged him close.
She exhaled. “Are you sure, Edward? Is he the one?” Suddenly, Jack could see the concern for Edward in her eyes. Maybe she accepted him, after all.
“Yes, Mother. Jack’s the one and only man for me.”
“And I guess you know I love Edward enough to risk everything,” Jack added.
She shifted her gaze from one to the other then sat back. “You never cease to amaze me, Edward. If you’re happy, then I’m happy.” She stood. “Take good care of my son, Chief Whittaker.”
“I intend to, ma’am.” Jack doffed his hat to her.
“And, Edward?”
“Yes.” Edward grinned up at Jack, then smiled at his mother.
“Take good care of Jack.”
“I will.” Edward gave Jack a peck on his cheek.
“I’m leaving this afternoon, as soon as everything is over here.” She stood and brushed off her skirt. “I’ll expect the two of you for the holidays.”
“Yes, ma’am,” they chorused, as she walked toward the house.
Chapter Thirty-Two
Jack shut his bedroom door, unbuckled his holster and placed it on his dresser. He jerked off his tie and shrugged out of his jacket.
“Man, I thought they’d never leave. Good thing the food ran out.” It had been a long afternoon and only the knowledge he’d have Edward all to himself had made it bearable.
“It was a good service. And a great turnout. Olivia would have been so pleased.” Edward flopped back onto Jack’s bed.
Edward must have been exhausted—he’d been on his feet all day, meeting and greeting the people who’d attended the service, listening to condolences and stories about Olivia.
Jack sat on the bed and ran his hand over Edward’s thigh. “Been wanting you all to myself all afternoon, baby.”
Edward laughed, reached up, wrapped his hands around Jack’s neck and pulled him down into a soft kiss. Jack went willingly. Christ, he loved kissing Edward. He had the softest lips, like tiny pillows to rest his mouth against. And the taste of him? Just one kiss and Jack got so hard he ached.
Edward pulled on Jack’s shoulders and rolled him onto his back. Edward looked down at Jack, mischief glinting in his eyes. Christ, Jack hoped it was more than mischief.
“Me too. I know it’s weird, but all I could think about was dragging you inside the ranch house and making love with you with everyone still standing around on the front lawn. It’s made me crazy, not getting to be with you for the last three days.” Edward flicked open the buttons on Jack’s white dress shirt.
“Well, I think it was best for you to stay at Olivia’s house with your mother and get things ironed out.” Jack relaxed as Edward undressed him.
“I’m just glad she went back to Atlanta after the funeral.” Edward spread Jack’s shirt wide open and sighed. “Good Lord, Jack. You’ve got the most scrumptious body I’ve ever seen.” Edward ran his finger around Jack’s nipple. It pebbled and sent a small ache to his
loins.
“What? This old thing?” Jack chuckled, pleased as hell Edward, younger and much more handsome than himself, found him desirable. That pleasure urged Jack’s stiff cock to escape its containment.
Edward unzipped Jack’s pants, pushed down his briefs and wrapped his soft hand around Jack’s throbbing dick. “No, this old thing.” He leaned down and took Jack in his mouth. Jack arched off the bed as wet warmth surrounded his flesh.
“Fuck.” Jack groaned.
Edward sucked him down, taking him to the root, burying his nose in Jack’s thick pubes, then pulled back, sucking and working his tongue around Jack’s shaft.
Edward deep throated him a few times and took Jack right to the fucking edge.
“Shit. Wanted to last. Longer,” Jack gasped. His balls pulled up, the buildup in his groin intensified and he knew he was going to shoot his load. He fought it, trying to make it last, trying to enjoy Edward’s gifted tongue.
Could Edward heal him with a blow job?
He didn’t know. All he knew was that he loved Edward more than anything or anyone in his entire life. He would gladly face the entire town’s wrath just to be with his lover.
Edward dug his tongue into Jack’s slit. Jack gurgled, thrust deep into Edward’s mouth and spilled down Edward’s throat. Edward sucked him until he stopped spurting, then licked Jack’s dick clean and left it with a kiss.
“Sorry.” Jack gulped air, his body still shuddering.
Edward stretched out next to him, playing in the hair on Jack’s chest with his fingers. Edward’s chest was smooth. It was a wonderful difference that Jack, as a man, appreciated, just as he loved the way Edward’s body was smaller, tighter, younger.
“Don’t apologize. I love that I can make you lose control.” Edward gave him a sly grin.
Jack took Edward by the arms and pulled him on top of his body. “I know. You have this power over me, baby. I can’t help myself. You make me so hot, so turned on, so fucking furious, all at the same damn time.”
Edward laughed and kissed him as he ran his hands over Jack’s chest. “Get naked.”
Jack sat up, kicked off his shoes, pushed off his pants and briefs and yanked off his socks. When he lay back on the bed, Edward was naked and crawling between his legs.
“I want inside you,” Edward whispered. He bit his lip and looked down at Jack from under dark, long lashes.
A shiver of fear ran down Jack’s spine. “It’s been a long time since anyone’s had my ass, baby.” It would hurt, no doubt, but he wanted it.
“But you like it?” Edward trailed his hands down Jack’s body, over his hips, along his thighs. Every stroke felt like lightning dancing across Jack’s skin, raising the fine hairs on his body.
“Not as much as I like fucking, but yeah, I like it. At least I did the few times I tried it.” Jack may have been older than Edward, but he definitely wasn’t as experienced, and most of his sexual encounters had been a very long time ago.
Edward ran his hands up, cupped Jack’s balls, then he leaned over and took one in his mouth. Jack’s hips surged back as if he was trying to bury them in the mattress. His dick came to life as blood filled it. Edward switched to the other ball and worked it over until Jack quivered.
Jack closed his eyes, his breathing came deeper and he just let go. He was safe with Edward. He could lose control and Edward would be there to catch him.
The sound of the top of the lube being flicked open brought the fear back and he tensed.
“Relax. I’m not as thick as you, love. I’ll go slow.”
Jack nodded. Edward eased his hand under Jack’s balls, stroking his lube-covered fingers down the sensitive underside all the way to his puckered hole. Jack couldn’t tell if the ache was fear or longing, but he wasn’t going to let fear stand in the way of pleasing his lover.
Another dab of lube across Edward’s fingers and he pressed them against his ass. Jack pushed back and Edward’s slender finger slipped inside him.
“Ah.” Jack grunted as the feeling of fullness fought with the pain of being stretched. Edward waited a moment, then went deeper. Pulled out, then back in, building a steady rhythm of in and out until Jack was humping Edward’s finger.
Edward nailed his gland and Jack cried out, arching his back off the bed, twisting his fingers in the covers. Edward kissed Jack’s belly, his tongue delving into Jack’s navel, nibbling flesh as he finger-fucked him.
And Jack loved it. He fucking loved it. Wanted more. Wanted Edward’s dick in him, wanted to feel Edward lose his load, fill him with his cum, warming him from the inside.
“Do it, baby. Fuck me.” Jack pushed back.
“Sure?” Edward rested his cheek against Jack’s belly and looked at him. Jack drank in dark, liquid eyes, dark hair, swollen red lips and a soft, stubble-covered chin. Everything about Edward turned him on.
“Fuck me.”
Edward pulled his fingers out, tore open a condom and rolled it on. Jack wrapped his legs around Edward’s waist, angling his ass upward. Edward brought his cock to Jack’s hole and pushed. Jack pushed back, needing Edward inside him, all fear gone, nothing left but the ache and the desire and the fucking want.
Another small thrust and Edward was in. Jack’s ass screamed with the stretch—then, as he gulped down air, his channel relaxed. Full. So full. Edward’s long, slender cock wasn’t all the way inside. As Jack’s dick sprang to life, he knew he could do this.
“Move.” Jack slapped Edward’s hip and impaled himself on Edward’s dick.
Edward didn’t hesitate—he pulled out, shafted in. They danced the age-old dance. The push and pull. The in and out. The back and forth.
Each giving control and each taking it.
Jack fisted his dick. “Gonna come.”
Edward nodded. He bit his bottom lip, groaned and rolled his eyes. He shifted and nailed Jack’s bump. Jack thought he’d lose his mind, it was so good. He hadn’t remembered it as being this good. Maybe it was because Edward was fucking him. Maybe it was because, for once, he’d given someone else control.
“More, baby.” Jack begged for it.
“Fuck, Jack.” Edward jerked his hips. He opened his eyes and looked down at Jack.
“I love you,” Jack gasped as he coated his hand and belly with spunk.
Inside him, Edward erupted, cried out and froze, pumping his release, filling Jack’s ass with the heat of his cum.
Jack lowered his legs and sank into the bed. Christ, he’d been fucked and it had hurt so damn good. Despite the initial pain of being penetrated, he wondered how long it would take before they could do it again.
With a final shudder, Edward pulled out, easing off the condom. He rolled out of bed, his legs a bit unsteady, but he made it to the bathroom so he could toss the used condom in the bathroom trash. Then he got a damp cloth and cleaned Jack. After dropping it on the floor, he climbed back into bed. As he fell to the side, Jack drew him into his arms, spooning his chest against Edward’s back.
“Thank you, love,” Edward whispered.
“For what?” If anyone should be giving thanks, it should be Jack. He’d never been happier than at this moment, holding his lover in his arms, nuzzling the soft nape of his neck.
“For loving me.” Edward brought Jack’s hand to his lips and kissed it.
“Unconditionally,” Jack whispered as he tucked Edward’s head under his chin.
* * * *
Two months later
Edward swung through the double doors of the police station.
“What’s the story, morning glory?” He perched on the edge of Kristen’s desk.
“What’s the tale, nightingale?” she sang back. “How’s business at the Spring Lake Day Spa?”
“Growing!” He snagged her hand, peered at her nails then tsked at them. “I’ve got you down for the full treatment next week, right?”
“You bet. I can’t wait. I’m taking a half day off.” She sighed. “One hour massage, spa pedicure and manicure. It’
s every woman’s fantasy. I’m so glad you added those two women to do nails. If I ever win the lottery, I’m getting one of those massaging spa chairs.”
“Well, nothing’s too good for my clients,” Edward cooed. “Is Jack in?”
“Yep. Go on in.” She jerked her head at the door.
Edward rapped once on the door, heard “enter,” and went inside.
“Hey, love,” he greeted Jack. Good Lord, every time he saw the man, he broke out in goose bumps and his dick went rock hard.
“Hey, baby.” Jack looked up from the computer. “Are you sure you can watch him while I go to the police chiefs’ meeting in San Antonio this afternoon?” Winston sat by the desk, wiggling in anticipation of greeting his daddy.
“Of course. I told you before I don’t mind having Winston with me at work. The clients love him so much they ask for him.” Edward knelt and held out his arms. “Come, Winston.”
The little bulldog bounded toward him and landed in his lap. Edward scratched his ears, then cooed, “Did you have fun playing police dog? Catch any big, bad criminals?”
Woof.
Jack rolled his eyes. “He was a pain in the butt. Now he barks for me to run the siren whenever we get in the cruiser. And you’ve got him so spoiled that I’ll have to work on his training again this weekend.”
“Well, it just goes to show you, a free spirit can never be caged.”
“No, it just goes to show you that a little control is never enough.” Jack grinned as Edward sat on the edge of his desk. He wore Jack’s favorite jeans, the ones with the rips, that gave Jack glimpses of the flesh he loved so much.
“You’ll be home later tonight?”
Jack ran his hand over Edward’s leg. “Yes. Be ready.”
“Oh, I’ll be ready all right.” Edward leaned over and stroked Jack’s bulging erection. “Ready, naked and oiled up.”
“Oh fuck.” Jack surged up, catching Edward’s mouth with his, pushing his tongue between Edward’s lips. Edward melted against Jack. Christ, he loved that.
Jack pulled Edward against him as they rubbed their cocks together.
