by Nicole Vidal
“True, but we aren’t acting like a couple in front of anyone.”
“Meaning?”
“If we aren’t a secret, I would have kissed you when you got home regardless of who was in the house.”
“Norah, at the risk of sounding cheesy, will you be my girlfriend, which would allow me to kiss you and touch you as I wish regardless of our audience?”
“Yes.”
Chapter 40
Jacob
Stepping even closer, I scoot her forward so my hard length presses against her core. Lowering my mouth to hers, I worship her mouth. Wetting her lips with my tongue elicits a low whimper. Noted. I lift her cotton tee over her head and feast my eyes on her breasts.
“Damn! I’ll never get tired of finding new lingerie beneath your clothes.”
“Don’t say things you don’t mean!”
“It’s worth every penny. Your sexy-as-sin shoes too!”
This bra must be the one she ordered a few weeks ago. I’ve never seen it before. Red silk with black lace holds her perfect breasts up high and ready for tasting. Heat creeps into her cheeks as I dip my head, sucking the curve of her mounds. Hooking my finger under the strap, I pull it down her arm, following it with my tongue. I travel inward along the side of her breast to her nipple. Pulling it between my teeth, I bite down a tad harder than I planned.
Instead of wincing in pain, Norah’s fingernails mark the back of my neck. As I swirl my tongue around her taut pink bud, she unclasps her bra, dropping it to the tiled floor. I drag my thumb over her other nipple, watching it tighten with arousal. Her fingers grip the hem of my shirt and drag it up to my shoulders. I release her just long enough for my shirt to fall over her bra on the floor.
Curving my arm around her ass, I draw her forward, lifting her high in my arms so her breasts are level with my mouth. The tips of her long, dark hair tickle my forearm. With precision, I move upward with open-mouthed kisses to the curve of her neck, teasing her earlobe. Slowly, I lower her to the floor before gliding my hands over the dip in her waist. Sliding my fingers to the front of her jeans, I pop open the snap. I pause when her hands skim down the front of my body to cup my shaft.
Covering her hand with mine, I say, “Norah, wait. We’re going slow tonight.”
It may kill me, but I’m going to explore every inch of her tonight. Curving her fingertips, she draws her hand up. As each tip scrapes my shaft, I grow harder, which I didn’t think was possible.
Sliding my hands into her jeans, I cup her cheeks before pushing her jeans to the floor. She steps out of her jeans before kicking them to the side near our other clothes. I let my gaze roam from her bright red toes, up her long, toned legs, to the matching red, silk thong soaked through with need. I continue moving my eyes upward to the smooth curve of her toned abdomen, over her luscious breasts, the small group of freckles along her collarbone, to her hazel eyes. I cup her face in my hands and kiss her softly before leading her to my bed.
After stepping into the bedroom, Norah opens the snap of my jeans.
“Norah . . ..”
“It’s unfair that I’ll be totally naked in the next minute and you have half of your clothes on. At least the jeans need to go.”
I look into her eyes and realize there is no room for noncompliance with her request. I throw my hands up in surrender. She peels my jeans down my legs; her hands flat against my skin makes my length jump.
“Better?”
“For now.”
To avoid giving up any more ground, I tug her flush against me and walk until her legs hit the foot of my bed. Wrapping one arm around her rib cage, I set her on the mattress and climb up, straddling her thighs. Lifting her once more, I set her down in the center of my bed clad in only her sexy red thong. I brush my lips across hers before moving down her luscious body. Knowing it will drive her crazy, I kiss from her shoulder down to her fingertips. Rising, I lick down the center of her chest to her belly button. Dipping my tongue inside makes goose bumps rise on her skin. That’s new. With each trail her hands grip my comforter. Moving over to the point near her hip, I draw my tongue south but stop short of the lace edge of her panties. I repeat on her other hip. Deep sighs fall from her lips.
“Are you trying to drive me to insanity?” she murmurs, lifting her head to look down at me.
Looking up, I reply, “No, I’m taking my time.”
This is the first time I don’t feel rushed. I want to savor it. I want to savor every inch of her flawless skin. Seemingly content with my answer, Norah lowers her head to the mattress. I tuck my fingers beneath the sides of her thong and lower it toward her feet, kissing and nipping down her leg.
As I caress the inside of her thighs, I part them slowly, making room for my shoulders. First, I drag my index finger just outside her core on the left and then the right. That slight touch has Norah squirming. Running my finger from the top of her slit down to her tight pucker causes a low whimper of approval. I lean forward, blowing onto her sensitive bud, knowing she will attempt to move way. I hold her thigh against the mattress before drawing my tongue from the bottom of her core to the top, nipping and sucking her clit between my teeth.
“Jacob….”
I tease her more than normal before dipping my tongue into her folds. It doesn’t take long before her thighs are trembling and her fingers are pulling at my hair. Even before she completely recovers, I push two fingers deep into her core while sucking her nub with my mouth. Moving forward and back, she pushes against my hand until she convulses in pleasure.
“Jacob….”
“Hmmm,” I reply against her swollen folds, the vibration of my response clearly adding to her euphoric state.
“Holy hell.”
I hum again, causing her to writhe against my mouth. After she relaxes a bit, I climb up her body, leaving a trail of kisses along the way.
I shimmy out of my boxer briefs as she says, “I need—”
I know what she needs. I need it too. I interrupt her by sliding deep into her heated center. She lifts her leg onto my shoulder, pulling me deeper while curving her other leg around my waist. Thrusting in and out, I feel her tighten around me. Moving her leg from my shoulder to my waist, I lift her hips higher, allowing me to bury myself deeper. Every muscle in my lower body contracts as I get close. I feel her tense beneath me as her release grows in her body. As I push forward, Norah bears down. At once we fall over the edge into complete bliss.
I have no idea how many times I’ve been with Norah, but the last few times, it’s more. So much more. I couldn’t possibly fathom that it’s still getting better. I suppose what they say about sex without love is true. At least when both people admit their feelings, it’s more fulfilling.
I lower myself, pressing my lips to hers. The emotion in her eyes is screaming at me. I can only imagine what mine are saying to her. She unwraps her legs and sets her feet on the bed. Languidly, I roll us so she is lying on top of me.
Hours later, I wake with Tank pushing his nose against my hand. Sliding to the right, I slowly move Norah onto the bed and cover her. I pull on my boxer briefs to let Tank out. After downing a bottle of water, I gather our clothes from the floor and set the alarm before climbing back in bed with Norah.
Chapter 41
Norah
Dim sunlight brightens Jacob’s bedroom. I burrow deeper into his warm, hard body, refusing to acknowledge that it’s morning and I’m getting closer to seeing if the Morettis will go through with their threat. If Delores is lucky, I’ll find something in my calendar to produce a plausible place for the ledger.
I set my hand on Jacob’s thigh, drawing my fingernails in circles. He presses his mouth to my shoulder while sliding his hand down my belly. It’s impossible to ignore his impressive morning wood flush against my ass. His fingers graze my nub. He moves his thumb in circles as I rock against him. Pulling myself up to straddle him, I grind against him until my orgasm claims me. Gripping one hip, Jacob continues flicking my nub, keeping me on the raz
or edge of another orgasm. Lifting, I grab his length and stroke it before sinking down until he’s buried inside me. Leaning forward, I angle my hips back, taking him even deeper.
“Holy fuck, that feels good!”
I smile down at him, setting my hands on his pecs, and slide along his shaft. I feel him swell inside me, the tip hitting a spot that only he has touched before.
“Norah, don’t stop.” His face tightens, and his fingers brand my hips.
Moving faster, I convulse around him as he empties into me in long bursts. I glide my hands up to his shoulders as I lower my chest to his.
“Good morning to you too,” he says against my neck.
I giggle softly. “I could have just gotten up.”
“No, that was the perfect way to start a day. Hell, every day.”
“Is it now?”
“Absolutely.”
I lift my head, pressing my lips to his.
“We should get moving. It’s already after seven.”
I frown and start to move, but he pulls me in for a toe-curling kiss. If we weren’t already naked, we would be after that kiss. I may not know when this issue with the Morettis will be over, but I want to be wherever he is.
“Why don’t you shower while I feed Tank and make coffee?”
“That’s not as much fun,” I say with a pout.
“I agree, but we won’t be ready when the team arrives if we step in there together. While I don’t plan on hiding our relationship, we need to be respectful too.”
“Fine.” I wink as I move into the bathroom. I step into the steamy enclosure and enjoy the heat of the scalding water easing some of my delicious soreness. I’m working to keep my expectations in check. That gorgeous, blue-eyed, flawed man making coffee is my boyfriend. I haven’t had one in years. If that isn’t a reason to call Kelsey, I don’t know what is. I would have already if I had a phone. Ugh! Still need to be off the grid. As I shut off the water and step out of the shower, I find Jacob leaning on the counter with a steaming cup of coffee in his hand and a second cup just beside him. “How long have you been standing there gawking at me?”
“Not that long. Is it gawking if I have permission?”
I dry off as we talk. “When did I give you permission?”
“The moment you agreed to date me exclusively.”
“Still not a fan of ‘girlfriend,’ huh?”
“Not at all. It isn’t enough.”
I’m speechless. What does that mean? We can’t just jump to anything more significant than that, can we? Arguably we have been together for more than two and a half years. It was undefined, but still.
I decide to shift off my title, if you will, for now. Wrapping myself as best I can with his small towels, I step over to the side, allowing him access to the shower. “You should get in. I need my gawking time too.” I smile before kissing him softly.
I enjoy my coffee and the view a bit too long. Plus, getting ready at the same time isn’t conducive to keeping my hands to myself.
I’m still cooking when Maia arrives before nine.
“Morning,” she says, stepping inside and patting Tank on the head.
“Hi, Maia.”
As I plate the food, Jacob comes into the kitchen and refills both our cups. He kisses me tenderly as he sets a fresh cup down for me. When I turn with the plates, I get a look from Maia—the look from a female friend that says, “We need to discuss that in detail.”
No offense to Maia, but I would prefer to talk to Kelsey. Maybe I can call her later.
Soon, the rest of the team ambles through the front door. Everyone except Maia opts for a cup of coffee. Not surprisingly, Jacob finishes eating, washes his dish, and is ready to begin the meeting precisely at nine.
Chapter 42
Jacob
During the meeting, I update everyone and give Nolan a single event assignment for Mrs. Lynn Smith. She worked with Nicholas on his last movie and needs security for an event in New York tomorrow night. Her previous security company folded, and she recalled Blackthorne’s presence for Kelly Barnett. Fortunately, I’m able to accommodate her last-minute request.
After holding the morning meeting, I briefly chat with Connor before he leaves.
“Are you aware of Nolan’s feelings for Maia?” I ask.
“I noticed them acting more friendly than colleagues but nothing overly concerning. Why?”
“Norah mentioned something after they stayed with her last night.”
“About that, thanks for coming to visit. You didn’t need to leave her with the team. Mom will be all right.”
“You’re welcome. Norah insisted.”
“I assume you finished talking with her.”
“Yes.”
“I’m happy for you, man. We need to get the bounty off her head.”
“Thanks. We do. She needs to be able to make decisions for her life.” Ideally, those decisions including her work will be here, not in Maine.
“Let me know if you find anything in her calendar. As far as the deadline tomorrow, what’s your plan?”
“I won’t put Norah in harm’s way again. I won’t bluff that we have it to save Delores. Besides, I fully believe that Stan knows where the ledger is or at a minimum knows that Sergio Moretti hid it somewhere.”
“Agreed. Let me know if you need anything.”
“Such as?”
“A bodyguard so you can take her on a proper date.”
“Thanks. I’ll consider it. I could also plan one here.” That’s on my agenda for later today—plan a date for Norah here at home.
After everyone leaves, Norah and I move into my office to review her calendar. She starts at the earliest entry, which is about three years ago. Scanning each day, she moves through at a decent pace. I know it shouldn’t bother me, but I notice the dates she’s gone out with other men listed in her calendar. Admittedly, there aren’t many, perhaps one a month, but for some reason, it ticks me off a bit. I reel in that train of thought rapidly. I didn’t even know her then. I have no right to be judgmental.
Mara does not threaten her, yet you’re upset about some random dates? There are a few GNO listed on Fridays each month. I push my thoughts away as she gets close to the Ramirez wedding. That is about the time that Blaine indicated a prize of some sort in connection with the ledger. I note on her calendar that her weekends are devoid of dates except for a J listed sporadically throughout the months. She hasn’t dated anyone since the wedding either.
“You haven’t been on an actual date since before Kelsey and William’s wedding?”
“No.” She doesn’t even look up.
I set my hand on her finger hovering over the arrow keys. “Why?”
“I wanted the partnership. Plus I’m not a one-night stand kind of woman. Never have been.”
I’m not sure how to respond, so I lift my hand, and she continues scrolling. Weeks pass as she scrolls.
“Wait, what’s that?” I ask, pointing to a four-hour block of time on a Friday evening.
“That’s the yearly awards ceremony for Quinn Sterling. I got an award for the highest billings and revenue.”
“What came with it?”
“A plaque and a sizable bonus. Why?”
“I wonder if the prize was the bonus. But that doesn’t make sense. Presumably you deposited the money, where is the plaque?”
“All of the awards I have ever received from Quinn Sterling are in the bottom two drawers of the left filing cabinet in my office. The bonus money helped fund a scholarship I created for girls in my hometown.”
“That’s amazing, Norah. What is the purpose of the scholarship?” Another reason she’s incredible.
“It’s for girls who choose predominantly male fields of study like engineering or science-based professions.”
“You never brought the awards home?”
“No. Awards are meant for a hero like you, not an accountant who billed the most hours.”
“I’m not a hero, Norah.”
/> “Yes, you are. You saved Connor in Afghanistan. You tried to save Adams, Carter, and Jones. You brought all those men home to their families. I’m willing to bet you earned military honors for your actions during your third tour.”
Like her, I put my Purple Heart and Silver Star in a drawer. I never looked at them again.
“You and I are similar there. You’re correct. I did receive medals for my service, but….” My eyes drift off to the right of the screen toward where the medals are stored.
She reaches out and turns my gaze to hers. “I get it. Not everyone made it back, but you did. You deserve to be recognized for your service, even if you think you failed them.”
“How?” No one other than Connor understands how I feel about that day. We did what we expected others to do in the same situation. An award doesn’t change the outcome.
“What?” she asks, drawing her thumb across my lips.
“How is it you can put my feelings into words so much better than I can?” I lean forward, kissing her softly. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
We finish scrolling through her calendar until the beginning of this year before taking a break. Norah makes lunch while I make plans for our date on Saturday night. My only concern is, after the outcome of tomorrow, whether she will be willing to go on a date.
Chapter 43
Norah
Clearing the rest of my calendar is easy. The only event of note is the awards dinner. To me, nothing seemed out of the ordinary with the plaque. It was the same as the others I’ve received in the past.
“Are you going to join me to watch the game?” Jacob asks.
“Absolutely! I need to see who is making dinner on Sunday. Plus, I get to watch with you.”
After preparing a feast fit for football, I turn on the game and take a seat. I hear Jacob’s phone vibrate. After pulling it out of his pocket and glancing at the message, he hands it to me.
Nolan: I hope your cooking skills are on point, Norah.
